Need Help to Identify Enfield No.4 Safety Type

[Brightonknight]

Hi,

I am restoring a 1943 Savage No.4 Mk1* to a original type condition.

This safety mechanism was on it, yet I can't seem to cross reference it. It is shape more like a No.1 MkIII and has "III" on it. It is built like a No.4 safety mechanism. The text I have doesn't address this safety and I can't find any photos of it.

It is built to use the No.4 MkI safety spring, shown with it.

I would like to know if this is a replacement or aftermarket replacement.

Thanks, James

Attachment 73357

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[SpikeDD]

The spring is from a No.4 but that safety lever is usually found on No.1 rifles as some sort of replacement. there was a thread a while back on these but I can't remember if there was a definitive answer as to it's origins...Found the thread.

https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=51941

[Brightonknight]

Attachment 73371Thanks for the information on the previous thread.

After reading that and looking around, the critter seems to resemble the second variation of locking bolt in Stratton's text on No.4s. It was an attempt at a wartime cost/time saving measure and it was made solid without the safety catch on it. The text stated it was going to be used, but deemed unsafe.

I added a couple of pictures for identification, since it fit on the No.4. I replaced it with a proper safety catch made for the Savage and will destroy the part since it is a dangerous part.

Regards, James

Attachment 73372
Attachment 73371

[krinko]

I strongly advisenot destroying any wartime expedient parts for the Enfield Rifles. Like the safety lever seen on this thread, or the smooth-sided cocking piece, or the UK welded wire trigger guard, four groove barrels, six groove barrels, Mk 2 back sight---or any others.
These parts were supplied on wartime rifles and no matter their shortcomings, are a part of the history of the time---the few pieces that have survived.
I am resonably sure the MoD removed bunches of expedient parts during post-war FTRs and I'm a least partly convinced all the sub-standard parts were sent to Valhalla.

The hardest No4 to find in the USA is a wartime standard UK made rifle, like the lower rifle in this photo; with odd parts they're much harder.
By all means, change parts if you need to feel safe shooting the old girl but-----
Value what you manage to find.


-----krinko