Rof 1941

[Badger]

If you search the forum, there's been quite a detailed discussion a while back on the subject of Fazackerly's "A" suffix prevalence. Captain Laidler indicated that it could be something as simple as oversized trigger pivot pin holes, or other wee things that rarely need service, but could cause fits if the rifle components were stripped down willy-nilly (as in an FTR scenario).

These older threads might add value to the discussion ...

Mysteries of the 'A' Suffix (by Peter Laidler)

re: Maltby,ROF {Fazakerley},BSA{m47} No.4's

Regards,
Badger

[Hambone]

Thanks Badger, that about sums it up. I tend to go with Laidler on that issue. Seems that the explanation is sound, that ROF had a fair amount of out of spec but correctable rifles.

[madcratebuilder]

I've read that early production A suffix rifles may contain components from either the No. 1 Mk VI or the No. 4 Trials Rifle (see Skenneton “The Lee-Enfield Story”, p-192).

I've also read that in the early 1950’s all “A” suffix weapons were ordered to be retired and scrapped, making them quite rare. Any truth to this?

A friend has a BSA with the A suffix and I have a 42 Maltby with the A suffix. I have encountered others.

[Enfieldlock]

The criteria for telling if it is a non-standard No4 is the back sight. All those assembles from 1935 RSAF made components used an Enfield made backsight that utilised a ball and spring as opposed to a plunger. These were made with an "A-suffux".

[Peter Laidler]

W came across hundreds of A suffixed No4's and Stens but Brens too (don't ever remember a No2 pistol though....). They were reworked/repaired and sent out again and again. But if there was something that couldn't be repaired then it was sifted and withdrawn for scrap. There were a few common problems that we'd encounter including the backsights. Another was screw thread's that were the next BA size up as I remember. But by simple good engineering we'd solve most problems. If not, it got the chop. There was no definate cullling process for a particular type/suffix, certainly not in the UK military

[Hambone]

All very informative and appreciated. Peter, where did these matching decent shape imports come from? Pakistan? The import marking on this one is on the triggerguard and so light as to be indecipherable.
thanks,
Hambone