Just bought at auction, searching for history info...........

Hello.........
Just purchased an Enfield 303 at auction to night. Plan on it being a gift for my son who's returning from overseas duty. Sure would appreciate having on hand some of the history for this rifle? Admittedly, I'm a newby, but the friend, (experienced) with me at the auction said this was a nice unit and well worth the price I paid. It appears to be in nice condition, but plan on dropping it off at the local gun shop for cleaning and servicing, because yes, I'm that much of a newby! My son, on the other hand, is a pilot in the army, and I know will appreciate, not only it's quality, but it's history. He's coming home from being deployed for seven, yes 7 years!!! We will be celebrating his 24 years of service to our country too! I can't wait.......

This rifle has numerous marks on it and I'd like to share some of them, and hoping someone can tell me or direct me to obtain information as to where it was made, when it was made, etc. This rifle looks a little different than most pictured that I have found, being the wood stock is short, exposing approximately 14" plus of the barrel. It appears to have the original volley sites. I thnk it did have a sling, because it appears to have mounts?

It's serial number is PA29951, and is found three (3) times on the unit. On the right side of the chamber it is stamped England, with a crown and a D beneath it. On top of the chamber there is stamped, L4, Crown NC 4F, A big C, and a big D inside of a circle. On the end of the muzzle, right side, it appears to be stamped, NP.3C, 3" 2.22", and under this, TC NS.

On the left side of chamber, under the serial number is No 4MK1, F (FTR) 4. The serial number is also there twice. It is lso located on the back side of the bolt. On the left side there are three drilled, threaded holes, which appear to have been mounting points for a scope?

Hope this is enough info to get me started, and if need be, I'm good with a camera and do macro work, and can supply pictures if need be. I'm overwhelmed with the information available on the net for this weapon! A history in deed!!! Looking forward as to what part this rifle was part of?

Greatfully awaiting response..............
trippsydaze

Sounds like a garden-variety No4Mk1 Enfield. They didn't have "volley sights" on those so whatever is on there has to be something else. FTR means it was refurbished while in military service at some point. The markings you describe at being at the end of the muzzle are consistent with civilian proof markings which are common on surplus Enfields, although they are usually over the chamber.

Confusion is setting in. You'd better post pictures.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trippsydaze

On the end of the muzzle, right side, it appears to be stamped, NP.3C, 3" 2.22", and under this, TC NS.

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Sound like Gunmakers Company (London) Proof. It means that it has been through the British Gun Trade at some point.

BTW if you look carefully you will see that it it reads "NP .303" and thee last bit is "TONS [] inch" (square inch)

As to what it is: you have a No.4 Mk.1 that has been FTR (Factory Thorough Repair) at Fazackerly, Liverpool, England; which was later (from your description) Bubba'd.

Thanks for the response! I'm Ok with this item being a "garden variety" Enfield .303
Any clue as to how old, and where manufactured, with the serial number, PA 29951?
Know that my "Lifer" son, upon returning from overseas wil appreciate this information, not to mention this vintage rifle.
You see, while in the midst of his last tour of duty, his storage area was broken into and his collection of weapons were stolen.
The creep thief was caught, but the weapons were never recovered. Insurance is nice, but it never compensates for the loss of a life time collection.

Went to the gun shop early this morning, had coffee with my fishing buddy (he owns the shop) while cleaning the rifle and checking it out.
Just got back from the shooting range and this ole unit is on the mark! If my son never does anything else but hang it on the wall, it was a sound investment!
At this point I'm assuming this rifle is from WWll? Again, any further info will be appreciated................
Trip

As Beerhunter noted, it sounds like the rifle has been modified for sporting use. With correct woodwork installed only about 2" of the barrel is exposed. The three threaded holes will be for a Weaver or Parker Hale commercial scope mount base.

As Beerhunter and Steve already wrote, a sporterized Enfield No. 4 Mk1.

Made by the Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley (that's the "F") and "FTR"-ed by the same factory.

Fazakerley was assigned number 20000-29999 with single letters and double letters from HA up to PF (these were Mk2s).
The very last No.4 series (Mk2) was the UF55A series.

So PA 299951 is one of the very last of the PA series, and a fairly late Mk1.

Patrick
:wave:

Thanks ever so much for the info! I'm sure my son will enjoy this rifle as a new start to his collection. I won't be changing anything; (my thought) it is the histiry of this rifle an I'll leave those choices up to my son. Thanks again and you all have a great day..............
Trip

Good idea. Maybe I was a bit harsh with the "garden variety" comment, but the way I look at it, that rifle likely went to war, and just like soldiers it was decomissioned one day and began a "civilian" rifle which long ago an individual modified to suit his or her taste and became a critter getter. Quite appropriate when you think about the overall circumstances of the gift.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by trippsydaze

Thanks ever so much for the info! I'm sure my son will enjoy this rifle as a new start to his collection. I won't be changing anything; (my thought) it is the histiry of this rifle an I'll leave those choices up to my son. Thanks again and you all have a great day..............
Trip

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Pic's would be nice ........