No4MK1 T EXPERT OPINIONS NEEDED

[Seaforth72]

This rifle is the real deal.

THE GOOD:
Matching serial numbers X31660 on rifle, bolt, bracket, butt (scope and rifle SN) and scope!!!! Most buyers never get to see the serial number of the rifle on the butt when buying.
Has correct "S" for iron sights checked
Has Correct "TR"
Has correct "T"
ENGLAND mark is just an import mark, most have it. Neither good nor bad.
M47C is wartime code for BSA Shirkey. Most sniper conversions were done on BSAs.
Scope is last model, the No. 32 Mk III and is the best model and easiest to adjust.
Back Sight is a correct Singer Mk I with sniper converstion modification

BAD:
Chest No 15 MK. I is marked for (T LESS TELESCOPE) and these are usually the unfinished Savage conversions. BUT better this original chest than a replica chest or none at all.
Chest condition with problems described a after 75 years of bring bashed about, you too would have some dents and chips etc. The chest protects the rifle and scope --- period. They are rarely identifiable as being matched to the rifle.
Scope case No.8 Mk. I (square corner 2nd pattern) is mismatched and from rifle BSA Shirley 39901 and scope 11220, but is one of three correct types.
Scope case is missing the carrying strap (this is sadly typical, replicas are available from Moore Leather in Scotland)
Forestock was changed but old number 34379 (Also off a BSA Shirley) was barred out so it was PROBABLY adjusted to this rifle. Yes the part affects shooting but as key components are matched it is probably OK.
Rifle is end of war production and was assembled in 1946. This only matters to people who want a rifle that was there and was used in WWII. It could however have been used elsewhere such as the Malayan Emergency, Korean War, Suez 1956 etc.

I suggest that you do not buy it without the chest. Complete sets are becoming VERY hard to find and chests add to the value. Value will go up faster with the chest. However, if you buy it and decide you do not want the chest, that is your choice (not everyone has the storage space for example or an understanding spouse). I am in need of a No. 15 Mk. I chest and would in interested in that if you decide to part with it. :-)

Is this set perfect? No, but it is is VERY good. The most important things all match which is critical for shooting. This scope has 1 minute of angle clicks. The earlier scope clicks were each 2 minutes of angle.

The price is not cheap, but the prices have been rising so it is not outrageous. As most sets are now mismatched scopes/brackets to the rifles, they will never shoot accurately at various ranges as the scope and bracket are not collinated to the barrel (I.e. Not perfectly lined up).

The face veil and ammo pouches are not the "correct" patterns, but that is negligible.

Advice: This is a great candidate for shooting, collecting and investing. The critical thing is the rifle/bracket/scope match. Therefore as Peter Laidler says it will be a collinated set and should shoot well. By far, most sniper sets for sale in North America have mismatched scopes or no scopes (missing or never had one installed). As a matched basic set this will go up in value much faster and farther than any mismatched set.

You could wait until a hundred per cent matched one becomes available but "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

Take care of it, preserve it and do not let Cousin Bubba near it! In other words do not drill holes or cut anything off or throw anything away (veil and mag pouches could stay or go).