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Help identify this rifle
I recently purchased what was listed as a British Military 303 rifle at an auction and have been doing some research about what it might be specifically. I originally purchased it thinking I would use it as a hunting rifle but as I've been doing some research I found that this looks to be an Enfield No 4 Mk1 or something similar. I'd like to find out what the rifle is before going forward and possibly making more modifications. It seems to already have a different butt stock and modified barrel (do they call this a sporter?) I've included several photos of markings below. Thanks for any help you can provide.
--Justin
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The rifle has been refinished with some loss of original markings, but it is indeed a No4 Mk1 made by BSA Shirley in England in 1942. The bolt appears to be original though the bolt head is a replacement from a Savage rifle. Other components bear typical WW1 era UK subcontractors' markings. You can make out a letter 'B' stamped on some of the components such as the barrel, bolt body & trigger guard. This was the identifying letter BSA used until they swapped over to using 'M47/C' the year after your rifle was made.
Hope this helps.
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Wow! I didn't expect an answer that quickly. Thanks a ton Roger. Is there any collector value to this rifle? I want to determine if I should work to restore it or go forward with my initial idea of using it as a hunting rifle.
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I think you could do either, but if you were going to restore it to full military trim then I'd only do it because you wanted to, as I'm afraid it is not of great value & it is still not too difficult to find decent unadulterated No4's (though their prices are steadily rising). In the condition it is in it wouldn't hurt to use it as a hunting rifle if you wish.