Printable View
I am looking at an auction site that is presenting a Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 for sale. It is set up in a Jungle carbine configuration (different front sight, flash cone, cut down stock, full upper handguard, padded butt plate with side sling mount). The rifle definitely shows "No4 Mk1" on the side of the receiver. Is this a fake or did they ever produce the Jungle Carbine on a No4 receiver? It is in very good condition and I think it could be had for about 200 to 300. Thanks!
No, they did not produce a No5 on a No4 action - BUT - during the Malaya crisis the Armourers would replace a No5 damaged action with a No4 action rather than wait for weeks for a No5 action to arrive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Singer B
HOWEVER - it would not have left the armourers shop shouting loudly "look at me, I'm a No4 Mk1", at the very least the markings would be barred-out.
Several US importers 'improved' their sales of slow moving NO4 inventory, by manufacturing 'tanker rifles', it could be one of theirs.
Probably best to post a link to the site and or pics.
Bid Fast and Last
First try at attaching a link!
It looks like a No. 4 conversion made up from a kit that Numrich Gunparts used to sell. I think that Golden State also did a No. 4 conversion. I love the "C.!.A." on the receiver.
Golden State Arms made No.5 carbines from No.1 and No.4 rifles. Some barrels will be roll stamped, "Golden State Arms." No importers markings.
Navy Arms West Virginia No.5s were made from Indian .308 rifles and will be import marked.
I can't comment on Numrich.
Almost makes you want to buy it!Quote:
Originally Posted by NORTHOF60
---------- Post added at 05:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:09 PM ----------
So if it was one of the above conversions, I have 2 questions:
1. Does it have a place in a Lee Enfield collection?
2. If so, how much would you bid for it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Singer B
I'd suggest, "not in the majority of Enfield collectors collections"
It is a collection of Enfield parts, some other parts and assembled by someone who has never been near an Enfield production line.
Is it true that a number of No5's had their bodies replaced with No4's in Cyprus?
Regarding desirability, it totally depends on how you view it, as a cheap look'a'like and useful handy little carbine, or a knock off bitsa build.
Note the butt stock had repaired/filled holes in the toe about where the butt sling swivel should go, Peter told us many times about making wood for No5 rifles out of No4 wood. Nothing quite looks right about it except it might carry well.
Didnt even notice that! Thank you to everyone for their input, this will be a "pass" for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrclark303
No.
But it is true that they were replaced in Malaya
Peter Laidler (the most senior British Armourer and a forum member) was there and 'did it', here is an extract of a post of his from 26th July 2008
I think I mentioned earlier that when we were doing the big Crown Agents FTR programme, it was priced (so I was told) that if 70 came in, 70 went out and if some were ZF’d (scrap) then they’d be replaced from our ANZUK (I think this was Aust, NZ and UK stockholdings) mobilization stores from the huge …., and I mean HUGE Ordnance stockpiles close by at Johore Bahru. So we would cannibalise No5’s and if necessary, send them out with No4 bodies.
Looks like a nice done clone. Not collectable but probably nice to own and shoot.
Yes, looks like a nice job for what it is.
Well,
I think I would have been suckered in if its fake. Not sure it is though, the provenance would have been the clincher looking into the eyes of the seller:thup:
Good point but it is an online auction. I believe this rifle is from a private collection they are selling. I picked up 3 pieces from that collection last month that were pretty nice. The only thing I knew about No 5 Jungle carbines was that there are a lot of fakes out there!Quote:
Originally Posted by Gil Boyd
I wouldn't buy it as any kind of an original, but maybe to shoot or fill a spot in a collection. Problem is when you find a really good one that's correct...what to do with the spurious one?
Years back a buddy of mine invited me over to inspect his Jungle Carbine collection. He had 5 Carbines all in decent condition. Every since one was a fake. Numrich Arms, Golden State Arms or whatever. He was very unhappy with my comments, but I told him the truth. There are fakes everywhere. Let the buyer beware.
Can't really see what there is to achieve, on a rifle that is still quite low in value out there. To fake it gets you nowhere IMHO ;)
That would suck hugely...he was cross because he couldn't see it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Calif-Steve
You may find this interesting:
Lee Enfield No5 Conversion - YouTube
For those who track what these sell for, this rifle sold for $550 at auction.
That's a lot for a "Khyber pass"...
Without getting into less obvious details, wouldn't the solid bolt handle be a giveaway?