Has anyone ever seen Vietnam period pics of these rifles being used in Vietnam??http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=444863832

Looks more WWII to me. It says that one was made in 45 but I don't know if that model was made even earlier or not. I don't recall ever seeing any pics of these in the nam tho

I know the Brits used them as sniper rifles, in the L42A1 model, up until just after the Falklands war (well 1990) so the Aussies using them in Nam is possible although i've never seen anything on this. The only Aussie variant sniper of an enfield i've seem was based on an SMLE.

I'm something on an Enfield nut (well british army rifles in general) so i'd be interested in knowing if they were used in nam. It looks to be in great condition but the price seems high to me, although I must admit to not keeping up with longbranch sniper variant prices.

I know there were some faked british snipers going around a while back. Not saying this is one. All looks to be correct to me.

Just FYI the No.4 was first issued in 1939 and formerly adopted in 41. The brits started issuing Sniper variants in 42.

For what it's worth just doing some basic googling Wikipedia states:

"There is evidence that some SMLE No. 1 Mk. III* (HT) sniper rifles were used by Australian forces during the later stages of the Vietnam War.[citation needed]"

But as you see it says citation needed.

Hopefully a nam expert can jump in and answer.

I belong to an Aussie Vietnam era militaria forum, http://firebasenam.myfastforum.org/

Two pics over there of the SMLE in Vietnam, one a sailor off shore guarding against mines and one with a RF/PF advisor. Wait one while I steal the pics....




"Major David E Shepherd Jr whilst serving as an US Operational Missions Provincial Representative, with the "Ruff Puffs" near Ben Luc, 1964.
Major Shepherd was also Deputy Commander of the Special Forces Training Group at Fort Bragg."

^^Rob, seams to be a sniper variant...used by a U.S. adviser , actually I'm surprised no pics have surfaced of one in Aussie service.




http://www.5rar.asn.au/narrative/memiors.htm
"The move into Nui Dat, part of Operation Hardihood, saw us picking up all of our faithful weapons and walking into the rubber trees. It was here that I became aware that one of the Company Quarter Master Sergeants (CQMS), Lofty Cunningham from Support Company, had brought along an old friend of his from a previous affair (or marriage, I'm not quite sure.) Yes, Lofty decided that we needed at least one .303 Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) that he had used in Korea. I told him we could look after it provided he had the ammunition. So unknowingly we became the last Infantry Battalion to carry Owen Sub Machine Carbines and .303 SMLE rifles into war."

Well, that is a real Canadian "T". But used in Vietnam? Not a chance in Hell! Rifle is to clean, a pre 1968 import with 1961 British proof (for selling to the public). The REL scope is worth over 3K. It is in much better condition then my Canadian "T".  Now, go look up what Canada did during Vietnam. Cause the Brits didn't play there an the rifle was with them till sold out of service.

Buy "The Book" before you buy the rifle!

I was really unsure if I wanted to click on this thread. The title could use amending

This thread is not what I was thinking it was.

I have no problem with the title of the thread at all. If the two posters before me want general VN period pics, may I suggest our excellent 'Read Deal' pic thread at the top of the page?

Smelley's  in SEA... That's tough.  I'll look, but I doubt I have anything.

Crikey...I coulda found a  M51 or  M12 easier than  that.

Thanks guys,,and a special thanks added to :
Aeneas
Echo --- awesome pics,just what the doctor ordered..Very cool to see one in the hands of the US advisor..
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