Developed in the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Smith & Wesson Light Rifle, aka the Model 1940, was conceived in response to a request by Great Britain for a lightweight semi-automatic rifle. S&W's response was mechanically novel, but in addition to being generally outclassed by other carbines and submachine guns on the market, particularly the U.S. M1 Carbine, it also suffered major ergonomic, mechanical, and structural issues. The Mark II was an attempt to resolve some of those issues, integrating a metal sleeve that pulled double-duty as a safety device and reinforcement of the receiver, but it was too little, too late; the British shelved the Light Rifle, demanded a refund on their advance and, once the pressing matter of World War II was resolved, took their stock of unwanted Light Rifles and threw them in the channel, leaving a limited number of survivors in the States. Blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights, with a fluted barrel, ribbed safety, signature combination magazine well/ejector port, and a smooth stock with a ribbed buttplate. Magazine absent.

Very fine. 80% plus original blue finish remains with numerous small nicks and scratches throughout, and areas of mild edge wear. The stock is also very fine with small dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.