Savage No 4 MkI* Rifle with AJP Model T.2. 4/47 Sight…..(F 1217)
Created on February 17th 2025
Extremely Fine Savage No 4 with 5-groove Barrel
Produced under the Lend Lease War Aid scheme by the US during World War Two by Savage. This rifle made in 1943 and was a later refinement, in that it has the alterations of the Mk I* version. These were measures taken to reduce both time and cost of production. They are mainly small alterations the most notable being the bolt removal system and some pressed steel parts. The multi-part Mark I system for bolt removal was replaced by the addition of a simple cut-out in the bolt head guide rail on the LHS of the action. It is placed at a point 1/8″ off of spring compression for the firining pin spring. The bolt is put under pressure from behind to push it into alignment with the cut-out, enabling the head to be turned upward and effect removal. The earlier version required several other parts including a seperate spring to allow its removal set behind the action bridge.
The rifle is built to the British specifications and chambered in .303 with a ten-shot detachable box magazine under the action. Overall, the rifle is 45″ long including an additional aftermarket rubber recoil pad of some 1.3/8″ extra thickness. The rear of the butt actually has a 3/8″ tall “S” for short butt stamped into the top. The stock shows a clear letter “K” on the upper of the action cut-out. The wrist has taken a heavy knock on the LHS just above the semi-pistol grip and some round indentations on the flat of the butt same side. Neither compromise the effectivenes of the woodwork and may well steam out. The round blacked barrel is a nominal 25″ long and the trigger Pull is now 14″ to centre. Remarkably this rifle is fitted with one of the very rare 5-groove bores, these are usually found on the earlier MkI rifles. The knox form bears the date ” ’43”.
Externally, the LHS action wall is marked “US PROPERTY” on the angled upper and “S No 4 MK I*” on the vertical wall. Ajacent to that is a small American flaming bomb proof mark. The serial number “98C2521” is marked on the LH of the steel wrist socket. The “C” in the serial number is for the Factory at Chicopee Falls, where the rifles were made. This is similar to the “L” incorporated into the serial numbers of the Long Branch rifles of Canada. The Walnut stock is made up of four components and all match perfectly in colour and finsh. Matching serial number stamped into the underside of the fore-end. The recognised symbol for Savage production is a circled “S” for woodowrk and a boxed “S” for metal components. The wrist has a circled “S” on the underside and a clear flaming bomb both just behind the trigger guard.
Rectangular cocking piece at rear of bolt. Solid head bolt arm. Matching serial number on rear of bolt arm. Conventional Enfield safety to rear LHS of action under aperture sight bracket. Magazine follower marked for Savage. The apperture sight developed by AJ Parker is fitted on the LHS of the action at the rear. The bright outer plate is graduated and marked “ALF. J. PARKER / BIRMINGHAM” and “MODEL T.2. 4/47” and is concerned with adjustment of elevation. The sight components carry the number “151” on each of them. The top plates carry the “AJP” Logo. and are concerned with windage adjustment. Adjustable eyepiece aperture. Gas escape hole to LHS of receiver. Bolt head is a No 1 fitment. Extra sling swivel of the Parker-Hale target type fitted at front of magazine. Includes green canvass sling.
Front sight guarded by protective ears. Rifle muzzle has bayonet lugs to accept spike bayonet. Also included in the sale, the correct front end tunnel sight by Parkers which fits over the unuique No’ 4 muzzle bayonet lugs, marked; “MATCHMAKER /ALFRED PARKER/ BIRMINGHAM.” This will take interchangeable sight inserts. All metal components are finished in the classic thick black cerakote paint and is in various states of wear. The receiver is in the best condition. As mentioned above the bore is in very good condition – well above avaerage – excellent. Overall this rifle is in very good condition and will earn its new keeper a Trophy or two in competitions to come. Without a doubt, one of the best Savage built No 4’s I have had the pleasure in handling and a serious consideration for any Military Rifle Collector.
Stock No F 1217 – FAC required
£ 950.
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