S&W Model 1940 Mk I Light Rifle (R30700)

The Smith & Wesson Light Rifle was developed in 1939 for police and security use. It was placed in production in 1940 and designated the S&W Light Rifle Model 1940. Most went to England and Canada where they were universally disliked as they lacked durability for military use, were heavy, and did not operate reliably with British 9mm ammunition (9mm Luger). They were also expensive to manufacture. Virtually all were scrapped or dumped into the Thames river. The very few seen today were found in storage and sold by S&W in 1974. Thie 9.75" barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling (Note: these rifles have been exempted by the BATFE and can be transferred as a standard rifle using a Form 4473). The rear sight is range adjustable from 50 to a very optimistic 400 yards. The gun retains approx. 98% of its blue finish. The left side of the receiver is marked SMITH & WESSON over SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A. with the left rear having the S&W logo. The right side of the receiver is stamped PATENT 2213348 AND 2216022. The bottom behind the trigger guard is stamped 967 Mk1 (967 is the serial number). This gun can be identified as a Mk1 by the receiver marking, the safety lever behind the trigger guard and the floating firing pin in the bolt. The black plastic butt stock is excellent. The serrated steel buttplate is excellent and is numbered to the gun. The gun is equipped with an original 20-round magazine and an original light rifle sling. The magazine housing is interesting in that it not only houses the magazine but also contains the ejection port. The action functions correctly. Only about 1000 Mk1 light rifles were manufactured with the great majority being destroyed by the British and Canadians. Here's your chance to own one with its original magazine and sling.