How did I do and a little help (first LE)

[OJ121]

Well ive just impulse bought myself my first LE. Once it was in my hands it was pretty impossible not to leave with it. Ive post a few pics to help (if they work) and have a few questions about the rifle I hope can be answered in one place rather than searching through damn confusing different models and varients.

Its a No.4 Mk 1/2 10/49 and PF23 serial number from Fazakerly.

The barrel band has an F53 on it and its stamped BNP in a few places with a nice set on markings on the bolt head. Pic too big to upload but its crossed rifles and other markings in the spaces too small to read without natural light.

It also has the old engraving that has been rubbed of the No.4 mk 1 ROF that is now barely visable but it has no FTR markings.

It has the brass butt plate rather than the steel.

It also has the screw/winder ladder sights with H 100 25 on one side and 50 on the other. No other distance markings. This confused me a bit as id never seen sights marked like that (although ive not seen many Enfields) I took a pic but its too large to upload apparently.

Anyone feel like starting a newbie off on some info about his rifle? Oh I only paid £375 for it too from a store. Needs a clean through but theres no pitting of crown damage and after tweaking the mag lips a little it feeds like a dream. Absolutely any info will be much appreciated. Is it def a 1949 manufacture?

Ill add more pics as and when I can if requested.

Information

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[OJ121]

Few more.

[Peter Laidler]

You have a .22" No8 rifle backsight on your rifle! It was upgraded to Mk1/2 standard (from Mk1 spec) at Fazakerley in Liverpool in October 1949. Can't tell where it was originally made though. Looks like there has previously been an optical sight fitted by the screws in the breech ring.

To get any further info we'll need to see the left body side and butt socket

[OJ121]

Thanks for the reply. Ill get some pics up i the morning. Yes it looks like a mount was there but its going to be a regular shooter not a wall hanger so im not too worried.

Ill replace the rear sight though but which one is the original! I can find the 3 different no.4 rear sights and im useless so there must be loads!

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Nice looking rifle. Pretty good taste in litarature as well.

[Peter Laidler]

Original sight LOOKS like what you've already got but marked from 2 (200) to 13 (1300) yards. Easy to find and ten a penny

[OJ121]

Hooked, I have so many books I cant move without falling over some. Im a horder when it comes to books.

Will I need a new axis pin etc for the new sight or is it false economy to use old ones again?

[OJ121]

Few of the left side as requested. No notable markings on the rear band.

It was owned by a Met Pol licencing officer who gave up shooting recently so Id expect it would be well looked after. Everything feels relatively stiff and new but smooth as butter. Desperate to shoot it and my shopping list keeps growing. I knew I should have bought a new commercial rifle :-)

[Peter Laidler]

'Police Officer' ........ 'Well looked after' .......... Two phrases that don't sit easily together. Have you ever bought an ex Police car.......? Sorry, just my take on ironic humour.

Look at the state of the old axis pin before yopu buy a new one. If it's ridged then replace but otherwise keep it.

It looks like it has had a P-H vernier sight fitted to it in the past too from the threaded hole in the bridge

[OJ121]

Its because the cars arent theirs......haha!

Thanks for your help! I cant wait to get to the range and get shooting. Plan is to use this rifle and learn to maintain it properly and to learn about the gun then get a completely unmolested model once im proficient with the upkeep and I can shoot straight! Im very happy with my purchase though !