Enfield No.4 MK1, Need Help/Info.
Hello everyone and thanks for taking time to look at my post, it is greatly appreciated. I have a friend that somehow managed to get a bullet stuck in his Enfield No.4 MK1 .303 rifle... He was going to sell it but ended up giving it to me. While I have a good idea of how I'm going to get the bullet out (advice will be considered) I still want to know a little more about the gun itself. I get great enjoyment knowing the history of my guns as well as shooting them at the range.
If anyone can help me to learn any of the below information that would be wonderful...
1.) Where was it manufactured?
2.) When was it manufactured?
3.) Was it used in any wars or battles of significance?
4.) What story do the stamps / markings tell?
If anyone can help me to learn any of the below information that would be wonderful...
1.) Where was it manufactured?
2.) When was it manufactured?
3.) Was it used in any wars or battles of significance?
4.) What story do the stamps / markings tell?
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I would say your's is actually a No. 4 Mk1* It has the flip peep sights vs. the No.4 Mk1 original that had the volley sights. There is also a difference in how the bolt is removed to determine whether or not it's a Mk1/Mk1* or MkII. I'm not sure on how those are different without reading back up on it. Other than that, it was the standard WWII version of the true Enfield rifles. It's made in England. I say that because mine was made in the U.S. by Savage. A "S" in a circle is stamped on the side and there is a "C" in the serial number denoting it was made by Savage.
The rifle itself is not super strong and won't take extreme high pressure rounds. But with the position of the bolt handle and the fact it's a cock-on-close action they were extremely fast. They also did not kick near as bad as the Springfield M1903 .30 cal and were therefore easier to shoot.
Edit:
To clarify for Rufe and Garth:
Savage Arms Corporation in Massachusetts got a contract to produce Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I* rifles. Savage produced over 1 million No 4 Mk I* rifles between 07/22/41 and 06/22/44. The exact number is in dispute, however, all sources do agree the total was far in excess of 1 million.
So, yes it is true No. 4 Mk I's were all made in England. However, during those dates Savage did produce the No. 4 Mk I*'s. I also noted mine has 'US Property' marked on it as well. So, just to clarify there is a difference, but the latter type was produced in the U.S. (edit II:) My no. 4 Mk1* also has the slot cut in the rail guide and not the bolt release button.
Also, While the Lee Enfield is strong enough to handle the .303 and other rounds that are larger you will find it has as stated a 50,000 cup pressure limitation. It also only has one lug. Extreme high pressures Such as with only one lug will cause accuracy to be compromised, if not safety. The single lug system is definitely less strong than the two lug system of the Mauser type rifles. If I were to build a custom on it it would be in a lower pressure classic cartridge such as the .45-70/90. I certainly wouldn't be putting a 7mm Rem Mag. or .300 Win Mag in it like I would a Mauser.0 -
There are those who are misinformed that believe the enfield is a "weak" firearm. It is a by ALL intents and purposes a strong rifle. Google your enfield. It has an approximate 50.000 CPU rate. In other words, the rifle receiver was made from good steel stock. I have five years machine experience and understand steel strenghth. I once rebarreled a British Enfield to 45-70(35.000-40.000 chamber pressure units/CPU). It shot great with no problems. Best 0 -
Are there any inspector markings or anything like that which would tell me for sure it was issued / used in WWII? Also can anyone tell me the date of manufacturer from the SN? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Chaotech
Are there any inspector markings or anything like that which would tell me for sure it was issued / used in WWII? Also can anyone tell me the date of manufacturer from the SN?
Number 4 Mark 1 rifles were only made in England during W W II. Yours also shows a "FTR", Factory Through Repair marking from Fazakerley arsenal, dated 1948.
During the Second World War the Brits usually used coded markings for their arsenals. It might have been marked on the metal socket that connects the butt portion of the stock to the receiver. It might have been removed when it was rebuilt at Fazakerley in 48.0 -
to differentiate the mk1 from the mk1*:
the mk1 has a bolt release button on the rt side of the receiver, the mk1* does not. the mk1* has a space machined into the rt side fwd end of the receiver that allows for removal.
the mk1 trigger is part of the trigger buard housing.
the mk2 trigger is mounted on the receiver, separate from the guard.
some later mk1* got the mk2 trigger when rebuilt.
tom0 -
I am about 90% sure that mine has the bolt release button making this an MK1... With that said, is there any significant variance in rarity or value of the rifle? 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Chaotech
I am about 90% sure that mine has the bolt release button making this an MK1... With that said, is there any significant variance in rarity or value of the rifle?
Millions were made during W W II. Many were imported and sold surplus in the U.S. in the years since, some in virtually NIB condition.0 -
http://www.enfield-rifles.com/default.asp
all you need by experts .[;)]0
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