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  1. #1
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    Questions of an Enfield Noobie

    Hi folks, been doing some research of late and happened upon this overwhelming site.
    Lots to see and absorb here. This said, I have a couple questions off the bat, things I haven't been able to nail down just yet.

    I recently purchased a Savage No4 Mk1*, yet to be delivered. Reportedly it has all matching numbers including the magazine, and the squared-font Savage "S" in many places. Does not look to have been painted/tarred, nor has it the ishy screw. The previous owner was told it was a DCM purchase of the person he acquired it from a number of decades ago and it still has the same preservative grease/cosmolineicon.

    Now for the questions:
    - At what SN would Savage have begun using the smooth as opposed to grooved handguard?
    - At what SN did Savage have the year stamped on the ring as opposed to the receiver? (I have seen years stamped in both places on 42 and 43 Savages. Is there a trend for which was stamped where/when?)
    - Was the Walnut Savage used originally stained or simply oiled with Tung/BLOicon?
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    The grooved handguards were not used in any specific seral number blocks or by specific year, these rifles were assembled with whatever furniture happened to be on hand at the time. No rhyme or reason it seems. The original and correct finish on Enfields is raw linseed oilicon. The serial number location question I can't answer.

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    regarding grooved handguards it's my observation (not written anywhere) that grooved handguards appear to have been removed from production in late '42 to early '43 however likely thousands were still in the system and when you consider how many still would have been in the base shops it understandable that they appear throughout the war years, but significantly less after late '43. This seems to be the case with all manufactures.

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    Savage changed serial location and dropped the manufacturing year stamping in late 1942. Also, the idea Savage used walnut in Stratton's book is a misprint. Savage always used birch. It was not stained a particular color. The color we are used to is due to boiled linseed oilicon that has darkened over time.
    Союз нерушимый республик свободных Сплотила навеки Великая Русь. Да здравствует созданный волей народов Единый, могучий Советский Союз!

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    Double post... oops.
    Last edited by Maplebacon; 09-10-2008 at 01:29 PM.

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    Make that a triple post...
    Last edited by Maplebacon; 09-10-2008 at 01:30 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Claven2 View Post
    Savage changed serial location and dropped the manufacturing year stamping in late 1942. Also, the idea Savage used walnut in Stratton's book is a misprint. Savage always used birch. It was not stained a particular color. The color we are used to is due to boiled linseed oilicon that has darkened over time.
    I've seen the year stamp on 1943 Savages in both places: receiver side and the ring.

    Here is one:
    No4 MK1 Scope and mount help "T" stamp ! ! ! !! HELP - The Lee Enfield Forum - General Gun Collecting - ParallaxBill's Curio & Relic and Military Surplus Firearms Forums - Message Board - Yuku

    Here is another (half way down the page):
    Survey of Savage #4 serial number ranges, update 08/01/05 - The Lee Enfield Forum - General Gun Collecting - ParallaxBill's Curio & Relic and Military Surplus Firearms Forums - Message Board - Yuku

    Also, do you have a link/documentation to the fact they only used birch?

    Quote Originally Posted by lucky dog View Post
    The grooved handguards were not used in any specific seral number blocks or by specific year, these rifles were assembled with whatever furniture happened to be on hand at the time. No rhyme or reason it seems. The original and correct finish on Enfields is raw linseed oilicon. The serial number location question I can't answer.
    Were the handguards on the original Savages made by more than a single sub-contractor?
    Last edited by Maplebacon; 09-10-2008 at 10:25 PM.

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    I suppose I will chalk this up to: not enough supporting data.


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