Another Old Newb With Questions

[Roger Payne]

Thank you for your research Alan & for jogging my memory! My impression was the words 'peddled scheme' apply specifically to WW1 arrangements with SSA/NRF, & the 'dispersal' system (in some ways) bore some similarities in WW2.

Many of the little companies that were involved in making smaller components such as barrel bands & similar bits & pieces were independent sub contractors, I seem to recall. BSA was a large concern but had four primary manufacturing facilities, none of them being too far from where I now live, & three of the four being only a matter of a few miles. This is why BSA Shirley made No4's bear M47/C as the Shirley plant was regarded as the third of the four sites. The original plant in Small Heath was allocated M47/A, & this marking can be seen on component parts made during & for some time after WW2. There were another two plants; one in Redditch & one in or near Nottingham (can't remember the precise location off the top of my head), which were M47/B & M47/D.

I think it's all in The LES for those that have a copy..........

This has reminded me that I have some BSA inter-war & early WW2 SMLE barrelled actions to rebuild (& a couple of dispersal rifles)........& what better time to do it than the present? (Or at least, make a start).