Enfield No 8 MkI Trainer…………………..(f 681) SOLD

A Rare and original British No 8 Mk I Bolt Action Training Rifle

The first rifle I ever shot under supervised instruction.  As a cadet this superb type of trainer was the most exciting thing in my world and a fantastic way in to the art of shooting a (proper) rifle.  It is just as I remember (though I have to admit my memory ain’t what it used to be!) These super little trainers are sought after items these days, since the authorities point blank refusal to release them from service.  I have been often asked to find these by shooter / collectors  who want to revisit thier Halcion days gone by!  Well, this is the first one in ten years I have managed to secure!

Produced shortly after the end of the Second World War but, only officially accepted into terminology as The No8 Mk I around 1950, these rifles were produced to meet a need; to train keen young cadets but, also to be able to compete in small bore civilian marksmanship competitions.  They were produced from purpose built actions and from modified No 4 and 5 actions. This I believe to be a modified Fazakerley piece as marked on the butt-socket; “F 51” for 1951.  It also carries the correct “CR320” markings for the part number sequence for the No 8.  The BSA code of “M/47C” is visible on the side of the trigger guard, but this may be from its previous life as a No4 or 5.

Chambered in .22LR.  A single shot weapon measuring 41″ in overall length. The heavy barrel is 23.5/16″ long and the trigger pull is 13.1/2″.  Purpose built but very similar to the No4 type bolt with square cocking piece.  The bolt carries the matching serial number of A 7536.  The sidewall of the action is marked on the outside with;  “22No8MKI / A 7536.”  The finish of  “Suncorite” paint is in excellent condition with some wear which would be fully expected with a rifle of this vintage.  Chipping is only visible on high points, but it has kept its semi-gloss sheen.  The barrel however is excellent and shows NO damage at all.

On the LHS of the butt socket are the following markings; “F51  /  CR320″  Conventional safety catch mounted in the normal place as per Enfields.  On the RHS of the butt socket is ” / 51″ over an inverted crows foot or broad arrow.  The action is fitted with conventional adjustable Enfield sights and a protected front sight with a central datum line for zeroing.  Three quarter length beech stock with a wide square contour on the base of the for-end to aid grip.  Fluted top hand-guard.  Pistol grip stock with high comb and serrated but flat contoured rubber butt-pad.  The fore-end is held by one band which is correspondingly marked; “CR 320 F50” and carries the forward sling swivel.  Facility for adjustment of trigger from single to double pull is still in situe.

The trigger guard, as mentioned earlier, has the BSA code upon the side but a single “8” and a broad arrow are stamped into the front part and the correct steel blanking plate installed in the magazine well.  The blanking plate is marked “F49  /  CR320.”  Just behind the trigger guard, if very carefully inspected, markings are impressed into the underside of the wrist which look to be “CR 312 and S51.”   Bore condition is excellent.  The barrel is equipped with six-grove RH twist decreasing rifling which tapers, as it should, almost down to smooth bore.  Altogether this is a very interesting collectible No 8 MkI Enfield which ticks an awful lot of boxes.  At their present rate of climb, who knows what they will be worth in a few years!

Just Ask for Stock No’ F681

SOLD

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