No. 4 Mk.II "Sniper"

[Roger Payne]

It's had a rather more professional refurb than most Indian rifles I've seen!

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[Richard in NY]

It's had a rather more professional refurb than most Indian rifles I've seen!

Peter Laidler wrote: "And that telescope certainly looks like it's been through a more careful workshop than the usual Indian Army instrument workshop judging from some of their work that I've seen"

Roger and Peter:

You gentlemen are known to all as experts on the No.4 sniper rifles and the No.32 scopes, so your opinion of this piece would be greatly appreciated.

Other than perhaps reflecting a nicer refurbishment than you would expect coming from India/RFI, is there anything that strikes you as "wrong"? In your opinion, is this a true and correct original rig? Or a fake?

The last time I posted photos of this sniper was back around 2001 on the old Gun & Knife Enfield Forum. I don't remember the responses I received other than that of our Aussie friend, "Vulch" who stated that the rifle could not possibly be "real". I don't remember the basis of his disapproval.

In my opinion, then and now, this is a real, authentic Indian sniper. Not something cobbled together by a collector or shooter here in the States or elsewhere. The purchase price close to 20 years ago was about $500, which if I recall correctly was about how much a nice No.32 scope and mount assembly sold for at that time. There wasn't much of a profit to be made if fakery was at play.

It goes without saying that I very much want this piece to be "real", but I do not believe I am engaging in unsupported, wishful thinking. Holding this rifle in hand, and trying my very best to be objective, and unswayed by my desires, I truly believe it's a good piece.

Do you agree or are you going to shatter my hopes and illusions?

Whether it's good news or bad, thanks for your help!