Gary is right. The stamped backsights were only ever obsolescent. That means production has ceased but they can be used while they remain serviceable and while stocks exist. The V in the serial number is simply the number prefix
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Gary is right. The stamped backsights were only ever obsolescent. That means production has ceased but they can be used while they remain serviceable and while stocks exist. The V in the serial number is simply the number prefix
It might be a relatively early post war FTR. The Mk.1 sights may not have been flooding the system just yet. The stamped Mk.3 and 4 rear sights are just fine as long as they're not abused too much and certainly better than the Mk.II sight. I'd bet that the OP's rifle had a Mk.2 as original.
There was evidently some picking and choosing going on the allocation of No.4s to the Cadet Forces. At school (CCF or course) in the early 1960s I never saw a No.4 with anything other than a Mk.1 sight. Local ACF units however had a right mixture: Mk.1s, Mk.2s and the pressed steel types. (Didn't get close enough to read the mark.)
My sight is marked Mk 3. I like the sight but always thought it was a little exposed in light of the stoutness of the rest of the gun and front sight.
Bought this rifle from a family friend for $50 about 30 years ago. Don't know anything beyond that about it's history. I'm assuming just a cheap milsurp acquisition from the 50s or 60s before import markings were required.