Maltby sniper

[smle addict]

Hello All,

I purchased this rifle back in March from Rock Island Auction. I have been on the look-out for a Maltby T for many years. I've only ever seen three come up for auction, and I was always outbid. This one came up on their auction catalogue, and I was able to sell a few other long arms in my safe to cover what I expected to be a very spendy rifle. Well, I didn't get it cheap, but I am happy with it.

It is a 1941 Maltby produced No 4T, serial #17302. The barrel is dated 1945, and has "FTR" and "T" added to the butt socket. Rifle came minus a cheekpiece, and the wrist was not stamped with a 'scope number. I had a original cheekpiece I picked up many years ago and fitted it.

The scope is a Frankenstein. It's an HBMC Mk 1 scope with Mk 2 drums, a Mk 3 OG, and a no 42 erector assembly. Scope was serviced in the UK some years back.

I have been building loads for this rifle and finally found a combination it likes. First five rounds landed to the right of center, approximately 1 inch group. 1-click left centered the next five-shot group, which measured just over 1-1/2 inch. The rifle is a dream to shoot.

I sent the next 20 rounds out to 200 hundred yards, and maintained a group just over 3.5 inches, with five hitting the "X". Unfortunately, the wind tore my target off the frame and blew it over the hill. I wasn't able to get a picture. I'll take it out again and shoot the 200. I'll take a pic (so long as it's good) before mother nature takes it away.

Anyway, here are the pics. Enjoy.

Information

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[Roger Payne]

A handsome looking rifle & a nice find. I understand entirely about how difficult they are to turn up. I had been looking for one for years, when I found a stripped but genuine ROFM 41 4T receiver in Canada. I thoroughly enjoyed carefully rebuilding it back into a complete rifle.


Looking forward to seeing the old girl's capabilities at 200 yds.


Out of curiosity, has anyone ever come across a Maltby or BSA 4T dated 1942? I've seen lots of 41's over the years, but never a 42 (Savage, yes, but not ROFM or BSA).

[Brian B]

Very nice looking rifle!! Congratulations on an excellent purchase!!

[Surpmil]

Years ago I flipped over a horrible looking cut down No4 at a gunshow and lo and behold, it was one of these 1941 Maltby conversions in the 11,000 SN range. That one and most we have seen here over the years were in Beech "Mk.I" forends with the relief for the magazine cut-off. The S51 stamp was present, but different from the later type and the scope number was for a Watson in the 1400 range. There was no "TR" or "T" stamp.

Without referring to the records of the other examples seen ' couldn't say if this scope is likely the original.

Obviously this one has been FTR'd, but the lack of re-staking on the front pad screws might suggest it didn't see that much use.

The "TR" could be one of those added later by an armourer as has been seen on other early conversions such as trials No.4s that didn't receive them originally. The same with the "T" above it.

[smle addict]

Sorry, I didn't clarify too well.

The auction was for rifle only, no scope. I had the scope and mount for a few years, looking for a new home on a rifle.

My guess is it was FTR'd, and never assigned a scope before being sold off.

[smle addict]

As promised, took this rifle back out today and fired groups at 200 and 300 yards.
Attachment 93700
first 200 yard group: Best group was a 5.25" X3.75" group of 15 rounds.
Attachment 93701
second 200 yard group measured 6" X 5", also 15 rounds.
Attachment 93702
300 yard group of 17 rounds came in at 8"X8".

Lots of room for improvement on my end, but the old girl can still shoot!