Savage No 4 Mk1/3 with red paint?

[artyldr01]

Hello all.

I have found a Savage No 4 No I* converted to No 1/3 (F)FTR SN /52 87C2250. Wood, buttstock socket have matching #s and cocking piece has F52. There are red paint remnants on receiver area that concern me but I understand 1/3s to be desirable. The price is $399.99. I understand the SN to put it around 1943 and the /52 to be FTR date. I have attached some pics. Any recommendations on whether this would be a good first SMLE? I am really looking for a No 1 Mk III but this really has my attention (along with a Long Branch No 4 of unknown Mk) for $325. This one is Import marked on muzzle.

Thanks again for the help.

Information

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[tbonesmith]

I think the rifle is cactus. Look how the guide rail for the bolt forward of the cutout is chipped almost completely away. I would on this basis alone not buy it. Red paint, old red band?? DP?? Leave rifle this for someone else imho.

[Beerhunter]

Red paint, old red band?? DP??

Not in the UK. Over here DP is white bands on the stock.

[jmoore]

Look how the guide rail for the bolt forward of the cutout is chipped almost completely away.

That is about as bad as possible without it being completely gone up front. Nice example! One for the old "Gallery of Dramas".

Link below for cross reference:

Gallery of Dramas. Broken Enfield Parts!

[Peter Laidler]

Indian Army DP was a red band and later red and white. A complete sack of shxxx. Leave it alone

[artyldr01]

Thank you all very much! It is at a pawn shop and I feel I should inform them of the danger this thing presents. Also perhaps to offer significantly less money for it as a "wall hanger" any thoughts?

[D-BOMB]

The Indians put a red band on the receiver? or on the front handguard and buttstock?

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Very informaive comments on this one. My knowlege base has been expanded. Thanks all.

[tbonesmith]

Thank you all very much! It is at a pawn shop and I feel I should inform them of the danger this thing presents. Also perhaps to offer significantly less money for it as a "wall hanger" any thoughts?

It's your money and your wall, but one valuable lesson I have learned is to not buy junk. That rifle to me is not a good example of anything. A far better deal will come up if you keep looking. This is just my 2 cents.

[Mag Fed]

Resist the temptation and just walk away !!
Cheers.