My First No.4 Mk1*

[roundyuk]

Evening all from across the pond! Been finding this forum an excellent source of info, so I thought I'd share some pics of my newly acquired No.4.

It was purchased from a shooting buddy of mine, who originally purchased it from an Enfield dealer here in the UK. From what I can tell it's pretty much an original 1943 Savage No.4 Mk1* I've just purchased a period sling, and have a correct Savage bayonet on the way too. The only thing (I think) I can tell is that the sight has been replaced at some point? It bears no S mark.

I've shared an album here :-) Savage No.4 Mk1* - Google Photos

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.

[CINDERS]

Looks pretty good nice wood, would not worry to much about the rear sight given their age things were swapped out so having a nice matching rifle was not of any concern to the armourers.
One thing I would look at though it may be the light affecting the picture but in #7 the ends of the bolt guides near the gap seem a little mashed up which may catch the bolt head as it is being cycled causing it to chip out, those with the experience will chime in with advice if there is the need to do any judicious small file work.

[roundyuk]

It seems to cycle fine, but I can see what you mean - there does seem to be some roughness when you look at the pic.

[RazorBurn]

Nice Savage. Is it fully functional, or is it just a non firing wall hanger now? It's my perception that firearms ownership across the pond is practically non-existant now due to the laws in the UK.

[Stanforth]

Nice Savage.? It's my perception that firearms ownership across the pond is practically non-existant now due to the laws in the UK.

WRONG. I personally own 73 rifles and pistols. A friend has 38 Enfields. Cartridge pistols are difficult and semi and centre fire rifles are almost impossible.
Rifles such as the one in question just require a 'Firearm Certificate', just look at any picture of the NRA ranges at Bisley.

[roundyuk]

Yes, she's a shooter!

In the UK (for target) as long as you belong to an appropriate club you can have most centrefire rifles, but the only semi-auto rifles we can own are rim fire. For game/vermin etc. you need suitable land or permission and good reason.

Pistol ownership here is pretty much long gone, unless its classed as a muzzle loader; or one of those long barrel things!

[RazorBurn]

WRONG. I personally own 73 rifles and pistols. A friend has 38 Enfields. Cartridge pistols are difficult and semi and centre fire rifles are almost impossible.
Rifles such as the one in question just require a 'Firearm Certificate', just look at any picture of the NRA ranges at Bisley.

I am pleased to say that firearms ownership here in the UK is alive and well despite the fact that every time something happens regarding the use of a firearm it seems that the legal gun owners who get it in the neck.
Pistols are banned with a very few exceptions, except if you live in Northern Ireland, no I don't understand that either. Any semi automatic rifle over .22 is also banned again with a very few exceptions but in both cases they are not available to the public.
The law on de-acts has recently been changed by a directive from the European Commission and now any deactivated gun / firearm that does not meet the new specification must be bought up to speed and then resubmitted to a proof house for recertification.
Now for the good bit, if you own a deactivated gun / firearm you are allowed to keep it but it is illegal to sell, lend, give or bequeath it to any other person on pain of a very heavy fine and or a prison sentence. The only options are to either pay to have it brought up to the new spec or hand it in for destruction, this was of course a very clever ploy by those in power to avoid paying compensation to owners of some very expensive deactivated guns.
Those in the UK will no doubt be aware of the millions that was spent in compensation after the pistol ban and I am sure that the powers that be did not want to have to pay up again.........

Thank you both for the replies, and informing me about rifle ownership in your neck of the woods. Our media paints your firearms ownership in a different light over here so I figured it's best to ask someone at the source.

[RobD]

In the UK you need to be a member of a club and after about 6 months you can get your firearms certificate.

Your family doctor will also be contacted to make sure you are not known to be unstable, drug addicted, etc.

Now, I was at Bisley shooting today and I was literally the only person shooting at the huge range - just because it was raining.

IMHO there are 3 main reasons why so few people shoot or collect firearms in the UK:
(1) In the first place, they aren't interested.
(2) In the second place, they can't be bothered with the [entirely achievable] paperwork / bureaucracy and the 6 months wait.
(3) In the third place, they weren't interested in the first place.

Rob

[Buccaneer]

Nice Savage. Is it fully functional, or is it just a non firing wall hanger now? It's my perception that firearms ownership across the pond is practically non-existant now due to the laws in the UK.

I am pleased to say that firearms ownership here in the UK is alive and well despite the fact that every time something happens regarding the use of a firearm it seems that the legal gun owners who get it in the neck.
Pistols are banned with a very few exceptions, except if you live in Northern Ireland, no I don't understand that either. Any semi automatic rifle over .22 is also banned again with a very few exceptions but in both cases they are not available to the public.
The law on de-acts has recently been changed by a directive from the European Commission and now any deactivated gun / firearm that does not meet the new specification must be bought up to speed and then resubmitted to a proof house for recertification.
Now for the good bit, if you own a deactivated gun / firearm you are allowed to keep it but it is illegal to sell, lend, give or bequeath it to any other person on pain of a very heavy fine and or a prison sentence. The only options are to either pay to have it brought up to the new spec or hand it in for destruction, this was of course a very clever ploy by those in power to avoid paying compensation to owners of some very expensive deactivated guns.
Those in the UK will no doubt be aware of the millions that was spent in compensation after the pistol ban and I am sure that the powers that be did not want to have to pay up again.........

[CINDERS]

If it was a de-act here the bolts are to be welded shut from underneath in the mag well so you cannot ever remove the bolt or cycle it.