I've had '37, '38 and '39 rifles. These are evidently normal "full spec" military rifles with a full date stamp and no indication of any date alteration. All "L" prefix. They are the inter-war MkIII pattern with cut-off, simplified rearsight cap, narrow piling swivel, brass butt disk and no volley sights.



Currently I have an all-matching original condition '38. L32xxx number range. The cipher and date are all as per normal - no overstamping. However this rifle does display two odd features:

1. the number on the bolt omits the "L" prefix (its evidently the original bolt - same font, etc);

2. the bolt and barrel both bear the BSA stacked rifles logo as seen on commercial rifles. This of course is normal on the later Dispersals, but in this case may indicate that the military spec was relaxed to include commercial parts even in the late 1930s.



The 1940 rifles I've had have been what i call "transition" types - mostly prewar military in build standard, but with the two digit "40" date overstamp and BSA commercial marks on bolt/barrel. These have been "L" prefix as well.

The 1941s and later are all Dispersal pattern with typical mixed features* and L/M/N prefixes.



I've also had about a dozen "Bahrain" rifles, and two or three "Tigers". I've not noticed that any of these were made from recycled parts, unless this was from unused raw action forgings. Both contracts appear to be top BSA quality - fit, finish, chamber & bore dimensions, etc.



*My '42 Dispersal has all-beech furniture, a No4 butt - and a four groove barrel!