Lee Enfield No4 (T) rifle cover/case

Hi all,
I have an Enfield no4 made up to a (t) configuration. I would like a period (looking) case/cover for transporting the rifle with its scope attached. I understand the canvas/web case T’s where issued with allowed this.

The market seems flooded with repro canvas/web case, however I assume this will not accommodate it with scope.


1. I correct in my understanding that the issue case accommodated the scope?

2. If 1 is true, am I correct that the T version differed from the standard?

3. If 1 & 2 are true, does anyone know of a supplier making repros of these for less than £50.

Apologies if these are extremely basic questions.

Im curious as well. subbed

The original "Cover, Short Rifle" is not designed to be used with a telescope attached to the rifle. There are stories that the snipers cut them open so the scope could remain attached but I've never seen one modified in that way. They are a standard item and variations were used with the SMLE through to the L42A1. Those were modified by lengthening but you still couldn't fit the rifle in with the telescope attached.

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Originally Posted by Brian Dick

The original "Cover, Short Rifle" is not designed to be used with a telescope attached to the rifle. There are stories that the snipers cut them open so the scope could remain attached but I've never seen one modified in that way. They are a standard item and variations were used with the SMLE through to the L42A1. Those were modified by lengthening but you still couldn't fit the rifle in with the telescope attached.

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Thanks Brian,

That explains a lot, thank you. All periodically auction site list items as T specific covers, how do these differ to regular item, or it just a case of people attempting to increase the value?

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Originally Posted by Micheal Doyne

All periodically auction site list items as T specific covers, how do these differ to regular item, or it just a case of people attempting to increase the value?

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The Cover, Short Rifle was originally designed for the T.....just not for the T with the scope fitted. There is no 'regular' item, there is only the Cover, Short Rifle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brian Dick

The original "Cover, Short Rifle" is not designed to be used with a telescope attached to the rifle. There are stories that the snipers cut them open so the scope could remain attached but I've never seen one modified in that way. They are a standard item and variations were used with the SMLE through to the L42A1. Those were modified by lengthening but you still couldn't fit the rifle in with the telescope attached.

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I have at least 2 that have been modified to accept rifle and scope.

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Originally Posted by Lee Enfield

I have at least 2 that have been modified to accept rifle and scope.

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That is interesting, I was sure I’d seen photos of rifles with scopes in covers, which was the basis of my assumption they all accepted the scope. Would you be able to post some photos of the modification ideally both internal and external with scale reference. I intend to create my own.

All the best MD

I have a 1915 dated "Cover, Short Rifle" so I think they were designed well before the advent of the No.4T. It's only difference is that it's made of a soft cotton/wool blend of some sort. Not the hard cotton duck canvas of the WWII variant. They did become a standard piece of the C.E.S. for the sniper rifle. I'd like to see the mods on yours too LE. My friend Peter Crampton in Ontario sewed some lovely cases years back and designed them out of cotton duck for the L42 specifically with the scope attached. I kept one of those for practical use. Not an issue item but exactly as they should have been. The quality of his sewing was outstanding.

I have seen one or two over the years since I joined as a very young apprentice Armourer in January 1963. I have to say that while I seem to have lead a rather sheltered life and didn't seem to get out much, I have never seen a No1/No4 type bag - the COVER, short rifle - adapted officially to accept a rifle with the telescope fitted. If there was such a thine, maybe I was off that day. You'd have thought that if they really WERE serious about such a beast, they'd have carried out such a modification while they were lengthening them for the ±L42

Peter,
Strange you mention that, as I too have seen many reproduction NO 4T rifle bags flooding the market from India I believe, with even the British manufacturer stamped in ink and crows foot.

We have absolutely NO records pictorally or written, of such a bag ever being used in our Regiment in our archive, as scopes tended to remain fixed to the rifles whether they were NO4T's or L42's. Perhaps see a need in the Far East to keep the rain off, but never seen one used!! Nor, may I add, ever seena picture of any snipers placing their scopes in a tin with the leather strap slung around them.............too much potential noise, so totally discounted on Ops!

The risks were too high if they, once re-fitted the scope, did not perform as they did on the range on zeroing, as many relied on these trained snipers to deliver their work accurately without excuses on blaming a scope or rifle!!
It was cradled like a baby and kep in tact throughout!

I was under the impression that the WWII covers were intended for stowing a rifle in a vehicle. Is this true or were they a more general issue item?

General Service rifle as maybe, but not one fitted and attributed to a sniper, unless it was in its rightful chest;)

Well, given my lack of a cover for my no.4 whilst in transit and wanting an at least period esk solution I’m going for a cheep and cheerful repro which I’ll modify to allow for the scope. I appreciate there isn’t much historic backing for it.