two groove barrel question but NOT about accuracy......

[bigduke6]

Just out interest was it LB and Savage who only produced two groove barrels or did any UK manufacturer try their hand ?

Only ask as I Bought a No4 some time back for the barrel but took delivery last week, it was described as a No4 Mk2 Sporterized, but is a Maltby No4 Mk1 (1942), I was expecting the normal kind abuse to the body but was surprised as it was untouched and retained its black phosphate finish but no signs of paint etc, no FTR marks either, the barrel was as described by the seller and has plenty of life left in it.

As the whole rifle is in good condition so will leave as is and someday get round to putting some timber on it.

Pic 5 is not that clear but has a D before the V and followed by a 3 (pic 6)

just intrigued by the barrel, has no savage or LB markings, have some pics below, one looks like a small M on the underneath, also the crows foot on the body I thought was south African but they have a U this looks like it should of been an oval.

Its been to the states at some point in its life as its got an England stamp on the wrist. Serial No has been re stamped also, the barrel has a rough finish but looks original to the body..... pics below. (the sporterized fore-end was removed for pics)

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.

[therno]

I have a Maltby in similar condition (w/ furniture) with a 2 grove barrel. I was told it was a Savage barrel, but then again I have never striped it to look for Savage marks.

[Peter Laidler]

2 groove barrels were produced in the UK including the fabricated/pinned two-piece Mk2 barrel which was also a 2 groover.

While the two groovers were obsolescent, they were never obsolete. However, the pinned Mk2 barrel WAS obsolete. I only ever saw one Mk2 barrel in service (that I recognised as such anyway....) and that was in New Zealand. You would still find new 2 groove barrels coming through the system

[bigduke6]

2 groove barrels were produced in the UK including the fabricated/pinned two-piece Mk2 barrel which was also a 2 groover.

While the two groovers were obsolescent, they were never obsolete. However, the pinned Mk2 barrel WAS obsolete. I only ever saw one Mk2 barrel in service (that I recognised as such anyway....) and that was in New Zealand. You would still find new 2 groove barrels coming through the system

Thanks Peter, any info regarding who manufactured them ?

Are you sure that pic No.5 does not say AJ? in which case it would be an Aussie barrel made for the target rifle boys and should be dated early 60's.

Muffer, Its definitely D V, just hard trying to get a pic its a very faint D, the D, V and 3 are reasonably spaced (and uneven) with what looks like some inspectors mark above.

[muffett.2008]

Are you sure that pic No.5 does not say AJ? in which case it would be an Aussie barrel made for the target rifle boys and should be dated early 60's.

[Roger Payne]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if it isn't the original barrel. I used to have a Maltby 4T with a 2 groove barrel on it, & whilst I can't prove it I think it was probably factory original. Another example of never say never....

---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------

In fact, it just dawned on me that I shall be going to have a look at a couple of dozen early UK mfr No4's (mainly 1941 & 1942) soon. The owner has already told me that most seem to have 2 grove tubes on them, so I'll have a good look to see if they're the original barrels, & if so, what manufacturer(s) they are. Might be a couple of weeks before I get there though.

[bigduke6]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if it isn't the original barrel. I used to have a Maltby 4T with a 2 groove barrel on it, & whilst I can't prove it I think it was probably factory original. Another example of never say never....

---------- Post added at 02:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:57 PM ----------

In fact, it just dawned on me that I shall be going to have a look at a couple of dozen early UK mfr No4's (mainly 1941 & 1942) soon. The owner has already told me that most seem to have 2 grove tubes on them, so I'll have a good look to see if they're the original barrels, & if so, what manufacturer(s) they are. Might be a couple of weeks before I get there though.

Thanks Rog, I didn't think run of the mill No4's floated your boat ? anyway your ebay items seem to be doing well.

Could that be an incompletely stamped "C" with a Broad Arrow on your L-E action?

Wasn't sure so left it to the forum members to decide.

It does have a Canadian ownership mark on top of the breech. I'm sure it's the original British made barrel. Nice rifle.

Thanks Brian, I thought the same about the barrel its got that look about it (if that makes any sense)

Ive got a few 43 dated No4s with 2 groove rifling will strip and view the markings over the weekend

Thanks Simon, guess your going to Newark on Wednesday ?

[glen chappelle]

I have an early Fazakerly No 4 built on a No 1 Mk VI action which is fitted with a 2 groove barrel. It is featured on Jay Currah's website attached to this forum.
The left but socket is marked
ROF
41
24506A

Barrel markings are :-

B19
41
Crown over N Over 32
Crown over N over 19
Crown over N over 26
123
Crown over M over Crossed flags over P
Crown over 43 over E on it’s side

I have always assumed it to be of Maltby manufacture with an Enfield examiners final inspection stamp.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Simon P]

Thanks Simon, guess your going to Newark on Wednesday ?

I'm going to give it a miss this time, not much for me and have a few nice bits coming in over the next 4 weeks. i tend to come away from there with to many projects and the Armoury is fall of them at the moment.

[Alan de Enfield]

Big Duke - some barrels at Newark next week + an interesting 'lot' :

Lot No. 15 A box of sixteen receivers. Long Lee/Enfield Serial Nos.9305F, 1969E, 7967B, 17E, 3620E, 9349, 0083, 43533, 4739, 130B, NVN. P14 Serial Nos.W178588 and 92596. Mauser Serial Nos.R15973 and NVN and a Carcano NVN.

And

Lot No. 5 The barrelled action and bolt of a .303 Cal. No.4 Rifle. Serial No.A3790. The action marked -Alfred J.Parker-. Grade 2