Scope bracket mismatch on a matched sniper equipment
Question for Peter Laidler - If I understand you correctly, a complete No. 4 MK. I (T) sniper equipment where everything matches EXCEPT the scope bracket could be quite correct as released back into service by an armourer. The armourer would not try to cancel an old rifle serial number on the bracket or stamp a new rifle serial number onto it unless there was a reason the remove the scope from the bracket.
i.e.
* Rifle serial number and bolt serial number match.
* Scope serial number matches scope serial number on small of grip
* No 8 Case markings match rifle serial number and scope serial number
BUT
* Scope bracket has a serial number of another rifle or no serial number.
* Rifle serial number (less letter prefix) stamped on ledge of top of butt, hidden when butt is installed into the socket.
[QUOTE=Peter Laidler;341438]The rifle number on the bracket was not a given, even into the L42/L1A1 era. Generally speaking we would only bother to number the bracket if the telescope was taken out of it. Not while it was still in the bracket because that was asking for trouble!!!!! That is because at that very point or removing the tele from the bracket, the numerical line between THAT rifle and THAT bracket was lost. And in the real world, it was the BRACKET that was matched to the rifle. ...