BSA No4 Mk1 Serial # A0010.

[Tswancoat]

Just acquired this 1941 dated No4 Mk1. Sadly its been sporterized which I intend on reversing to the best of my ability. With my beginner's knowledge of LE's it appears to me to be a very early BSA Shirley produced rifle serial #'d A0010. Bolt and receiver #'s match. There are a couple of things I have questions about though and I'm hoping the experts here can help me out.

It is marked on the right side of the butt socket with 2R over 383. Is this some sort of regimental marking?

The trigger guard isn't one piece like the other Mk1 I have although the one I have is a Savage. Also the magazine is a bit different than the others I have. Is this correct for the rifle?

Is this truly the 10th No4 Mk1 off the line at BSA Shirley or am I way out to lunch here?

Any other insights would be appreciated, thank you in advance. Here are the pictures:















Thanks for looking,

Tyson

Information

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[Kiwi]

Can't help with your other questions except for the mag query. The mag you have is for a No.1 MkIII (SMLE) and not the No.4 MkI.

[SpikeDD]

It's actually the 10,010 rifle produced, which is still very early. BSA serial numbers started with 0001 and ran to 9999 then started over again with A0001 to A9999 and so on through Z. You do not often see 1941 dated BSA rifles. Excellent find in my opinion and well worth a restore!

[limpetmine]

Great find. Good luck on your resto.

[Tswancoat]

Any idea what BSA's total production was for 1941? I think they only started up mid-year or no?

Tyson