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Legacy Member
No 4T new to my family
Hi all. Today I got to take apart and do a thorough search of the stamps on this 1944 BSA No 4T that a family member bought. I'm convinced it is legit, or at least it satisfies the checklists posted on this site. It has a scope matched to the rifle and most of the accessories in the travel chest, so is really a sweet rifle.
One thing I was surprised by was the variety of parts from different manufacturers. It had Longbranch, Savage and Maltby parts that I noticed in a quick perusal.
More concerning was that it had a few issues with the bedding:
-The down pressure of the barrel at the nosecap was weak.
-The trigger guard had a small seesaw action.
-I could see light between the forestock and wrist.
Am I right in thinking that these all might indicate that the forestock isn't original?
I don't think it matters one bit to my family member, but I'd appreciate suggestions about how or when this might have occurred.
Cheers,
Burton
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07-04-2023 08:06 PM
# ADS
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Advisory Panel
Hello Burton, I won't comment on your rifle right now.
I will however comment on the 'collectors checklists" you refer to.
Unfortunately, they are garbage for 2 main reasons:
1. They reflect only BSA /H&H rifles from 1944 thru 1946.
2. The fakers, people trying to "correct" their rifles and others have used them to fake markings.
This has resulted in completely correct rifles being marked with totally incorrect markings.
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Legacy Member
Thanks, and yes I was aware of some of this when I was asked to look at it. I will say that for exactly this reason I was relieved that it was a 1944 BSA rifle.
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Thank You to BurtonP For This Useful Post:
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Contributing Member
I can’t speak to the specifics of the question and Lee Enfields comment trumps all on this, but if this rifle truly is a mish mash of parts and it’s collectibility or historical importance is compromised, they may have a unique opportunity to work it into an acceptable target rifle without fear of doing a ‘ bubba”. I sigh when I look at my all matching (T) because it’s not even close to the most accurate No.4 I have. Can’t really touch it though, all matching.?
I have a lot more experience than expertise, still have both eyes and most of my fingers though.
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Legacy Member
The armourers did not match makers when they repaired rifles the next part in the bin was used. Also parts were moved around to keep production going. There was many small outside work shops making parts as well. Making a rifle match may well be a BUBBA job.
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Legacy Member
Has the front trigger guard screw/swivel been replaced by a Parker-Hale item?
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Legacy Member
Originally Posted by
Steve H. in N.Y.
Has the front trigger guard screw/swivel been replaced by a Parker-Hale item?
It has, yes.
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Legacy Member
Other pics of the pads etc.
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Thank You to BurtonP For This Useful Post:
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Have replied to your pm.
The bracket is an old one of mine - from one of the earlier batches of probably 20+ years ago.
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