L42A1 (new to me), Rare Maltby Conversion

[Roger Payne]

I'm pretty sure the bolt markings are legit, although they were marked similarly for other 7.62mm variants of the No4, such as the L39 & Enforcer. It could be from one of those rifles.

[Troglodyte]

I'm pretty sure the bolt markings are legit, although they were marked similarly for other 7.62mm variants of the No4, such as the L39 & Enforcer. It could be from one of those rifles.

That makes more sense. Would the bolt still be compatible (assuming headspace checks out)? Was A11982 on the list of L39A1s, Enforcers, or Envoys?

Thanks,
Trog

[Roger Payne]

And the renumbering of that bolt may have occurred subsequent to the 7.62mm proofing.....

[Seaforth72]

Those Maltby L42A1 that I am aware of. Those with the L42A1 list could confirm.
12976 Troglodyte in USA (discussed in this thread)
13328 garrettasherarms1 in USA
16574 (scope survives)
16583 diguuangco in USA
18491 Lance in USA

[Troglodyte]

Those Maltby L42A1 that I am aware of. Those with the L42A1 list could confirm.
12976 Troglodyte in USA (discussed in this thread)
13328 garrettasherarms1 in USA
16574 (scope survives)
16583 diguuangco in USA
18491 Lance in USA

Thanks. So, not unique, but also not common!

[MJ1]

Filling the box CES can and will make you crazy and broke. What have you found and what are you seeking ?..

Cheers

[Troglodyte]

Filling the box CES can and will make you crazy and broke. What have you found and what are you seeking ?..

Cheers

I've found most of it, but here are my gaps:

- Transit chest
- Lens cover
- IWS bracket
- IWS scope
- Plastic scout telescope case
- Soft rifle cover
- Sniper pocket book/aide memoire

I have a few of the H&K lens brushes for the PSG-1 sniper rifle, which are often (even on these pages) mistaken for the IWS brush used on the L42. I also have a Swedish rifle cleaning kit that I'm going to use a Dremel on to make into a replica brush bottle. These aren't, strictly speaking, original, but they're very close, and good enough for me.

Best,
Trog

[Troglodyte]

Incidentally, a big reason my CES want list is so light is Nigel Greenaway, "Nigel" in the forums. He was able to find a number of otherwise impossible to source items, most importantly a correct scope tin in near mint condition. Having the right ancillary parts helps a lot in enjoying this fine rifle.

Now I need for my range to re-open!

[Troglodyte]

Finally got my workbench clear enough to properly break down the rifle, and got the small parts cleaned. Photos posted into the album linked in Post #1:

L42A1 Rifle - Album on Imgur

Notes/questions:

- The barrel band and the handguard ring both have what feels like 220 grit sandpaper carefully trimmed and inserted between the metal ring and the wood (last two photos). What is its purpose?

- The butt seems to be birch dyed to look like walnut. Why mismatch it?

- Long Branch front sight protector, wartime C broad arrow stamp.

- In the absence of the little pin that usually holds in the rear sight pin, I wasn't comfortable trying to remove the rear sight for cleaning. Suggestions?

Given the near total lack of finish wear to the parts, I'm guessing this rifle hasn't been fired much since overhaul. There was grit on the parts, but not much (any?) carbon to speak of.

If the headspace checks out, is it possible the two major flaws (mismatched bolt, and scope mount unrefinished following re-numbering) came from the rifle being in overhaul when the turn-in order came? "Bolt fits, sight fits, box it up and send it in"?

Or is there a more plausible explanation?

Anyway interested in everybody's thoughts. I'll clean the receiver and barrel today if my "day job" work goes quickly.

Best,
Trog

[Troglodyte]

Well no record of A11982 on the L42A1 list, thought a just in case search might help!

Could that serial number be for an Enforcer, or an Envoy?