1944 FTR'd, but when was it first built? No cut-off...Original maker?Tx

[Garandrew]

Recycled receiver is what the seller told me..Were Dispersals built from old receivers too?

[jmoore]

All sorts of things went on to get usable rifles. The FTR mark below the RH butt socket markings is a bit odd to me, both in location and in lack of dating. It also was applied after all the other marks as it is turning brown where the finish was removed. I don't disagree that older markings were removed, but why then not apply the FTR mark at the same time as the rest of the 1944 marks?

Well, it's got plenty of value for generating discussion. Shooting value? Well, I shoot all sorts of crazy stuff, but I'd draw the line here! No thanks! ZF= bad!

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

Just to confuse things a little more, when did it pass a commercial proof test? (ref. 2nd pic.)

[Garandrew]

It was proofed when it left the UK.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

Proved in the UK obviously, but I'd think an inspector might notice a big ZF.....if it was there at the time?

[Thunderbox]

Its a 1944 Dispersal, built on a scrubbed receiver.

It has then been heavily used and subsequently FTR'd. I'd guess that the "L22470" number was applied during FTR, as this number would not have been correct for a 1944 Dispersal - which were M and then N prefix.

It would have been marked ZF long after it was FTR'd - they'd not use marked parts on a rifle they were sending back as refurbished.

THe UK proof means nothing: the Proof Houses simply do the pressure test and (theoretically) look up the barrel to make sure it isn't bulged. They do not take heed of any external markings, nor do they carry out any technical inspection such as headspace or functioning.

[Garandrew]

Thunderbox, this rifle has a 1944 dated barrel..
Note I found this quote here from 2-3 years ago;


From personal observation, the rifles continued the BSA pre-war serial number letter prefixes through L,M and N from 1940-43. Receivers were MkIII (to 1941)and MkIII* from BSA stock, barrels were new made and carry Enfield inspection marks. Furniture can be Walnut or Beech, salvaged or new.
In 1944, salvaged receivers outside of the L-M-N series were built up into rifles with barrels that were also reused---in one case, a barrel from a 1941 Dispersal rifle was renumbered to match a '44 receiver.
The 1944 rifles also have an "FTR" mark at the bottom of the roll stamp marking on the buttsocket---I have not seen a '44 (8 examples) without this yet, but it is possible there are such rifles.
Here is a 1944 Dispersal Rifle------Jona's mention of a 1945 version is the second time I have heard that date---other was a noob---but I have yet to see a photo.
The barrel here dates from the 1953 FTR at BSA---so it's no help determining if the rifle was used in 1944. The reciever is also a salvage piece---the serial number of "R 639" is way too far out from the "N" or possibly "O" prefixes of 1943.
This one carries another "FTR" right under "III*"---exactly as does the one pictured in the LES, by the way.
-----krinko

[Garandrew]

Skennerton says only 60,000 B's made between 42-44, I bet 1944 is rare..I cant explain the ZF, but its part of the rifles history, it looks "new" to me....Andy

[Brit plumber]

You will probably find these ZF guns were in storage awaiting DP or salvage when they were no longer needed and were simply sold off. Had the MkIII remained in service then these ZF guns would have been DPd or parts salvaged. People ask if the butt may have been fitted to a sericable rifle, if it was, the ZF mark would have been removed, quite easily! Others ask if it was really a ZF rifle, why are all the parts so good, well, its because it is still a complete rifle and its upto the next line of maintenance to salvage parts.

There are hundreds of Mauser barrels at RAF Stafford worn beyond limits, they are just sat there, doing nothing! Parts not salvaged, they are awaiting time and a requirement for said parts,however, if we dispose of our Mausers, the barrels will be sold as scrap and not salvaged for parts. Same as ZF rifles!

[bouletbill]

I see the "ZF" butt appears to have a good splodge of jungle paint on it , but I can't see any elsewhere . The butt (looks like a No4) would have been the easiest to clean off !