British Enfield Sniper???

[Roger Payne]

I've seen quite a few of these over the years & I've never seen an example that didn't start life as a UK (or in one or two cases Canadian) No4T in WW2. In other words, whilst they may exist, I have never seen any which I believe were set up post-war by the Indians. There do however seem to be two distinct variations of Indian issue 4T's: those that are still in original Mk1 trim; & those which have been converted to Mk1/2. It's risky to extrapolate on just the experiences of a few people, but it seems that the unmodified Mk1 T's generally retain their original UK markings & serial numbers, but the Mk1/2 conversions have usually had their original markings linished off & are marked RFI with an early 1960's (eg 1962 or 63) date on the Right side of the butt socket, SMLE style. It would seem feasible that the trigger conversion was effected at the same time as a general refinishing of the rifle.
ATB

[bearhunter]

I have some pics and they may still be on another post here of an Indian No4 Mk1T. The rifle started out life in the UK and and was later sold to India with its Mk1 scope. It was completely FTRed as the bbl is excellent and the scope is in perfect conditon, including the lenses, which look to have been replaced and are sharp and clear.

The rifle is similar to the OP's but of course different. The finish on the stock has been sanded with coarse sand paper to cut shine and the biggie, it is marked No4 MkI/3 T. The left side of the butt is marked M47C, 1943, 5--6. It has an unusual scope bracket and it may be of Indian origin. I sold the rifle a year ago to someone that really appreciates it.

If anyone would like some pics, I seem to be computer illiterate to the point that no matter how hard I try or wherever I open an account, I don't seem to be able upload pics. Anyway, send me an email addy and I will be happy to send them to you. There are about 20 pics. I saw one other besides mine at a gunshow in Kamloops early on the first morning of the show. It wasn't on display or for sale because it had exchanged hands in the pre hours trading that goes on amongst vendors. The vendor paid $3200 cash for it. He was going to take it to a northern Alberta show an put it up for sale where he felt he could make a quick $500 - $1000 profit on it. I wished him luck but there's lots of money up there and No4Ts aren't exactly common.

I wouldn't mind seeing some examples of the No4 Ts from other nations. Just to see how they're marked. Norway, Denmark, France, Italy, Turkey to name a few would be nice.

[RJW NZ]

yeah, yeah, yeah, pictures, quickly ...
sounds like you did a fine thing there, good spotting and a good deal, no, a great deal ...

[PrinzEugen]

I have some pics and they may still be on another post here of an Indian No4 Mk1T. The rifle started out life in the UK and and was later sold to India with its Mk1 scope.

Here is the link to the thead containing bearhunter's former Indian 4t!

Sniper rifles of India

[Roger Payne]

Thanks Prinz Eugen. I looked at the photo's & suspect my line that the Indian Mk1 T's generally retain their original markings but the Mk1/2's don't may still hold true: If you look at Bearhunter's rifle, it appears still to be a Mk1 -- look at the back of the forend. I can't read the receiver sidewall Mk1/2 marking clearly, but if it is indeed that it would seem to be incorrectly stamped, or maybe Uri Geller fitted the forend to it!

ATB

[bearhunter]

It doesn't show in my pics, but I seem to remember the forestock was serial numbered to the receiver. enfield303t would be able to check that out. I should have taken more pics.