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Re: Any SMLE experts.
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:11 pm
by Pup
On the extractor you have an uppercase "U"
At some point in its life, or that one piece of it anyway, it's been in the inventory of the Republic of South africa.
Re: Any SMLE experts.
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:18 pm
by dromia
Welcome!
Why not introduce your self on the New Members forum?
Re: Any SMLE experts.
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:35 pm
by Pup
Ah my mistake, been lurking for a long time, slipped my mind.
I'll put the post up this evening.
Re: Any SMLE experts.
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 12:58 am
by Pup
Sorry, got carried away.
On my above post, I would like to change the word Republic for "Union"
Re: Any SMLE experts.
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 4:44 am
by 450 Martini
The U stamp on the bolt does not denote South African service, essentially it means that there is a Difference in specification to the bolt head size.
Re: Any SMLE experts.
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2015 9:03 am
by Rearlugs
A "U" or an "M" on the bolt head just refer to two alternative types of steel that were used for their manufacture. Unmarked boltheads adhere to the original design specification.
Re: Any SMLE experts.
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2015 12:22 am
by Pup
450 martini/Rearlugs, you are correct.
I've tried to attach a Piccie that I've made of the broad arrow book, but for some reason I can't make it small enough to upload.
That defines the U as a metal specification.
I used to have a Smle that was covered in the U's, all of mine refered to South Africa.
I have a BSA .22 Martini mk 13 that has "U"stamped on it and on the internal workings, when I figure out sizing, I'll load some piccies
Below is a quick online Piccie I found that almost captures the correct U I'm trying to reference.
http://www.saaaca.org.za/?page_id=251