#1 mk3* magazine

[Steven Martin]

Hey guys, what is this thingy on my Lithgow #1 mk3 (1918 w/cutoff) magazine? I've never noticed it before.

[RCS]

You have an early magazine that was used in the Mark 1* and early Mark 3 rifles (should be stamped 2) and has the riveted stop clip which is shown in your photo. The stop clip was used to retain the cartridges and keep them properly aligned. The trigger guard was also notched at the magazine well on the right side on the early rifles. The correct magazine should be with the stop clip - but your mag should work

[Steven Martin]

RCS, thank you! Here are a couple more pics. There is a #3 at the bottom of the back of the mag and what I believe is the notch you mentioned.

[RCS]

I should have said the correct magazine for your rifle should be without the stop clip. The stop clip magazines sell for around $30 to $35 now

[RCS]

Steven, Look around for some early chargers for your WW1 Lee Enfield, I found these and used Mark 6 (round nose bullets) cartridges for my Lee Enfield 1907 ConD 11*

[John Sukey]

I have to disagree about the purpose of the "stop clip" The later stamped lip serves the same purpose, BUT the pivoted lip does make it easy to remove the follower to clean the magazine

[Steven Martin]

Thanks guys! Are the early chargers different by having long slots? Mine have round holes.