My new Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk. I

Hi folks! Already owning a 1918 BSA SMLE, I decided to pick up the World War II edition -- a $99 rusty No. 4 Mk. I at my local gun shop. Although the shop gunsmith said it is unsafe to fire (and I believe him), the rust is mostly surface stuff that comes off easily with WD40 and light rubbing with 0000 steel wool.The stock is in beautiful condition. There are a few questions I have though --

The wrist reads
ROF
? 42
U21783 A

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...81_19320-1.jpg

From what I understand, this is an early rifle made at Fazakerly and has the 'A' suffix added to the serial number because of non-interchangeable parts. The serial number matches on the wrist, barrel, bolt handle and forestock. Interestingly, the front handguard and front band appear to be marked with the little S in a square, which I understand is the U.S Savage logo.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...81_19320-1.jpg

Part of the cocking piece looks like it is marked FY MK 11. Not sure what that means.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...81_19320-1.jpg

The buttstock has a large number '62' written in yellow paint on the left side. It is also stamped into the wood need the butt swivel, with what looks like the same yellow paint flowed into the indentations. Any idea what these numbers would signify? The butt also has several stampings of '6's (or '9's?), 'R's and one 'F.'

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...81_19320-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...81_19320-1.jpg

The buttplate is a strange light gray color -- is this steel? It has 'ILCO' in an oval cast on the rear of it.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Looks like a typical very early Fazakerley, since repaired with a few odd bits.

Buttplate is zinc alloy; these were often used in place of brass.

Why did the gunsmith say it was unsafe to fire?

Thanks!

I'm not really sure why it was classified as unsafe -- they didn't give me a reason, unfortunately. The barrel underneath the handguards is flawless, still covered in smooth, sticky grease. It might require a second opinion.

Here's another oddity. While cleaning off one of the sling swivels, it appears that the edge of it is a copper color while the rest is just blued steel.

Is the bolt number the same as on the rifle? Are there any signs of damage on the receiver or bolt?

All the numbers match, and there's no receiver damage that I can see. I haven't looked at the inside of the barrel yet though -- it's possible the problem is in there.

Haven't looked in the barrel yet............................... You're right, that could be the answer! It's an ex Indian rifle so there could be anything down the bore!

Aha! What tips it off as Indian?

Just looking at it, the painted markings................ It's a sixth sense

You could very well be correct. I just found vestiges of olive-green paint on the sides of the receiver. I have read that green painted metal was common in the Pacific theater of the war.

This is making me crazy..............push a rag down that bore and let us know what you see!

Let me get this right................ Or am I missing something............ How do I put this diplomatically? You went into a gunshop and bought a rifle that the dealer says is unfit/unsafe to fire and ............ er............ you haven't looked down the barrel yet............ Is this a NC thing? Like Me2 is saying, just get a pullthrough and a piece of 4x2 down the bloody barrel..............

I am curious as to whether it was purchased with the intention of shooting it(it seems not), or if it is more of a historical artifact. It seems the latter as Mr. Richards seems to be doing his homework as regards markings, paint, and such.

So far, it seems decent enough. And not all gunsmiths deserve the term, esp. when they step out their area of expertiece, if any.

You are right -- I did buy it more as a collectible/cleanup project, however, if it can be made servicable again, all the better. Sorry I have not moved faster -- I have a 7-month-old ruling the house and a wife who tells me I have more important things to do that messing around with old rifles all the time.

Anyway, I will pull out my SMLE pullthough and give it a clean (the one that came with this rifle is caked in cosmoline). There are no obstructions or pitting as far I can see. I did read last night that in postwar civilian ownership, sometimes alterations were made to the trigger assembly parts to make them easier to pull and are subsequently arein danger of going off at any moment when loaded. That might be a culprit here too. I will take a closer look and get back to you.

Take your time and give it a good cleaning. As far as the smith listing it as non-serviceable it could be as simple as he dropped an American no-go head space gauge in the chamber and the bolt closed. Best to go over it slowly with the correct tools and books.

and get yourself a cleaning rod, bore brush and some cotton 2x2 patches.