The #4 Serial #'s

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03-26-2009, 12:02 PM
me2

The #4 Serial #'s

Skennerton says serial # ranges begin with a specified number.
Maltby---1
Fazakerley---2
BSA---3
I have seen these starting numbers mis-matched to Arsenals. I have a BSA (marked M47) with a starting digit of 1 preceeded by AK which is an original stamping. For whatever reason this occurs Skennerton does not seem to say. Anyone have some info on this? Thanks for any answers!!
03-26-2009, 12:34 PM
jrhead75

There have been several oddly numbered BSAs showing up here and there lately, all like yours (BSA marked w/Maltby-ish s/n) with no real answers as to why (that I've seen anyway). I'm assuming that your s/n is 5 digits after the prefix.

I'd be interested in the answer myself.
03-26-2009, 12:39 PM
Enfieldlock

Hope this helps:

http://freespace.virgin.net/j.frankl...al_numbers.htm
03-26-2009, 01:58 PM
me2

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrhead75

There have been several oddly numbered BSAs showing up here and there lately, all like yours (BSA marked w/Maltby-ish s/n) with no real answers as to why (that I've seen anyway). I'm assuming that your s/n is 5 digits after the prefix.

I'd be interested in the answer myself.

My rifle has 4 digits after the prefix. It is date stamped 1943.
03-26-2009, 02:06 PM
me2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enfieldlock

Hope this helps:

http://freespace.virgin.net/j.frankl...al_numbers.htm

Thanks! It's been printed out and will go in my little info file.
03-26-2009, 02:31 PM
Thunderbox

Early BSAs were prefix + 4 digits, so yours is a typical 1943 number.
03-27-2009, 01:04 PM
me2

Amazing! Just finished firing the first shots I have fired since aquiring the above mentioned rifle. Used handloaded Hornady 150's over 42.0 grs./imr 4320. What makes this amazing (at least to me) is that the throat on this rifle is fairly well worn for at least 1 inch. Also the muzzle has "cord wear" and will accept a .306 plug gauge to a depth of approx. 1/2 inch. None the less the old girl managed a 3" group (10 shots) at 80 yards with my poor eyesight and issue sights. I really was expecting keyholing and at least some shots straying completely off the target. Of several #4's I have with nearly pristine bores this old BSA will hold it's own against most of them! Unbelieveable!!