+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: my 1st 303

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    jeremy2907's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Last On
    06-27-2012 @ 11:40 PM
    Location
    scottsboro al
    Posts
    3
    Local Date
    05-06-2024
    Local Time
    05:16 PM

    my 1st 303

    just bought my first 303, looking for info as to model and historical significance. end of barrel says CAI or L STALBVT. underneath that 303b UKicon. date says 1944 im assuming serial#E2888. on the safety,by the magazine loop and above the date it says M/47C. it has the "FTR" and i know that means factory repair. looks like on the left side of reciever P30109. any help would be greatly appreciated.
    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.

  2. # ADS
    Friends and Sponsors
    Join Date
    October 2006
    Location
    Milsurps.Com
    Posts
    All Threads
    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

  3. #2
    Contributing Member Aragorn243's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Last On
    Today @ 05:10 PM
    Location
    Pennsylvania, United States
    Posts
    7,034
    Real Name
    Steve
    Local Date
    05-06-2024
    Local Time
    06:16 PM
    Without photos, a lot of information can't be determined.

    However, the first series of data on the end of the barrel is the import stamp.

    From the date, it is most likely a No 4 of some sort, the M/47c is the manufacturer code BSA Shirley

  4. Thank You to Aragorn243 For This Useful Post:


  5. Avoid Ads - Become a Contributing Member - Click HERE
  6. #3
    Moderator
    (Milsurp Forums)


    Amatikulu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last On
    12-30-2023 @ 05:23 PM
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1,282
    Local Date
    05-06-2024
    Local Time
    05:16 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by jeremy2907 View Post
    just bought my first 303, looking for info as to model and historical significance. end of barrel says CAI or L STALBVT. underneath that 303b UK. date says 1944 im assuming serial#E2888. on the safety,by the magazine loop and above the date it says M/47C. it has the "FTR" and i know that means factory repair. looks like on the left side of reciever P30109. any help would be greatly appreciated.
    CAI is Century Arms International, STALBVT is Saint Albans Vermont, the adress used by the importer, Century Arms. The 303b indicated .303 British, the caliber and the UK indicates United Kingdomicon as the country it was imported from.
    I'm assuming the date 1944 is stamped on the left hand side butt socket. If so, that would be the date of manufacture. If the number E2888 is also on the left side buttsocket, below the date, that would be the serial number.
    M47/C is the war time code for BSA - Shirley and based on the places you mention this is marked, it would indicate the rifle was made there.
    FTR indicates "Factory Thorough Repair" - basically a complete rebuild to specs.

    The rifle is almost certainly a No.4 mark 1, made in 1944 by BSA. However, the two serial numbers you mention are a bit confusing and pictures of them showing their position would help to answer your question and confirm my assumptions.

  7. #4
    FREE MEMBER
    NO Posting or PM's Allowed
    jeremy2907's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Last On
    06-27-2012 @ 11:40 PM
    Location
    scottsboro al
    Posts
    3
    Local Date
    05-06-2024
    Local Time
    05:16 PM
    Thread Starter
    this isnt the best photo, but the F30109 is just to the left of the screw on the side of the reciever. the other serial number is on the butt socket along with the date. i really do appreciate the help for you guys.

  8. #5
    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Last On
    Today @ 06:00 PM
    Location
    Victoria BC
    Posts
    29,961
    Real Name
    Jim
    Local Date
    05-06-2024
    Local Time
    03:16 PM
    You need a few more pics and much closer. No phones allowed...
    Regards, Jim

+ Reply to Thread

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts