SMLE No.1 Mk III bolt-action rifle replica - Real Wood [S&T]

The S&T SMLE No.1 Mk III bolt-action airsoft rifle is one of the more distinctive replicas you can bring to an airsoft field. In a hobby dominated by modern polymer rifles, a real-wood Lee-Enfield replica immediately stands out. After using this rifle regularly for over a year, both on the range and during skirmishes, I would rate it roughly 4/5, particularly once a few reliability upgrades are completed.

Out of the box the rifle shoots quite well. Accuracy is consistent once the hop-up is tuned, and the platform is capable of respectable range. The factory air seal is not ideal, however, which means some power is lost. Fortunately this is easy to fix with basic sealing methods such as plumber’s tape and proper lubrication. Even simple cleaning and resealing increased my rifle’s output noticeably.

For much of the time I ran the rifle below 1.2 Joules, allowing it to fall within the assault rifle category at my field. This reduces the minimum engagement distance to 5 meters, which makes using a bolt-action rifle in CQB surprisingly fun. Later, after upgrades and improved sealing, the rifle reached around 1.78 Joules, technically placing it just beyond the DMR threshold and into sniper territory. Even so, I would recommend keeping it around or below 1.50 J to reduce unnecessary mechanical stress on the internals.

One weak point is the BB loading fin, which is made from ABS plastic and can fail under pressure. In my case it broke early and I replaced it with a modified aluminium loading fin adapted from a Tokyo Marui L96 part, which permanently solved the issue. I have also heard that some machinists produce aluminium replacements for the original loading fin design, which would make the upgrade even simpler. Additionally, it is recommended to load the magazines with around 30 BBs rather than fully filling it with 35 rounds as mentioned on different places, as excessive pressure contributes to wear on feeding components.

Internally, the rifle has limited aftermarket support, meaning many upgrades require experimentation. Some compatibility exists with VSR-10 barrels and hop-up buckings, although the stock barrel includes an AEG-style lip that must be removed to use them. Alternatively, a custom-length VSR barrel can be ordered. Small creators such as “The Bolt Action Dude” have produced improved trigger components, pistons, and spring guides that help address the weaknesses of some of the stock internals.

Externally the rifle looks excellent. The real wood stock is polished rather than treated, which is historically inaccurate but still attractive. Light refinishing improves authenticity. Metal components are largely pot metal, meaning screws and small hardware can wear over time. Because these parts are not perfectly dimensioned like the real rifle, they cannot always be replaced directly with surplus steel hardware such as the screws which on the replica are rather weak which makes it quite a shame they can’t be swapped for the real parts 1:1.

Interestingly, S&T’s claim of compatibility with real Lee-Enfield parts is partially correct. Many surplus parts fit with minor to no adjustments needed, and replacement wooden furniture is widely available. Some woodworking is usually required due to internal differences between the airsoft mechanism and the original firearm.

There are also some minor realism compromises. The bolt lift is 90 degrees rather than the real rifle’s 60 degrees, and mounting optics is difficult without custom solutions or historically inspired WWI-style scope mounts. Fortunately the iron sights work well, even if mine arrived slightly crooked.

Despite its quirks, the rifle remains a pleasure to use. It performs reliably once upgraded and always attracts attention on the field. Compared to alternatives from Double Bell, Ares, or G&G, the S&T version generally provides better realism and flexibility.

For around €350, the S&T SMLE No.1 Mk III is a very worthwhile purchase especially for players who want a historically inspired rifle that is both functional in game and visually impressive on display.

Looks decent on the outside, but only managed to cycle the bolt once before it became stuck in a half coked position...

Striped it down and discovered the problem after a lot of fiddling with it, turns out the pin on the trigger mechanism gets stuck in a open position locking the bolt in place. The only solution being to fille down the inside of the wooden hand guard where it's catching.

This took a lot Trial and error to figure out and in the process the C clip that holds the feed rail in place sprung off never to be seen again, so that's also going to need to be replaced too.

In all, it's an overly delicate, very expensive paper weight but at least it's a pretty one

To be honest I was surprised how well built it is, and the finish on most of the metal parts is absolutely beautiful too. Although I did a rework on the wood because it's not the best looking aspect of it.

Technically, I've tried it with .30g bbs so far and was pretty fine, I thought it would be worse. Bolt moves easily and fast, a mad minute is easily doable. Cocking has a bad spring noise, but it can be helped, not that big of a deal though. Hopup is fine, the adjustment is too easy from out of box, but it can be tightened so it's ok now. Barrel is vsr compatible so upgrade is not a problem, the spring however is another topic. TM M40 compatible, but that starts from M130 so it falls in sniper category mostly.

A lot of parts are interchangeable with original parts, and that's a great thing beacuse the sling swivels are not steel and the buttplate is pretty ugly compared to the whole rifle.

Overall I'm pretty satisfied with it, built well and performs well.

