Customer Reviews

British Enfield Rifles, Vol. 1, SMLE (No.1) Mk I and Mk III (Internet Workshop Series) (For collectors only)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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Charles (Skip) Stratton is well known amongst gun collectors for his articles on collecting Lee Enfields. I was interested to discover that he had published books on collecting Lee Enfields. His books is aimed (no pun) specifically at the collector whom needs to know how to pull the bolt apart and to put it back together again, without wandering into the sphere and expertice of an armourer. Stratton makes no attempt to explain how to undertake tasks best left to a gunsmith or amourer. By reading this book a collector will be able to say recognise the difference between an early and late production nose cap.

A positive feature of his works is that the text is supported by very clear uncluttered line drawings that reveal more detail than what a photograph would do. Even swivel screws have their own illustrations showing the difference between the first and second variations.

The book is written in a logical direct manner, and initially starts with how to identify the place of production, the range of serial numbers for each year and what various stampings on wood and metal indicate. Australian and other Commonwealth collectors must be mindful that collectors in the United States may not instantly appreciate that VR means Victoria Regina and not Vancouver Rifles.

The authors success is in my opinion is due to his setting out to do one thing, make a great hand book for collectors that anticipates the questions a collector will ask.

This is the the book to get if you want to know what the Lee Enfield Number One is all about. Read this book before and after you buy your Lee Enfield Number One(MkI or Mk III). Charles Stratton details much needed information for you to get a detailed understanding of your Lee Enfield. Stratton also gives expert advice on details for collectors. This advice centers around tips that describe rare and collectable models of the Lee Enfield. He simply tells you what to look for in detail. This book will also simply give reading enjoyment to any WWI and II history buff.

This book was great in helping me identify the details of my SMLE III, including decypering all the symbols. It also provided a nice history lesson on the rifle. I would recommend for collectors, those who own one, or those that just have an interest in them.

The text is beautifully written and there is a wealth of technical detail about the changes and their date of introduction. Despite my possession of at least three of the primary references, this text is well worth having because it provides in readily available form, the absolute detail of what variation took place, and when.

Chaz Forsyth

Needed as a refernce in restoring sporterized rifles. I have several books from this series, and always a wealth of information.

Got vol. 1 and 2 and both books were fabulous ! Get this book to identify your new Enfield, no other book can identify your enfield as well as this book. I have 9 Enfields from WW1 and WW2 and a Civil war Enfield and when I need info I read Strattons books.

Buy this book and the other one if you have a No.4 and if you really like Enfields buy Ian Skennertons book The Lee Enfield. Skennertons book gives you Enfield History while Strattons books identify your gun.

Very pleasantly surprised by content of book. Was at first disappointed--expected a larger and thicker edition. However, found it to be very well-written and easily absorbed; totally useful as a reference in my backpack at gun shows, etc. Although compact, the book is very concisely laid out, logically sectioned out, and easy to read. Sufficient photos and line drawings provide enough clarification for a strong basic knowledge base on the subject of Mark I's and III's. The other variations are also discussed and described in a cursory manner. Other books in this series exist for them by the author.

Overall quite happy with the book--hits the mark as a basic primer; and shows an astounding variety of markings and other variations throughout the parts list for these neat weapons of history. Good value for the buck--buy it.

This book provides good useful detailed information laid out in a useful and structured way. Recommended for anyone wanting to know more about their SMLE/Enfield No 1 rifle

I was given Vol. 1 and 2 as a gift and they have both been more then helpful in identifying the different marks, variations, etc. on the several enfields in my collection. The books are well written, easy to read and easy to understand. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who is a collector or just interested in the S.M.L.E. rifle family.

Very informative book. Much more so than I expected. They analyze every nut and bolt, etc.