Identification Question

[Thunderbox]

IMHO its a Fazakerley FTR of a 1942 BSA.

[mausernut]

noticed it wasn't a very nice job when I took the mount off. Came with a deal where I bought 8 guns at once for about $800. Won't even try it until I mount a new scope. The one on it is a $60 one and experience has taught me that using it is a waste of ammunition. It is not as nice as my Parker Hale sporterization of a B S A No 1 Mk 3.

---------- Post added at 07:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 AM ----------

Would Fazakerley have been the ones to sporterize it?

[Peter Laidler]

Definately NO. Fazakerley were just a government rifle factory with a large FTR plant that they could utilise during slack periods.

If you scrape the stuff off the bodyside, you'll see the monthj/tear mark that'll tell you when it went through Fazakerley for its thorough repair. I'm suporised that you can't see any remains of the original serial number on the butt socket where it usually is. I suspect that it was rather feint so linished clear and re-etched where you can now see it. But to be really honest, the grinding and scrrew holes make the rifle useless as a recoverable milsurp, the rifle is totally shagged*

* UK Military technical phrase used to indicate that an item is, er......., shagged!

[vintage hunter]

I'm suporised that you can't see any remains of the original serial number on the butt socket where it usually is.

I can just make it out. I have the remains of a '42 BSA s/n E 7779, also with feint numbers.

[Brian Dick]

It's a 1942 BSA No.4Mk.1, (not an SMLE), that's seen FTR, (Factory Thorough Repair) at the Royal Ordnance Factory, (Fazakerley), post WWII. The FTR date is under the epoxy or whatever that is. Too bad it's been a bit butchered by drilling and tapping.

[Flying10uk]

Would there be safety concerns about shooting this rifle given the amount of butchery to the top of the receiver???

[Peter Laidler]

Safety problem? Based on what I can see, I'd say no problem. But to achieve what?

[mausernut]

Same thing was done to my Parker Hale sporter but a much nicer job so I assume it was done by Parker Hale

[Sentryduty]

Parker Hale builds are quite a different animal when it comes to process and finishing craftsmanship.

[Peter Laidler]

Definately NOT Parker-Hale work. Bubba with an angle grinder and a file.