No4 Question

[Col.Colt]

I picked up a really clean no4 mk1 . This gun has a 4 digit serial number with "K" at the beginning . It also has 1944 on the but socket next to the serial number. The serial numbers on the receiver, bolt , magazine and forgrip all match. The only other marking is "UK" at the front of the receiver. The other thing is the bolt handle is hollow like a number 5. Just wondered what you guys can tell about this gun.

Information

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[Seaspriter]

Some pictures of the gun would be helpful to all of us. Particularly receiver serial numbers, butt socket markings, and anything that looks unique.

[Col.Colt]

I will have to post some. I thought the hollowed out bolt was unique

[Seaspriter]

I thought the hollowed out bolt was unique

The hollowed out bolt was designed for the No.5 "Jungle Carbine" but was used in production (along with the solid bolt) in the UK on a somewhat random selection basis -- whatever was in the assembly parts bin. I have a couple of No.4s with hollow bolts. These tend to show up mostly between 1945-49 on new production and FTR (Factory Thorough Repair) guns.

[Col.Colt]

This was the first no 4 I have seen with hollowed out bolt . Can I assume the 4 digit serial number begining with "K" indicates production at BSA ?

[Thunderbox]

This was the first no 4 I have seen with hollowed out bolt . Can I assume the 4 digit serial number begining with "K" indicates production at BSA ?

It would be a correct number for a very early BSA - around 1941/2. All of the later BSA production had the 5 digit number commencing with a "3". If your rifle has a 1944 date, then possibly that was an FTR (factory rebuild) date.

Photos will reveal all!

[Peter Laidler]

Sorry to be honest and frank, but we are all peeing into the wind here. As in thread 2, a photo will reveal all.........

[303tom]

Early on the BSA Shirley did a production run which used only 4 numbers and went from Axxxx to Zxxxx !.............