New to me Lee Enfield MK4 no1* (Savage lend/lease). Pics and a few questions

[steveTA1983]

My Savage No.4 Mk1* has 2 groove rifling and it worried me for a while as I only had a few rounds of MK7 to shoot and could not find any flat based ammo or bullets to reload. I need not have worried as it turned out that with PPU boat tail reloads it is my second most accurate rifle, after my Enfield Envoy, out to 600 yards. I believe it all to do with the condition of bore in particular close to the chamber where gasses can escape round the tail of the bullet (boat tail) and destabilise it.

good to know, thanks!!!!!

---------- Post added at 07:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:00 AM ----------

If you want to pm me I'll send you a 'nose cap' that you have missing. Can't bear to see a nice rifle improperly dressed like that. I'll enclose the two transverse pins that hold it correctly in position too. Can't guarantee a Savage made example but I'll see what I can do.

PM sent

---------- Post added at 07:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 AM ----------

What's been done to the rear sight? Looks like heat has been applied, has the rear sight been welded? That's a Mk 3 so shouldn't it have a pressed steel sight loop? Looks like something different. I thought Savage rifles were stocked in Beech or Birch? The butt looks from the small bit I can see to be different from the forend. I wonder if this one was restored? The loose upper handguard and front band would never pass FTR...never...finish on the sight protector doesn't match the rest either, and as pointed out is reversed. Still, at least you have one, some of us don't. Let us know how it shoots...

Rear sight is not welded. As for it not being restored I don't know the history of the rifle (don't know of the markings on the tip of the barrel are import markings or not, can't read it).

---------- Post added at 07:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:11 AM ----------

Hi
Picture 3
Yout frontsight protector is pointing the wrong way
Turn 180 degree and i think your problem is fixt

Jsne

Yep, solved the problem, thanks! Whoever assembled the rifle when being repaired must have been drunk (backwards front sight, missing extractor spring)

[steveTA1983]

I decided to head to the range to test it out. I'm bored and can't wait lol. I'll post pics and results

[steveTA1983]

Well, just got done shooting. Here is the first 5 rounds fired. All targets are at 50 yards



Goes without saying that the grouping sucks and the sights are way off. On the bright side no keyholing so thats good!! I only used the battlefield peep hole. After getting everything sighted in, I was blown away



I then aimed at a 6 o'clock hold over the bullseye instead of dead center and it came down a bit



17/20 shots (once sighted in) in the 10 ring or bullseye. Accuracy on this rifle is exceptional. Considering this is my first time shooting it (2nd time ever shooting a lee enfield) I am EXTREMELY happy!! Zero malfunctions of any kind of the 40 rounds fired in total

Brought my 1903A3 out for the 2nd time and had similar results



Good day at the range with the old war horses

[Stanforth]

That's another myth laid to rest... about 2 groove rifling.
Enjoy it.

[steveTA1983]

That's another myth laid to rest... about 2 groove rifling.
Enjoy it.

Definitely laid to rest (at least in the case of my rifle).

[browningautorifle]

don't know of the markings on the tip of the barrel are import markings or not, can't read it).

Yes, those are import...

[steveTA1983]

Yes, those are import...

Couldn't make it out who imported it. It's not Century I can tell that much

[Brian Dick]

The marks on the barrel look like British commercial proofs to me.

[steveTA1983]

The marks on the barrel look like British commercial proofs to me.

Where did Savage mark their barrels (if you know)? Bottom of the barrel (face stock) or top (under handgaurd). Either way, I don't care as I'm very happy with its accuracy lol

[Brian Dick]

Look for a tiny flaming bomb proof on the right hand bayonet lug. Savage barrels are pretty much devoid of markings other than some single letter ,(inspector?), marks on the top or sides of the Knox.