A study of No.4 Mk.I "Trials" rifles: information requested!

[Roger Payne]

Hi vintage scope. I'm sorry you've waited a year & a half for a response to your question........I'm afraid I don't look at stickies very often, as a rule! Re the bracket thumb screws, I don't know the significance for sure of those bearing a broad arrow, but suspect that they may be replacements, quite possibly of post-WW2 manufacture. I have a few of them that came in a small batch of original thumb screws from an old gunsmith some years ago.

[tsgu231]

This is one of the Model C trials rifles prepared in 1935. Notice the sling swivel loop on the trigger guard, aluminum buttplate and relief cut for the rear sight to the standard No4 depth to allow the use of the backsight plunger, rather than the detent ball found on other trials rifles.

Pity about the Central sight base screw hole through the butt socket.

Hi. Not much written about the C Pattern rifles. Was it part of the ‘pattern’ then to have a sling swivel on the trigger guard?

Kind regards.

David

[tsgu231]

In fact, this might be right place to ask for direction towards any reliable photos of a C Pattern rifles. I have all the usual reference books but unless I can’t see it for looking, I can’t find a picture of a C Pattern No4 Mk1 in any of them. I’ve watched the Forgotten Weapons YouTube video on them, but that’s all.
Can anyone help?
Thanks.

[waco16]

Found these images in my files
Spread over 2 messages

[waco16]

Second Set of Images

[tsgu231]

Second Set of Images

Absolutely fabulous. Thank you.

[tsgu231]

Second Set of Images

It’s mint too. Looks all original. Is that a recess in the wrist of the wood for an SMLE safety catch?

Thanks again for your help.

[Surpmil]

Hi. Not much written about the C Pattern rifles. Was it part of the ‘pattern’ then to have a sling swivel on the trigger guard?

Kind regards.

David

That is my understanding yes. I believe IDS mentioned that feature in The British Service Lee, and all examples I can recall had at least the lugs on the guard for the swivel.

[tsgu231]

1. Serial No: A1021 with ‘C’ stamped above it
2. Date: 1931, last digit not separately struck
3. Status: No4 Mk1
8. Trials/inspectors marked components throughout, including the correct magazine.
9. Trials woodwork. Matching (original) numbers to the bolt body (with steel batch number) and action. Barrel also appears to be original with trials inspectors’ marks to the knoxform. Sadly, no aluminium butt plate. Sling swivel bracket mounted on the trigger-guard. Opposing crow’s feet ‘sold out of service’ stamp and ‘Regulated by Fulton’ stamp.

I hope this adds to the record.

[Marksman]

The Devizes Gunsmith has just sold C A0496. See Service and Sniper Rifles for Sale - Devizes Gunsmith