Lithgow .22 training rifle
1950Lithgow-manufactured .22 training rifle (No.2 Mk IV) built on a 1941 .303 SMLE action and later fitted into a purpose-marked .22 stock dating from June 1950, with additional proof or inspection marks from 1953
Lithgow-manufactured .22 training rifle (No.2 Mk IV) built on a 1941 .303 SMLE action and later fitted into a purpose-marked .22 stock dating from June 1950, with additional proof or inspection marks from 1953
Details
Details
Rifle Serial “B69651”
Bolt “C4060” “69651”
Stock: “MA No.2 Mk IV 6/50 R”
“MA Lithgow [indeciphable] III 1941”
Arrow “53”
Manufactured in Lithgow
This is a Lithgow-manufactured .22 training rifle (No.2 Mk IV) built on a 1941 .303 SMLE action and later fitted into a purpose-marked .22 stock dating from June 1950, with additional proof or inspection marks from 1953
“MA Lithgow … III 1941” and the serial “B69651” indicate the original receiver began life as a 1941 Lithgow SMLE No.1 Mk III‑series rifle in .303 British, later converted to .22 calibre for training.
• The stock marking “MA No.2 Mk IV 6/50 R” is the standard designation for an Australian .22 training rifle (Rifle, No.2 Mk IV), made or stocked at Lithgow (“MA”) with a butt dated June 1950, reflecting its post‑war .22 training role.
Configuration and later service
• The bolt markings “C4060” and “69651” suggest a replacement or renumbered bolt, common on conversions and arsenal rebuilds where parts were mixed but later matched to the receiver.
• The “Arrow 53” is consistent with a government ownership or acceptance mark dated 1953, indicating the rifle remained in Australian service (likely as a cadet or military training rifle) into the early 1950s.
West Australian Rifle Association
West Australian Rifle Association
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