Here's the kind of information I was afraid you might come across on your search, Allred. Sent to me by a member of another forum...posted today! Only the names have been changed to protect the guilty...
I have a ZF butt stock marked No4 Savage that was used as a target rifle in the 60's-70's ... there is also an R/REME ( Repair by REME ) marking on the opposite side of the butt stock. The rifle is a superb shooter and bears no such markings anywhere on the metal work ... in other words it's a shooter.
It may be possible that you have the stock work from a ZF marked rifle and that your rifle is in fact fine. I'd get it checked by a reputable gun smith, explain the situation and ask for a verdict. If you need to, get a second opinion to make sure ... if the smiths give the ok, then I would suggest you are safe to shoot it.
I know for a fact that there are over 100 previously DP marked No4T's in this country right now that are getting some kind of range time without issue ... they have been in circulation out of storage for over a year now without report of a single incident. This isn't to say all DP or ZF rifles are safe to shoot ... on the contrary; but I would rather suggest that not all ZF or DP marked rifles are unsafe to shoot as there are many circumstances through which they got marked this way and not all were marked due to obsolescence.
If in doubt, have it thoroughly checked ... twice if needs be
If you recall the posts from and quoting Capt Laidler, you'll realise the fantasy world some people live in. This bloke was advised of the same facts months ago by Peter and still chooses to propagate his own theories.... so far no-one has been seriously hurt and I for one will do what I can to try to keep it that way.
Just because a rifle looks nice, doesn't mean it isn't scrap. Here's mine.
Attachment 17338 - Attachment 17339 - Attachment 17340 - Attachment 17337
