I had no idea idea the #4 Enfield was still in use by a military force.
The Canadian Rangers are just now (2015-2016) beginning to replace it. Until now, the .303 #4 has been their primary rifle.
Granted, it's more for predators than combat, but even so...a WWII legend still being in service by a military force until this year. Amazing.
Canadian Rangers - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Still hasn't been replaced yet and I suspect they won't for a while yet. Biggest issue they have is who ever competes for the design has to offer it under licence for Colt Canada to produce it, and considering the small numbers involved it likely won't be happening for a while (simply because companies don't want to give out there design secrets for nothing).
Fun fact, the Sirius Patrol in Greenland, currently uses the M1917 rifle in .30-06 so that is serving even longer than the No. 4 Mk. 1s.
Boy...that's the first time we've heard that here...Quote:
Originally Posted by raindog
It was in the news a while back. There is a shortage of spare parts in stores apparently.........It's going to be awfully hard to find something newly manufactured that will match the #4 for simplicity, ruggedness and longevity, to say nothing of bear-stopping power!
Ed
Hard to find a semi automatic service rifle that will withstand the climate extremes in the far north and still function. The Inuit favour the old Lee Enfield with good reason. It always goes bang when you need it.