No. 4 T Sniper. Opinions please

[Lee Enfield]

So another question, I posted this on gunboards and a few members have stated that the mag and mount were numbered post war because mags were not numbered during WWII. Is this true?

Long Branch No4 T snipers appear to have had the Rings (partially at least) numbered right from "day 1".

My understanding is that the instruction to number the rings of British No4 T rifles was issued in 1946 or '47, but the British "List of Changes" and contract instructions are well known for issuing retroactive instructions.

My belief, based on observation and limited experience is that by mid- 1944 H&H was numbering rings (on their own hook) and the ACI/List of Changes instruction to do so was issued retroactively post war.

Does anyone (Roger/Lance/Rob ??) Have a late MkII, MkII/I or Mk3 scope in its original bracket which is not numbered?

As to the magazines, most (but not all) No4T mags (which appear to be original to the gun) which I've observed are numbered - but again, this is a replaceable part.

[Alan de Enfield]

As to the magazines, most (but not all) No4T mags (which appear to be original to the gun) which I've observed are numbered - but again, this is a replaceable part.

I have not see as many 4T's as other folk, but I guess that all of them have lost their magazines over the years - I have never seen one with a numbered magazine.

Looking at the OP's pictures I would question the possibility of an armourer doing such a poor job of alignment, and, using 2 or 3 different sized / font number punches.

I have no doubt that the rifle is all correct, but I have reservations about the originality of the magazine.

[Roy W]

That's been done by someone who lost their '9' punch

They have used a lower case G 'g' instead

[RobD]

I think if those numbers were done by a civilian faker, they'd have done a better job. The sheer ineptitude of the stamping suggests it was done by someone forced to do this and who was bored with the task...

[Roger Payne]

I think if those numbers were done by a civilian faker, they'd have done a better job. The sheer ineptitude of the stamping suggests it was done by someone forced to do this and who was bored with the task...

Agree. There’s nothing whatsoever wrong with it imho. Sorry this is brief; I’m half way under the English Channel on my way back from the Somme. Marvellous internet reception 100 feet under water.......

P.S. Have yet to see an unnumbered bracket (cradle clamps) of UK mfr. As far as I have been able to see the font varies between Rose Brothers & Dalgleish brackets. Also, generally only one of them appears to have used a letter prefix with the number, at least, from my limited observations. One has to bear in mind that many have also been refurbished in service.

A very late in the day PPS. I may have misinterpreted Lee Enfield's comments above - he used the word 'rings' which made me think he was talking about the numbering on the cradle clamps, hence the comments on the use or otherwise of a letter prefix. On re-reading this now old post, I wonder if in fact he was just referring to the application of the rifle serial number to the bracket? If so, yes, I've had one or possibly two, over the years, but very seldom seen, & presumably sold off, or more likely 'liberated' very early on.

[P.S. Taker]

The No4 T I used to own had the dessicant bag in the scope can. Dry rotted the lens cover. Not a good thing.

[jonh172]

My understanding was that magazine serial stamping was normal during post war refurb.

[mdarnell19]

Just wanted to post one more time and thank all the friendly members who took the time to post here and answer my questions. I am the new guy here and you all responded kindly with factual information. I greatly appreciate that.

If anyone here ever needs help or info on a German or Russian sniper rifle then please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I am always happy to help. Email me at mdarnell19@gmail.com

[CINDERS]

The M(!) 92 stamped on the left front pad is intriguing along with the rifle serial No. of the left receiver wall which you can just make out if, when & why were these two things likely to occur....

[jonh172]

N92 represents the bracket being made by Dalglish.