Need help identifying this No4

[tims87gn]

Hi Guys, I picked this up last month. Its a 1942 No4 Mk1. It was in nice shape and it reminded me of a No4 I had when I was younger. It looks like someone refinished the stock, as there are no cartouches and the grooved rear hand guard shows little signs of the grooves. What I would like help with if you guys can, is to identify the rifle and the stamp on the breech. I think this is a BSA Shirley based on the X1xxx on the butt socket. I really want to know about the XII or XU thats on the breech Thanks for your help!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

It's actually a Maltby rifle-note the "M" preceding the date. Don't know about the other marks.

[tims87gn]

Thanks Steve, I didn't recognize that as an "M", I mistook it as an arrow since it was such a light stamp. Wish someone could explain the breech stamp though.

[Alan de Enfield]

Is that a DP on the bolt head ?

[Thunderbox]

Is that a DP on the bolt head ?

Looks more like a "PP"

[tims87gn]

Yes its a DP on the bold head. I've been advised by Tiki that it may be from a drill rifle. I am going to look for a replacement for this. Gotta be safe.