Looking for an evalutation checklist

[cwbuff]

I will be looking at a No. 4 Mk I (1945) later in the week. Is there a collector's evaluation checklist for these weapons?

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[Paul S.]

My checklist is probably one of the shortest and probably not the best 'collector' checklist.

It is:
Barrel- bore condition
Receiver- function, completeness, and not mix-master parts thrown together by heaven only knows who
Furniture- complete, good condition, band, swivels, etc present
and finally do I want it, is the price fair and can I sneak it in past the mizz's without having to defend life and limb.

But then, I prefer to spend my time shooting a rifle than looking at it.

[cwbuff]

What parts have SNs to determine if the rifle is "all matching"?

[Ridolpho]

cwbuff: Some real experts will probably chime in here but I believe on No.4's it's the bolt/ receiever numbers that you want to see matching (and this doesn't necessarily mean it's the original bolt that was matched at the factory- could have been one fit properly by an armourer or questionably by "bubba" armed with stamps). Unlike No.1's I have yet to buy a No.4 with a numbered barrel other than one that had been FTR'd and I believe the barrel was a replacement part. Stocks appear to be occasionally numbered to match but I'm hoping an expert might comment on whether this is manufacturer specific.

Ridolpho

[RobD]

By far the best is to take close up pics, post them here, and ask the experts to give an opinion.

[HoosierNative]

I'm no Enfield expert but when going to look at a Garand I always make sure to bring a bore light, headspace, muzzle, throat gauges and a reference book. I always try to find out serial number ahead of time so i can put together a list of parts that "should" be there.

[cwbuff]

I looked at the gun. Turns out is is not what I thought it would be. Now I have to figure out what it is. I'm not an SMLE collector, so bear with me. I'm used to US weapons and K98s. It is a No. 4 MK 2 (F) dated 11/53 with an SN PF3125XX. It appears to have matching SNs on all visible parts (including the magazine and stock). It is in very good condition with a bright shiny bore and decent wood. It has a sling and a cleaning kit in the butt stock. There is a very faint import mark on the barrel near the muzzle. What is it worth?

[Black Jack]

New to this thread, so pardon if I state "re-stated" material or remedial info.
The Mk2 program started in '48 and lasted until 53/54 (??). The No4 MkII's primary change was mainly internal, mounting the trigger to the receiver instead of the triggerguard, creating a more constant pull. There was also the introdcution of stamped rear sights in addition to the micrometer.

Depending on the parts (matching), condition, and local market (could be more or less where you live). In NC I have seem them go between $400 and $600 (one for sale in CLT, NC USA for $1K, better have a damn good story). Check the auction sites, they usually are a good barometer. Good Luck!