This is a recent addition to the collection it was purchased from an auction earlier this year. It is one of only 102 produced and has some unique features including both the front and rear sights and the magazine which could accommodate either a spring loaded loading platform or a five round magazine. The magazine was numbered to the rifle when first built, however mine when it arrived has an un-numbered magazine fitted with the loading ramp installed. A good friend of mine had told me several years ago that he had a magazine for a .22 No5, something that at the time I had not really heard of, fortunately when asked he still had it, I purchased it from him without seeing it as it had the five round magazine insert. When it arrived I was amazed that it was the missing serial numbered magazine to my rifle, so it is now back to the way it left the factory. As far as I can make out the sling is contemporary to the rifle and the only thing that I don't have is the "post" foresight element which is unique to this rifle. The following text is a direct lift from Ian Skennertons "The Lee Enfield Story" something that every serious Enfield collector should own.
"Effectively a prototype or trials model which resulted in the .22 No.8 there are a number of important differences even though the action design and the configuration are somewhat similar. It was designed as a competition small bore rifle and so has special sights and more sporting style furniture.
A No.4 butt has been fitted rather than the No.5, with chequering at the wrist and the fore-end has been shortened to 18.5 inches, slightly shorter than that of the No.5.
The handguard is No.5 length, but grooved on each side as on many of the early No.4 rifles.
The trigger is mounted onto the action body rather than the trigger guard, although in a different manner to the ensuing No.8 rifle as a plate is secured behind the trigger by three screws, underneath the trigger guard.
A No.1 magazine has been converted with a new floorplate riveted inside. The No.1 magazine has a recess and catch provided for a small box magazine that is inserted from the top. However, in these trials rifles, two types of magazine inserts were available, one with a 5 round capacity and the other with a spring loaded oversize platform on top for single loading.
Although the bolt and bolt head are similar to the No.8 they are considerably longer because the barrel does not extend back into the boltway like the No.8. The bolthead has a separate 2.7 inch long firing pin along with a recessed bolt face. At 19inches, the barrel is considerably shorter than that of the No.8 .2 trainer.
Micrometer adjustment is provided on the backsight, which is graduated at 25, 50 and 100 yards and there is also a micrometer click adjustment for windage adjustment. Six aperture sizes are available in the rotating backsight. The foresight is a competition tunnel type with the facility of interchangesble elements.
Serial numbers are marked on the left side of the butt socket, prefixed by "T1" and they range between 0001 and 0102. Some of these rifles have been noted with very shallow engraving on the left side of the receiver, BSA .22 TRAINER."
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What a nice little rifle. Very cherry... I had a couple of #8 target rifles in the very far past, what great shooters. I'll bet this one's stellar too...
Congratulations on the fantastic rifle and that's great luck being able to reunite the magazine. I have T10090, but sadly only have the single shot platform insert. They're great shooting rifles!
The backsight was originally designed to be an adjustable sight for the No4(T) according to IDS, and no doubt later inspired the design of the PH4.
By look of it they would have been a very, very close fit under the scope!
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
That's a lovely little rifle, and a real bonus that you came across it's original matching numbers magazine too!
Are you able to get some more photos of the bolthead? I'm pretty sure I have a .22 no5 bolthead here spare as its slightly different when compared to my no7mk1 bolthead. Cheers.
PM
