Sorry if this has been beaten to death, but I'm looking for info regarding the T models of all manufacturers.
History, serial ranges, scope mk's and dates when they were issued etc....
A link or specific book title would be super!
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Sorry if this has been beaten to death, but I'm looking for info regarding the T models of all manufacturers.
History, serial ranges, scope mk's and dates when they were issued etc....
A link or specific book title would be super!
Those with the possible info may be along but why not use the google search bar top Rt and wade through the threads to find your information: but a few books;
Skennertons large H/C books on the Lee Enfields may help also his one by him on the British Sniper.
E.B Reynolds book The Lee Enfield Rifle.
Strattons book The No.4 & 5 303 Rifles.
Capt (Ret)Peter Laidlers on the 303 No. 4 (T) Sniper Rifle and the Holland & Holland Connection.
Anyway you have something to go on.
Thank you Cinders!!
The Google is great and all but I'm a touch and go Internet user and I feel a forum labelled "Lee enfield knowledge library" would be a great way to get the best info as quickly as I can instead of wading through the umpteen snipits Google would produce.
More of a time savings tactic I guess.
And so far is already paying off!
Thanks again!
I did mean the Milsurps google on top Rt of this page sorry for mis-inform takes a bit of wading but the threads from members are there just got to be patient.
Oh haha, my mistake, Ok thanks again!
John, in the nicest way, you're asking for other peoples research going back 30 years............... Reminds me of a letter we got at the weapon collection at Warminster that asked if we could send them a copy of everything we had on bull-pup rifles........
Yes, it's bit like saying 'Can you briefly explain to me the meaning of life?'
But I'll try:
Trials rifles - produced at Enfield in 1930's - first batch set up as snipers at Enfield in 1941/2. Said to be 1403 converted to T's. Random scatter of serial numbers.
Long Branch - started converting their own rifles in ? late 42 (correct me if I'm a bit out on the start date someone) till 1946. ?Random scatter of serial numbers initially, then produced in serial number blocks, such as 71L & 90L groupings.
Holland & Holland - set up vast majority of 4T's taking over from Enfield in 1942. Initially rifles of several manufacturers' used (BSA, Savage & Maltby), but soon started using just rifles from BSA. Continued producing till contracts finished in April 1946. Random scatter of serial numbers - selection was determined by accuracy rather than a specific serial number range being allocated. A few rifles were set up with pads but not fitted with scopes.
Various Commonwealth & non-Commonwealth friendly governments have also used the 4T & many have refurbished them & even produced major parts for them, such as scopes, so a variety of possibilities abound for the collector.
To the best of my knowledge no Fazakerley rifles were ever converted to T's - at least so far as we know.
That is very much an 'on a postage stamp' potted history of their production.
And no, unfortunately you cannot trace the service history of an individual rifle - records long gone.
Added later: I just noticed you asked about scopes as well. There were three main 'Marks' of scope, with two additional hybrids:
Mk1 - cruder R&D adjustments than succeeding Mk2. Produced 1941 to 1944.
Mk2 - improved R&D adjustments from 50 yd & 2 moa increments to 1 moa. Produced 1943 to 1945.
Mk3 - vastly improved zeroing arrangements & same R&D adjustment increments as Mk2. Produced 1944 to 1946.
Hybrids:
Mk1A - Canadian manufacture only. Had improved Mk2 R&D adjustments but still retains individual eye
lenses rather than a lens cell in the ocular end.
Mk2/1 - Conversion of Mk2 scope to Mk3 method of zeroing R&D drums, but otherwise retaining original Mk2 design & components.
Oh, & there's also the L1A1, which is simply the Mk3 scope 'metricated' to meters & calibrated for 7.62mm ball trajectory, as used on the L42A1.
.........& I nearly forgot the L1A2 scope - the metricated version of the Mk2/1 scope.........
....... & there's the Canadian 'non-standard' limited production rifles such as the TP rifles sporting Lyman Alaskan scopes & the CNo67 bearing rifles. These do adhere to serial number groupings (74L & 80L) & bore side rail mounting systems entirely different to the run of the mill 4T's
Is that enough to start you off?
ATB
Where will your article be appearing jonh172?
This has been huge help guys!
Thank you!!
I picked up a BSA T recently and like anyone who even looks at one, am hooked!
I ordered Ian Skennertons CD library (with obvious huge credit to Peter Laidler also!) and am anxiously awaiting its arrival.
I have used the search function and found (like Cinders said) a Googles worth of articles all on the very subject, PERFECT!
If you would like to see my T, its under "My first T" thread.
A huge thanks to not just all who responded here, but to all who keep the information relevant and accurate for us noobies to educate ourselves and carry on the tradition of Enfield collecting/shooting!
---------- Post added at 12:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
Amazing Roger thank you!
Not just for the info but for taking the time to write all of that!
So much help here, thanks again!