magazine cutoff

[oldhound]

I have a No4 Mk1 , ROF enfield that has a magazine cut off. On the left side of the stock socket it has a 41 which I believe to be the year, slightly under that is an A, and below that is the serial No. 20***. I have always wondered why it would have a magazine cutoff in 41. Would any of you have a similar type rifle, and is this common.

Information

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[Surpmil]

Sounds like the kind of rifle someone here missed at a show recently: a No4 built on an RSAF(E) made No1 MkVI/No4 MkI trials rifle receiver/body.

I'm sure we'd all like to see photo of such a rare bird. Yours would be the first I've heard of that actually had a cut-off fitted.

Is the grip of the cut off rolled over or joined into a solid loop as on a No1 MkIII?

[Terry Hawker]

oldhound,

For photos of the two types of cut-offs Surpmil describes, as well as the correct cut-off original to No. 4 rifles, see the Technical Articles / Research for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders section of the Milsurp Knowledge Libraries for the article that is titled, "No.4 Mk I (T), ex Trials Rifle - Cut-off - Off or On?"

(I bet Badger will make things easier for us all by inserting the link to the article.)

Regards,

Terry

[Brit plumber]

Talking of cut offs, does anybody need a No1 Mk5 cut off, the type without the hole? I know where there is one for sale.

[Badger]

(I bet Badger will make things easier for us all by inserting the link to the article.)

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Terry Hawker, check the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here).

No. 4 Mk I (T), ex-Trials Rifle - Cut-off - Off or On? (click here)

This interesting article is accompanied by an extensive photo montage detailing the use and descriptions of the various of magazine cut-offs on Enfield Rifles.

Article Extract .....

Still reluctantly struggling with the concept of letting the "Other Ranks" have the option of firing a second shot at their own discretion, cut-offs were introduced by the War Department upon the demise of the Martini-Henry, then retained in one form or another for over half a century.

A MLM Mk II Skeleton Action illustrates how the cut-off was initially configured to employ the rifle as a single loader until the situation required the use of the magazine held in reserve.

(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Badger

[oldhound]

I would like to thank for the info and pictures. The cut-off is the same as the one in the picture on the right, with the groves on the top. I will get some pictures up Surpmil, will have to get my daughter to help me and she is away at school right now for a few weeks.

[Surpmil]

Here are "oldhound"'s photos.

[Brit plumber]

I notice the battle sights also been cut off!

[jmoore]

It looks like a VERY early Fazakerley, perhaps it used a left over Enfield No4 body, but I really don't think so. Too many differences in machining, etc. that wouldn't be logical as one would think that the cutoff slot and screw hole would have been done fairly late in its "sculpting". Its worthy of some serious investigation!

The cutoff is a "solid" loop type. Looks like regular old SMLE variant.

The MkI sight w/ the battle peep removed sure smells of No4(T).

Very interesting rifle. Thanks, oldhound and Surpmil! More pictures would be extra super!

[Thunderbox]

Looks more like bubba to me....

BSA rearsight looks like its had the battle sight cut off and then cold-blued.

SMLE cut-off, so not a Trials original.

Ishy screw in the forend.

Best thing would be to post some photos of the cut-off screw (ie the underside of the receiver) and slot. I'd suspect its a recent addition....