Is there such a thing as a No4 / No5 Trials model looking like this one?

[louthepou]

Hi folks,

found this advertized as an armoury "trials" model in a gunshop in Canada. I am suspicious, can't find anything in my books or the web to make this trustworthy. Looks more like a Golden States, Santa Fe or Navy Arms hybrid, or a home project... any idea?

I've asked for a clear picture of the left side of the receiver.

Lou

Information

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[mtbikerwvu]

I would bet against that being the case but I would also state that he may not be actively trying to deceive a buying public. I would guess that if it were a genuine No.5 trials rifle the price tag would be much, much higher. My idea is that it is a rescued bubba'd No.4 that has an added flash hider because the barrel was shortened but that is just my guess.

[Beerhunter]

It's a No.4 that has had the wood cut back and an after-market flash hider fitted over the muzzle.

The raison d'etre of the No.5 was to reduce weight/length. None of the lightening cuts that should have been made are apparent and the bolt knob has not been hollowed. Only cutting the wood and adding flash hider could even increase the net weight/length so how can it possibly be a trials rifle? (Unless they are trialling someone's woodworking skills.)

[Peter Laidler]

I have a funny feeling in my bones, and correct me if I'm wrong, but the reason you can't find any reference to that particular trials rifle is because it ain't not nothing of the sort - beyond the figment of someones fertile imagination. But like I said. I could be wrong..........

[louthepou]

Nothing like checking with the LEEC! (Lee Enfield Extraordinary Crew)

Thanks folks. I'll try to communicate tactfully with the shop...

Lou

[villiers]

No! Of course Peter`s got it all wrong again. This is my No.5 Mk2 that was tested together with your exquisite and very valuable item. It would have been accepted by NATO but for the fact that it was stolen by gypsies from whom I managed to purchase it at the time.

[Brian Dick]

I think those rifles were butcherd for sale at Eatons or Simpson Sears back in the 1960's when they were very cheap and plentiful. I've seen them before back in the heyday of importing from Canada.

[louthepou]

Yeah, I bet it's all your fault, Brian, that these things made it up here!

I recevied a few more pics, confirming that it's on a No4Mk1 receiver; here's the "wrist" info:

[Warren]

What you have here is a Golden State Arms attempted copy of the No.5 rifle. They were made up in the late 50's early 60's by Golden State Arms of California
If you remove the set screw holding the flash hider on you will find the barrel has been "bobbed" about 1/2 inch, just ahead of the bayonet lug.
There are two distinct models of the GSA "Jungle Carbine", one with a metal end for the upper handguard to take it to the mid band and another were he middle band has been moved back about 1/2 inch and you can see the old band mark in the stock.
You have the one where the band was just moved back and the rear handguard just profiled to fit..
The flash hider will eventually break off and become a missile unto itself or it will split as they are just die cast white metal with a small set screw (only one!!!) holding it on.

[boltaction]

So, Warren, what's the accuracy like on those flash hiders? Do they fly true? Do they keyhole when they hit the target?

Ed