Received this airsoft replica last week.
Package arrived in good condition, the box is decent and keeps the replica well protected.
The exterior looks decent, the wood looks like it's good quality at first but maybe the colour isn't that realistic.
The external metal parts look like they are good quality.
After reading the manual and unboxing the replica I took it to the chrony and shot 15 0.20 bbs. The results were pretty consistent (around 360fps) but to my dismay at around the 15th shot the replica got stuck half cocked and I had to take it apart.
I found a screw loose and out of its hole during dismantling, not great and I eventually found that the black fin that helps push the bbs from the mag to the hop up was broken.
I also found that the dummy slide (has no function but moves when cocking) is out of tolerance and is too thick. It stops the cylinder being pushed forwards fully after cocking so I've had to remove it.
I've replaced the broken fin by an airsoft pro t96 fin and I've removed the dummy slide and the replica once again works.
Also the cocking handle developed tons of play very rapidly and required me disassembling it and re tightening the bolt.

Sadly I think this replica is not suited for extensive use on the field and i fear it will become one of the those replicas which gets rarely used and will be displayed and hung on the wall...
Do I recommend it for someone who wants to use this as his primary replica against more modern design replicas? No I think it will be too fragile and difficult to up the fps, would I recommend it to a WW2 fan who would use it now again and have it displayed on his wall, yes (providing he's good with his hands and can rebuild her everytime something goes wrong.)

Amazing replica! The wood is beautiful! (Though I removed the coating and put my own coating on it). The bolt pull is smooth and not too heavy. All parts are really solid and the rifle its blueing looks amazing. It's one of the best and affordable airsoft replica's that you'll find! So don't miss out before production stops and pick one up! You won't regret it!

Btw, the magazines have a metal shell which is simply put, amazing!

fabulous replica, full wood and metal, nicely balanced and a joy to handle. The bolt is smooth and easy to manipulate with a short throw.
The wood is reddish, but may improve with age, or a little judicious use of darker stain and boiled linseed oil. The metal work has a beautiful patina and should stand up to regular use.
Surprised with how easy the sights are to use and how accurate it is out of the box.
The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is the butt plate, which looks like something from a 1980's hot wheels toy car. I bought a second one because I want to age and distress one as a display piece.

overall nice replica that shoots well. The wood is excellent, but the reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is basically all the metal bits are pit metal. I can see this become a problem in the near future as doing a mad minute with this gun is sure to break something!

Rifle feels great and is accurate to the real thing! Hop up maxes out on .30s and is shouting at about 1.3 joules. Shoots accurately to about 150ft, Not bad for close to medium engagements. Internals are vsr10 compatible, I'd say at minimal throw in a 145 spring and a good bucking and you are going to be closer to unlocking it's full potential. I really enjoy using this and can't wait to upgrade it and finish my BEF kit.

Great replica. Good quality. A pleasure for reenactment stuff !

The shipping was fast and good.

The aim of the replica is fine and the wood part are very good.

I recommend this replica without hesitation !

I have been waiting for one of these items ever since they where announced, so to have one in my grubby little mitts is a joy beyond measure. but lets try to give this an honest review shall we?

Pros:
-Period accuracte (mostly as another reviewer has alluded to) to a 1908-1918 production SMLE no 3.
-Smooth Action. the bolt moves smoothly and with purpouse.
-good sights. I don't know why S&T gave us a functioning tangent sight, as I doubt any airsoft bb will reach much past the 300 yard notch, but I'm glad its there.

Cons:
-the cocking indicator: the cocking indicator has a tendency to give a false positive, which while in practice its easy to notice, in the heat of action could cause some embarassment.

A legendary replica! The build quality is exelent; no wobble, no bending of parts. The rear sight has some movement. Also, the bolt handle has a 90°bolt throw (it should have a 60°) but you can still do a very fast bolt cycle/recock - just don't lift the bolt handle all the way. My example shot less then 1J (about 0,8) and the bolt is very hard to pull back. That is because the main spring isn't correct for this piston (if you wish to get about 1,5J out of it, you'll need to install about an M120 in it). But when the bolt is cocked, the push forward is buttery smooth; that's do to the 90° trigger. The trigger pull is amazing! Once the gun is cocked, the trigger has no movement; apply a small amount of pressure and... BANG!. For the last point a warning: DO NOT FILL THE MAGAZINE ALL THE WAY! It holds more then 30 bbs, but never fill it with more then 30 (you will brake the fin that pushes the bbs into the gun).
So; replace the spring and the hop-up rubber and you'll have a exelent spring rifle.

A solid No1 finally available for a reasonable price, the metalwork is mostly alloys with a few pieces of steel hardware, the stock plate above the trigger and breech housing are beautifully stamped with period trades and markings, the sights are true to the original and the wood isn't far off true to life for a brand new Enfield circa 1907~1918, the brass button is missing from the stock but this is easily rectified with new or original parts. Shoots well and easy to work on for Up/down grading to local specs or laws. A smoother action when compared with earlier S&t bolt actions and the magazines are easily loaded and feed all 35 rounds without losing any in a feed tube. The hop is easily adjusted and there are other neat features such as the firing pin "cocked" indicator and correct stripper clip mount. Bayonet lug is a tad big to fit a replica of the original but that can be remedied with a NOS nosecap or modification of the factory fitted part. All in all I'm well happy and haven't set it down since it arrived a month ago.