A study of No.4 Mk.I "Trials" rifles: information requested!

[Seaforth72]

1. Serial number A 1989
2. Date (& last digit separately struck?) 1931
3. Status (No.4 Mk.I(T) or No.4 Mk.I) No. 4 MK. I (T)
4. Bracket (N92, JG etc.) Rose Brothers "JG" numbered to rifle, though this is the second rifle to which it was mated as an earlier SN is cancelled out.
5. Screws staked? (pad screws obviously) Pad screws are NOT staked, yet this rifle remained in British Army service until at least 1963.
6. "T" & "TR" stamps? (added later obviously, but patterns might emerge) "T" with serifs on left sidewall midway between front pad and ejector screw, "TR" on socket in usual location below serial number.
7. Original No32 number (from the buttstock if present and #s legible) 25455 - that area has an old grafted in wood section army repair like we often see where the butt plate attaches to the butt. This later scope was fitted during F.T.R. and no number remains for first scope fitted.
8. Proof marks
9. Misc. details/notes Enfield examiner's stamp on top of the front scope pad. "F.T.R." (Factory Thorough Repair, i.e. an arsenal overhaul/rebuild) on left side of socket. "/45" dated barrel. No. 32 MK. 3 scope SN 25455 matching in-service and No. 8 MK. 2 canvas scope case is numbered to rifle and scope. Inspection stickers (set of 4) most recent packing date 2/7/63 RIFLE NO. A. 1989 TELESCOPE Serial No. 25455, Packer's Name "EF". High wood fore end. has M1907 sling. Bolt has MK. II cocking piece. Foresight guard is a MK. II. Upper band is not hinged. Magazine cut-off removed. Original EFD monogram marked MK. I modified backsight, further modified to allow bolt to be removed without raising the backsight. (Modification shown in Peter Laidler's book "An Armourer's Perspective" pp. 81-82, the only one I have seen so modified) This is a complete equipment - Matching in service rifle body, rifle fore end, bolt, scope, bracket, scope case and magazine. Chest is not numbered to the rifle (no paper end tag) but may be the original as the old marking is visible "TEL SGT MK 1" on bottom right of front. Yes, there is a yellow circular blob on top of the chest.

[KeaNick]

Just as matter of interest you will find a mounted No4.Mk.1 (T) "Trials " rifle hanging on the wall at the School of Infantry, Waiouru Military Camp. It is presented to the top qualifier at the Sniper Instructors Course run by the School. It was manufactured in 1933 and it's Mk32 scope was manufactured in 1941 - it was equipped with a cut off
I have some knowledge of this weapon as I was issued with it when attending the instructors course in 1978. This was the last course to use the Lee Enfield as the next course used the Parker Hale M82
It still shot well enough but the scope was a problem as it was (as I understand it) one of scopes made for use with the Bren - consequently it did not have the fine increment adjustments of the other scopes on the other rifles and would ' lose it's way ' past about 450 yards. A tendency to fill up with water when it was raining did not help either.
I finally gave up on it and borrowed a rifle from a fellow student to complete the final qualifying badge test.
It was a long time ago but I still rate the course as one of the hardest things I ever did !

[Surpmil]

Glad to see you've taken this over Colin, you'll do a better job of it I'm sure.

[Seaforth72]

It is definitely a team effort!

[superbee]

Here is some info on A1355

1931 Trials Rifle | The Firearms Forum

---------- Post added at 08:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:36 AM ----------

Info on A0754

1933 Enfield No 4 Mk I (T) Trials Rifle, A0754

[superbee]

trials sniper A0229

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/739581743

[superbee]

Another one A1859

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/741919318

[boltaction]

Do you have A2051 on your list? Manufactured 1931, converted to T, has pads but no scope. Has been through FTR as has replacement bolt I think and later pattern wood.

[Seaforth72]

Yes, thankyou, I had A 2051 listed from when you acquired it "boltaction."

[superbee]

Trials # A1986

Enfield - 4MK1-Rifle Firearms Auction Lot-2622