British Enfield No4 MkI (T) Sniper Rifle….(f 1048) SOLD
Created on October 5th 2016
A genuine No 4 MkI (T) Rifle without Scope.
Chambered in .303 with a detachable ten-shot box magazine. Measuring 44.1/4″ in overall length. The round barrel is 25.1/4″ in length. The trigger pull length being 13.1/8″ to center. Stocked as per normal No4 MkI in walnut with the addition of a cheek piece added to the comb of the butt-stock. The butt -late has the correct grey alloy fitment with trap for cleaning equipment, oil bottle enclosed. Also additional to a standard No 4 is a stamping on the underside of the butt of “S 51” – this was applied at Holland and Holland during the transformation process. Also additional to the norm is the application of a serial number placed on the top of the wrist which is the serial number of the scope originally fitted to the rifle. That number is actually “24156.”
During disassembly prior to proof it was noted that the correct serial number for the rifle was observed on the wrist “Step” now covered with butt socket. The serial number is repeated on the underside of the fore-end. Markings on the LHS of the butt-socket are as follows;- ” M 47 C / 1944 / D32551 / TR.” These mean that the rifle was made at BSA Shirley, 1944 year of production, serial number and TR is the designation mark for conversion to sniper rifle. The other side of the wrist is unmarked.
The outside LHS of the action only has one marking upon it a solitary “T.” It does also have the added pads for attachment of the mount. They are fixed by five screws which are all staked into position. They all appear undisturbed. On the opposite side of the action (externally) there is a clear “S” stamped into the body. The matching serial number is applied to the rear face of the bolt arm. The bolt head being a number 1 fitment. The knob on the end of the bolt arm has been drilled out to reduce weight. The special mid-point sling usually attached to the loop in front of the magazine is absent. The rear sight is a “Singer” produced part and has the battle sight correctly removed and blued. There are numerous Enfield inspectors marks on the rifle along with War Department arrows showing acceptance into service. Rifles serial number with numerous other marks stamped into underside of fore-end.
The rifle has undergone proof at the London proof house. One of the most amazing aspects of this rifle is the condition of the bore. It looks to almost be unused. It is very clean, all features of the bore are sharp and deep. In short I wish my own example had a bore this good – it is a rare thing to find them in such good condition. This rifle could make a very good shooter apart from its obviously interesting collectible heritage. Why it lacks its scope is anybody’s guess any number of possibilities come to mind. The fact remains, that if one could find a scope and bracket in good order, it could prove a less expensive way of getting hold of one of the most highly regarded sniper rifles of the second world war.
Ask for Stock No’ f 1048
£ 3300. (SOLD)
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