Picked up a No. 5 shooter.
I don't be knownin nuthin 'bout operating a SMLE other than they cock on the closing stroke and don't waste a 20 minute rail and Schmidt Bender on a No.5. I've always been a Mauser style guy.

But even though his wasn't a #5, I can get my Crocodile Dundee Walkabout on with it.
He had all of Austrailia and was gone 2 years. I have 160 acres and at my pace, I figure I'll be gone half that.

The No.5 is a short No.4 so all the bits will interchange. There are a couple of parts specific to the No.5 configuration but it looks like they are just lightened versions of the No.4 bits...hollow bolt handles and such. If it were a collector, there's serial number ranges, markings and forgeries aplenty.

I always thought the No.5 was a right handy platform and a near perfect truck gun but somehow have managed to not pick one up.....yet.

Most/some/all(?) of the SMLE's had a 'battle sloppy' chamber and a reputation for being hard on brass. Venturino (SP?) had an article a while back where he investigated and decided that neck sizing only would help brass life. I cannot comment as the first No.4 I bought came with so much ammo that I am still shooting it.

Mr. Meeker once told me that the Brit infantry learned to run the bolt with their index finger and thumb, "slapping" the trigger on the way down with the second finger. The effect convinced the Germans that there were more automatic weapons than they figured and the day was won. I have never managed to replicate that feat.

There is an ATI synthetic stock down in the dungeon that could be had very reasonably if you are interested. It was a take-off from another project.

Currently on the wrong machine for photographic evidence but I can attest, it kills pigs dead.

I hope to get a chance to test it for minute of pig accuracy later this spring. I just ordered 100 round of Remington ammo for it for a CSA and a starting brass pile.

I should bring my #4

Get you a Lee Collet Die. Your 303 brass will be better off.

Bob

Now, to figure out what I did with my pith helmet......

I've just always wanted a REAL No.5 Jungle Carbine, going all the way back to the mid '70's Arlington Arms days. I've just never SMLE'ed before.

Ithere is an engfield .38 revolver in the safe I could add to the pile. Not sure how much loaded ammo I have for either. I know I am bringing my martini cadet.

Yeah a junglle carbine is on my short list of military rifles. I haven't seen one for sale in some time. I kick myself for the ones I let slip through my hands over the years. My dad bought two No4 Mk1s for $20 each back in the day.

Shooter.

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