Help an Enfield Newbie get started with first rifle?

[Allred]

I just bought this Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk 2 rifle, my first British battle rifle. Markings on the receiver are: 303 British, United Kingdom, IAC ALFX VA (preceding group very difficult to read), then, 12/49 PF 165255 . On the butt stock these numbers are stenciled in white paint: 7.F 5/G7. Stamped on the top left of trigger guard are numerals: 51. On the left side of the wrist/stock band are a small stamped arrow with n/c5 stamped below it, and finally there is a small “s” stamped on the right side bottom of the same band.
On the underside of the forward stock, just a couple of inches from the muzzle, I can barely make out a number (wood may have been sanded & refinished at some time) which seem to be: 53053
So, was my rifle made in Dec. of 1949? What does “PF” indicate? Do I understand correctly that the serial number is 165255 ? Do the other numbers tell of anything significant about this rifle?
I am amazed and somewhat intimidated by the vast amount of information online about Enfield Rifles. Indeed, so much that I have not been able to locate any type of operation, disassembly or re-assembly information yet. I would also be interested in a supplier of parts, if such are available. Could anyone get me started with links for a basic manual and parts?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can get me started in learning about my first Enfield!

Information

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[Son]

Allred, I'm afraid the marking on the butt is the rifle's death sentence. ZF means it has been found to have a problem with the receiver that is not repairable and has been passed up the line, gauged and marked as such by a senior inspector. 5/67 may even be the date of it being sentenced for scrap.

Here's a link to a previous thread on the topic of DP or Drill Purpose rifles. It mentions many rifles were selected for downgrading to DP and not being allowed to fire live ammunition- as I understand, this is what the ZF (scrapped) rifles were kept for.

DP rifles


PS... Like many, you may have posted the same question on other forums- nothing wrong with getting a few opinions, especially when you are new to a topic. But on the topic of a rifle marked ZF, PLEASE check back here to have confirmed anything you might get told elsewhere.... I'm trying to be diplomatic here- it hurts.

[Baal]

And another thread on ZF rifles... marking on Enfields?

I suggest getting your money back on this rifle.

[Son]

Thankyou Baal, I just spent ages looking for that one and couldn't find it..

Allred, check out the link from Baal first, take note of the respondents. I have a ZF No4 too, (as you will see). Mine will never be fired...

[RJW NZ]

You need to get your money back if they sold it to you as a shooter, ZF means condemmed in non gun language. Remind them that if they sold it to you as a shooter, and you shoot it and get hurt, they will go to jail, after you sue them, if you're alive.
Sorry, but the gents are correct and we've recently had a bad story with one of these. Its a wall hanger.

Browse gunbroker.com for comparative info on other enfields, and try enfield resource.com for lists of 150 sites about enfields.

[Peter Laidler]

GOOD advice here allred. I know a bit about this mark from the Army point of view and it's right. It's the death sentence and the 5/67 is the date.

More good advice. 1)DO NOT use it, ever and
2) Don't invade Russia

[spinecracker]

I'm just glad Allred checked here first before putting a round down the chamber.

[Allred]

Oh, unwelcome news to be sure! But news and caution I am grateful to be aware of. I will indeed endeavor to return this rifle to the seller for a full refund.

However , I do wonder, if a an unrepairable problem existed with the receiver, why wouldn't a mark be stamped there in addition to the painted mark on the butt stock?

The butt stock on this rifle is noticably darker in finish compared to the fore-stock and hand guard. Perhaps the butt stock and it's ZF mark came from another rifle? Wishful thinking I suppose. Still it seems a receiver marking would be more definitive. Any further thoughts?

In any case thank you all very much for the feedback and cautions. This rifle will be a non-shooter and or return, unless some other verifiable condition can be reliably determined.

Allred, I'm afraid the marking on the butt is the rifle's death sentence. ZF means it has been found to have a problem with the receiver that is not repairable and has been passed up the line, gauged and marked as such by a senior inspector. 5/67 may even be the date of it being sentenced for scrap.

Here's a link to a previous thread on the topic of DP or Drill Purpose rifles. It mentions many rifles were selected for downgrading to DP and not being allowed to fire live ammunition- as I understand, this is what the ZF (scrapped) rifles were kept for.

DP rifles


PS... Like many, you may have posted the same question on other forums- nothing wrong with getting a few opinions, especially when you are new to a topic. But on the topic of a rifle marked ZF, PLEASE check back here to have confirmed anything you might get told elsewhere.... I'm trying to be diplomatic here- it hurts.

[limpetmine]

Anything is possible as far as swapping butts, but the fact that this rifle has the 300/600 flip sight is a clue to me. Your rifle had the ladder sight, and never were issued (AFAIK) with that flip site. I believe I read somewhere that the usable parts were taken from ZF rifles (Mr. Laidler????) when so condemned.
I need a ZF for my collection....(hint, hint).
If you are really interested in Enfields, I'd recommend you buy a book, The Lee-Enfield Story.

[spinecracker]

In such circumstances, I would not take any chances and would never assume that the buttstock had been changed at some point - I need my eyes and my hands, and I do not need to leave behind a widow and orphans.

By the way, who is IAC (importer)?