4T range report

[smle addict]

Hello all,

Back in January I picked up a well-used No4T for $590. Over the months, I managed to scrounge up an equally used No32 mk1 scope, and an original mount. I cleaned the cat hair and lint out of the rifle prior to shooting. Although the rifle has never been through FTR, the original forearm still sits tight in the draws. Bore is frosty, but rifling is strong. I shot some "Click-Bang" POF 303 through it, and it shot OK, averaging 2.5 to 3 inch groups at 100 yards. Attachment 77712Attachment 77711Attachment 77710


I threw together some handloads last night for todays range visit. I was pleasantly surprised.

Shot a 12-round group 100 yards, Measuring 1-5/8 x 2 inches. Attachment 77713

Next, shot an 8-round group at 200 yards, measuring 2-1/4 x 2-1/2 inches. Attachment 77714

Then, a lovely Santa Ana wind blew in out of the northeast. Sustained half-value winds of 25mph. Still manage to put 15-rounds into a group of 3-7/8 x 2-3/4. Attachment 77715

It became too windy to even attempt 300 yards. It was blowing so strong, it knocked down target stands at that distance. Still, I couldn't be happier with the rifles performance. Especially after the hard life it apparently lived before moving in to my gun safe. And I'm also happy with the scopes' performance. After initial zero, I've not had to make any adjustments other than minor windage and elevation moves. Although it's like looking through a dirty fish tank (or beer goggles), its still a performer!Attachment 77716

Hope you all like the pics.

Information

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[Richard Hare]

Congrats in such a nice rifle and performance. I too would be very happy with it!
Scope still doing its stuff as well. Yes, a grand set-up and thanks for sharing your experience.

Best regards,
Richard.

[Surpmil]

A rifle with history; could have been in Italy or NW Europe unlike the vast majority of the 44/45 rifles that seem to have spent decades in storage for the most part.

Next time you take the scope & bracket off, look for any markings on the top of the front pad will you? Or post a photo if you wish? I have a hunch.

[smle addict]

Good timing, I was just about to clean it! Here are the photos; no marks to be seen. If these rifles could only talk...

[Surpmil]

Thanks for those photos. I asked because although 1943 was probably too late for "trials rifle" left overs, the face of your front pad looked large enough to be of that origin. Or it could just be less rounding of the edges in manufacture of course; a coincidental variation of no significance. I don't think we even know if the inspector's mark for put on after the pads were fitted or just after they were made. I was wondering if we might see this.

[Roger Payne]

Rob, the front pads on H&H set up rifles do show some variations over the production history. The early rifles seem to have been fitted with front pads that bear a more rounded top edge (the rounded off rightangle between the face bearing the screw holes & the face consisting of the two flat 'shoulders' either side of the spigot). Later rifles seem to be much less generously rounded! My experiences mean that I am referring to a relatively small sample size, but I wondered if anyone else had noticed this?

[Peter Laidler]

There were variations in the top edge radii even on the largish number of unfitted/unfinished front pads that I acquired from the old factory before it was demolished. I think this was due to the radius cutters used for this operation. Indeed, on one of the unfinished examples it clearly shows where the radius cutter has chomped a chunk away.

Got the springs I sent DRP?

[Roger Payne]

Yes thanks. I'll now have enough springs to sort out the few tatty ex Indian No32 scopes I have to try & repair! 15 pounds on its way to you for the spring maker's efforts.
But to get back on track, I'm pretty impressed both with smleaddict's rifle & his shooting! These old war horses can still come up with the goods!

Best to all.

[bigduke6]

Some other bits on the way tomorrow Rog, happy clicking

[smle addict]

Thank you DRP. Yes, If I do my bit, the rifles really do perform to their standard. I get true enjoyment out of loading for and shooting the 303. And, I seem to be the only one in this county who loads 303, so I'm able to buy up all the bullets when they hit the shelves!

I appreciate all the thanks and nice comments.