A study of No.4 Mk.I "Trials" rifles: information requested!

[Surpmil]

Got it thanks. Trigger guard loop for action cover is present I see; I remember that one or both of mine had none and that appeared to be from the factory...another column coming up!

I think we discussed this matter once or perhaps it was just in connection with No4 MkI(T)s in general rather than the trials rifles? Anyone remember?

[chosenman]

L42 I think.

[superbee]

Here is a trials rifle not converted to a sniper.

http://usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=43673

[Surpmil]

Here is a trials rifle not converted to a sniper.

http://usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=43673

Calibre/Item: 303
Make: Enfield
Model: Trials Rifle
Action: Bolt repeater
Serial No: 27710-A
Condition: Excellent
Price: $6000
Advertised: 3/10/2014
Licence number: 53082
Phone: 0458 644 527
Comment: This rifle was originally a 1931 trials rifle that was upgraded during WWII to No IV configurations. This rifle has not been fired since upgrade and is in excellent condition. Very rare rifle in Australia. $6000 ONO
Transfering dealer: Tex Gun Supplies, Berrimah NT

Thanks, looks like a late trials body left over that was finished at BSA in 1941. It has the "Model C" back sight modification: what later became the standard for the No4.

[superbee]

Just found in my notes.
1931 trials sniper # A2351 converted to L42A1 in 1971

[Surpmil]

Just found in my notes.
1931 trials sniper # A2351 converted to L42A1 in 1971

Thanks for that one! I do have it logged as being ex-Val Forgett collection and green painted.

Updated list to be posted shortly.

[Doctor1]

Attached is the web address

http://usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=43673

[Surpmil]

Attached is the web address

http://usedguns.com.au/Product.aspx?p=43673

Thanks, we've got that one in post 13 & 14 above.

[snipershot1944]

Here is the information on my trials rifle

S/N A1424
Date 1931
Status 4T
Bracket. B30544 from another rifle.
Staked. No (pads)
T stamp. No T stamp, nor TR stamp
Original scope number from wrist. 3193
Matching. Rifle is marching but bracket and scope are not.
Proofs. Metal parts and stock are heavily proofed with Enfield proofs.
Owner. Snipershot1944@yahoo.com
Notes. Has cutoff.

[Surpmil]

Thank you David, I am adding that to the list right now and it will be in the next revision.

And generally, just to reiterate, these are the details we're logging:

1. Rifle serial number
2. Date on butt socket
3. Status: No4 MkI(T) or No4 MkI
4. Cocking piece: No1 MkVI pattern with cross-screw or No4 MkI pattern ('button type')
5. Barrel date: two digits found on left side of barrel under rear handguard, near Nock's Form.
6. Steel Batch Number: "SBN 165" etc. found on underside of bolt handle.
7. Other Marks: such as "ENGLAND" export mark, "FTR" for "Factory Thorough Repair", or the "TR" marks sometimes added retroactively.
8. Proofs: proof marks such as found on the barrel near the muzzle, the bolt handle and "receiver ring"; that is proofs other than the originals.
9. Location of proof marks
10. Staked, ie: the scope pad screws on the No4 MkI(T) rifles. This SOP was introduced in the UKicon in the late 40s acc. to Peter so it's presence or absence may tell us something about the history of these rifles
11. "T" stamp: needs no explanation except to say none are original and there are variations.
12. Original Tel. No.: is found on the wrist of the butt just below the cocking piece. Obviously only on the original butts and only where they have not been sanded out or totally overstruck.
13. Maker: of the original No32 where that number is present to allow the deduction of the maker.
14. Tel.: the present scope number fitted - this is not historically relevant, but may help to keep things straight!