No4 MK II (F) ?

[magyars]

New to the forum. I recently picked up a SMLE marked as in the title. It has a 20 inch barrel....is this a Calvary model?
Thanks in advance.

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[Robert303]

I think the forum will need photographs to be able to say anything. However you cannot have a SMLE No 4 Mk II you can have one or the other. They are different rifles. The SMLE is listed as Rifle No 1 Mark III or III*

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

It's not a cavalry rifle. It's a No4 MkII manufactured at Fazakerly which has had the barrel cut short to make a hunting rifle.

[Maxwell Smart]

I don't think "No 4 Mk II" is correct either; shouldn't it be only "No 4 Mk 2", because of the change away from Roman numerals in the designation markings by that time?

[magyars]

OK here we go, No4 Mk2 (F)
7/49 PF 123,8XX

[MVolkJ]

Interesting. It's definitely been shortened by a later civilian owner (not a military mod), but it seems they did a very nice job of it.

[stevebc]

A so-called "tanker" model. (Can you imagine having one of these,even as short as they are, in a tank?) A fellow in Canada has been making some of these, from previously shortened barrels. Very nice work indeed.

[Beerhunter]

A so-called "tanker" model.

They can't even get the name right. In the British Army we say "tankie" not "tanker".

[magyars]

Thanks Fella's...it does shoot surprisingly well and I am going to have to add another caliber to my reloading....any advice on loads?

[Robert303]

I used Reloader 15 with a Sellier and Bellot 189 grn bullet. Started at 39grns and worked up. Now using VIT 140. Again starting at 39 grns. Usual caveats apply. What is safe in my rifle may not be in yours. You may see loads using pistol powders. These are NOT rcommended.