Which is a more accuraate rifle? The No1 MK 3 or the No 4 MK1

[JerryB08]

Hello all, I am new here and I thought I would ask all the experts their opinion on the two rifles. Many of the changes on the No4 were to make it easier to produce, I personally have always favored the No 1 Mk 3's ( Which I currently own after bringing 53 Lithgow back from being hacked into a hunting rifle.) What do you all think and why?

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[Son]

I am a die hard No1 man... but you have to appreciate the No4 rifle was an improvement of the rifle design that dated back to the 1890's. A couple of points that have made the No4 rightfully more accurate.. Heavier barrel, aperture sight, longer sight radius, in the MkII, better trigger set up....

Ok, now having stated the obvious, one of each rifle off the rack these days compared for accuracy might give an entirely different result to what you would expect. I would say the No4 was an easier rifle to learn to shoot, and an easier rifle to become proficient with. At 1000yds, the right rifles in the right hands, there may not be so much between them...

[paulseamus]

JerryB08

History seems to have answered your question.

During WW2, the British had stocks of both rifles but chose the No4 for Sniper conversion.

Post WW2 as the sport of Target Rifle shooting continued to develop, in countries where both rifles were available, the No4 was the main rifle chosen.

Having said that, any rifle that groups can be deadly accurate in the right set of hands, be it a No1 or a No4

Paul

[Beerhunter]

History seems to have answered your question.

During WW2, the British had stocks of both rifles but chose the No4 for Sniper conversion.

I wonder how much the No.4's slab side had to to with that decision.

[teal]

Attachment 31631Every thing would point to the no4 rifle being more accurate than the SMLE, i think it is all down to what rifle suits best, i have always achieved better scores with my NO1 Mk3 i just prefer it over the no4 it comes to the shoulder so easy it feels nice in the hand and it is very point able i love those rear sights on the SMLE.

[JerryB08]

I really am a fan of the No 4. I found it interesting though that Australian forces stuck with the number 1 all the way to and through the Korean War. I didn't know that until I got my 53 with the original Butt stock which is stamped 1943. Did they recycle wood when producing the post war ones? I guess I'm assuming its the original as it's coachwood. If anyone can tell me how that can be I would love to know. The advantage of the sights there's no question goes to the No 4. I myself was lucky enough to land a MUES no1 improved sight which would negate that advantage if I could shoot as well as the rifle is capable of. Which I can't. lol..

The being able to teach recruits to shoot easier in my mind would have very important.

[Homer]

I really am a fan of the No 4. I found it interesting though that Australian forces stuck with the number 1 all the way to and through the Korean War. I didn't know that until I got my 53 with the original Butt stock which is stamped 1943. Did they recycle wood when producing the post war ones? I guess I'm assuming its the original as it's coachwood. If anyone can tell me how that can be I would love to know. The advantage of the sights there's no question goes to the No 4. I myself was lucky enough to land a MUES no1 improved sight which would negate that advantage if I could shoot as well as the rifle is capable of. Which I can't. lol..

The being able to teach recruits to shoot easier in my mind would have very important.

Jerry808,

Where is your butt marked 1943?

[JerryB08]

It's marked 1943 right below the III* HV stamp on the right hand side just above the sling swivel well a little to the right of it. it also has an MA and under the wrist t has an R and a SLAZ and a 49 below it I think. I have put together alot of rifles and theres no question it is an engineering marvel.


Anyone have any Idea what a good to fine condition MUES No 1 improved is worth while were at it.

[Homer]

Ok then it is most likely a replacement butt. It is thought among collectors in Australia that the 1000 rifles with 53 dated actions assembled in 1953-55 were stocked with new wood and the butts were unmarked.

[JerryB08]

I figured it was the original because it is Coachwood as was the hacked up Forestock which had the brass plates in it. I guess they simply had some from returned rifles. It's my favorite now. Beating out a tribe of KAR98K's even an S42/G (First full year) Any idea what the R and the SLAZ mean?