1944 BSA No.4 T Arsenal Refinish ?

Through discussion and some photo sharing with a friend, the conclusion is that this rifle has been completely arsenal refinished/fitted. A confirmation or otherwise would be appreciated. It was an import from Canada many years ago and it drives tacks. I've been well pleased with it. Peter, you may remember the scope or perhaps wish I didn't remind you :D

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What makes you think it's refinished? It looks original to me.

What makes you think it's refinished?

---------- Post added at 09:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 PM ----------

Oops, sorry for the double post.

I was first thinking it was just too clean. It has a dark grey/blackish phosphate type finish on it that the "T" has clearly been stamped over. I guess a good question would be was this the original type of finish for a T?

Beautiful rifle! :thup:

Looks original to me. I'd be happy to give it a good home.

The serial number has been restamped although maybe that was done during conversion to "T" because the engraved numbers were so light. It may have been a 1944 rifle that just got phosphated and painted with Suncorite 259 post war. It appears that someone has cleaned off the paint which is damned difficult to do! I do see remnants of the paint finish left though. It's still a nice original rifle.

In my (obviously) not so humble opinion, whoever told you that rifle is refinished is not familiar with 1944,45 BSA No4 MkI(T) snipers in original condition.

I'd be willing to specify though that someone may have slightly over cleaned the receiver "brunofixed" metal though.

Thank you, Gentleman. My use of the word "conclusion" was incorrect. "Speculation" is a more accurate term. Brian, the remnants of the paint was one of the things pointed out suggesting it had been cleaned off during a reconditioning and the "T" stamped afterwards before going into stores. I appreciate all the comments, thank you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lee Enfield

In my (obviously) not so humble opinion, whoever told you that rifle is refinished is not familiar with 1944,45 BSA No4 MkI(T) snipers in original condition.

I'd be willing to specify though that someone may have slightly over cleaned the receiver "brunofixed" metal though.

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Lee Enfield: I know I'm hopelessly confused about this. In your experience, what was the original metal finish applied from '42 to '45 by BSA and what, if any, "touchup" refinishing was done at H&H (ie after machining and installing the front pad)? I don't believe I've ever seen this explicitly documented- just lots of vague comments in diverse threads.

Ridolpho