[Rick Teal]

Can someone ID this .303 ?

The date alone gives a good indication that it's likely a No1 Mk III SMLE.

Some of the guys over at 303british.com or its associated handloading board may be able to help.

 

[Mikey]

303

Huntsman: you mentioned a metal band that encircled the stock at the rear of the action - that IS the rear of the action and should identify the rifle as a No 1 MkIII. The foreign markings could have come from anywhere but if you can identify or translate them it might make for some interesting history. If you confirm that the stock is two pieces, not a one piece stock, you have a British SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield), not a P-14 Enfield, which was also in 303 British caliber.

The description you provide sounds very much like my own No 1 Mk111.

A P-14 action, just the action, can be had from the Shotgun News for about $80. A good P-14 in good working order with all matching serial numbers should go for a couple of hundred dollars.

Hope I'm right and I hope this helps. Mikey.