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Came across this today whilst out plundering. All matching #'s except magazine, no import marks that I see. It appears unissued and by comparison the bolt face suggests it has'nt been fired much, if any although the butt has been repaired at some time. Previous owner said he too thought it was unfired so he never shot it. The rifle and 350rds of ammo, mostly HXP, went for $450. Before I shoot it I'd like some opinions on the chances of it being unfired. If it is it'll likely stay that way.
Aww fudge, forgot to attach the pic. Sorrrreeeee...........
They all have been fired some more than others.
It isn't "mint" by any means so not sure what "unfired" adds to that. Usually, the two go hand in hand.
One thing is for sure, good price for what you bought. Looks very clean and who knows if it has been issued. Some guns are far from perfect that were never issued which usually means they have never been pampered.
Regardless good acquisition.
I've got a '45 Faz with the same 'ENGLAND' stamped same location. I understand it means an early import to the States before 1968 or so. Not long after that year the importer's name had to be stamped in lieu of country of origin. You may find a BNP/tons proofing stamped elsewhere. One of mine has that stamping on top of barrel behind flash eliminator group, another is discreetly stamped on the barrel under the handguard. Well done on an early import! Cheers, Don
True enough about it being unfired, afterall it does have proof marks but I don't think it's been shot much beyond that. It's far from being mint too, theres handling marks and the bolt has been cycled enough the cause the finish to be worn off where it rides in the action body. However I still think theres a good chance of it being unissued, just does'nt have the wear one would expect on a rifle thats been carried about in the field for any length of time. Anyway, all I really wanted was the ammo that came with it. Probably gonna take it to the gun show this weekend and see if I can find it a new owner. I've bumped into quite a few folks looking for a real No.5 lately. All I've seen were the cut down No.4's being passed off as the real thing at insane prices.
As Armourers, we view barrels in 'quarters of life'. It's a bit of an experience thing obviously, knowing when one is new and when it's on its last legs. But it's all done by gauge and view. Have you gauged yours? Has a good viewer/Armourer viewed it?
That's the problem because he'll see things that you might not notice. So on your word, I'd say simply that it's in its first quarter of life. But to be honest, we didn't keep rifles in store for the sake of keeping them in store.
I did read a good paper about how barrels really shined up during their first 500 or so (? - correct me if I'm wrong there please) rounds as the bullets polished up the machine markings without dulling the edges of the rifling. Then they started to 'run' Obviously 500 rounds in a day would upset the trial but you get my drift.........
Nice find! Very similar in condition to the 12/46 No 5 Faz that found me about a month ago. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
I have a close relative of it: AA 23XX built in April 1947, which is in much worse shape. However I don't think that yours is unissued, let alone unfired, and it DOES have an import mark: ENGLAND.
Having said that, I reckon you got it, especially with the HXP ammo, at a VERY good price.