RHKDF Enfield

[Riflechair]

Found this on Gunboards and just had to share it
Riflechair
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"In 1949, The Hong Kong Regiment were reorganized and became part of the Hong Kong Defence Force, which also included separate air and naval units. In 1951 the new combined defence force was granted the title 'Royal', and replacement colours were entrusted to the care of the regiment as successor to the defunct Defence Corps..."
----Wikipedia

This rifle has no import marks and shows only the crowned "BM" proof on the receiver ring. "RHKDF 54" is stamped on the buttsocket, magazine and bolt handle. It would seem that "54" is the serial number and not a date, as the bolt is a Fazakerley bolt dated 1954 and I don't believe this rifle was put together in the UK.
Bolt handle...
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL165/1109208/13726244/209352967.jpg

Magazine...
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL165/1109208/13726244/209352979.jpg

Buttsocket...
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL165/1109208/13726244/209352969.jpg

And now the real mystery. This is set up as a No4 rifle, with a full length 1953 dated "M47 C" barrel and yet this is what the receiver looks like.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL165/1109208/13726244/209352975.jpg

Now look at this CNo4Mk1*
http://canadianranger.sslpowered.com/milsurp/43a.jpg

Cool Eh!
They used a No5 action and re-issued her as a No4Mk1
Is it possible the original marks were retained (Made by BSA at Shirley Factory)?
Someone re-numbered this rifle.
Above all else the serial number is 54
Lucky Bastard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Riflechair]

I'm shocked you guys don't find this find interesting enough to comment on.

Same with CGN
No comments what so ever.

Must be milsurp fatigue.

[tiriaq]

It IS an interesting rifle, would seem to have been assembled specifically for the RHKDF. Wonder where it was set up. I could see rifles being assembled for a special order from available parts. Have never heard of another one. There was a batch of ex-RHKPF Colt .38 S&W revolvers sold surplus a while back. Wonder if this was released at the same time.

[Claven2]

Looks like a post-war commercial rifle bade from leftover No.4 and No.5 parts. The Foreign Office sometimes contracted, always with BSA as they were a private concern, to supply rifles to the colonials. Hong Kong qualified for such an arrangement ;)

It's an interesting and rare Enfield with limited appeal to all but the most devoted collectors as it's a commercial, post-war variant that probably never saw action and a purist would say the post-war commercial put-togethers are less desireable, much like commercial Long Lees are often collected less than the military issue versions.

I find it interesting, but alot of milsurp guys wouldn't.

[Riflechair]

I dissagree
I think a find like this is:
HIGHLY Desireable
HIGHLY Collectible

Especially if you're Chinese

It represents a period of Chinese / British History that is rarely available to anyone let alone avid collectors.

[tiriaq]

Are there any reports of rifles such as these being ordered? For example, there were a variety of contracts for No. 4 Mk.2 rifles in the post war period. In a way its odd that a rifle such as this was set up, because there was a vast supply of standard rifles available in the period. Perhaps it was assembled in HK from available parts.

[Dimitri]

Its a Military Surplus rifle not a commerical rifle in my opinion. :) The Hong Kong Military did use it ;)

One thing about this rifle is that because it seems to have been made with off the shelves parts it doesnt have a home in most collectors hearts. Its not a No.4 or a No.5 so what do you define it as to put it in a collection ?? :confused:

I wouldn't mind owning one of these sometime in the future. And because its not as much of a Enfield collector rifle apparently maybe I can get one cheap! :D

Dimitri