L42A1 in .303?

[tomo]

I'm a new member, age 64, Navy sub vet and I have a question. I've come across a Enfield L42A1 that LOOKS like the real thing, except it's .303. It has scope pads and is stamped "M37C" ,"TR" and 1945. It has a 25" barrel and the proper magazine for .303.Is this an attempt to make an old Enfield sniper into something else or is it a trainer? I'm as green as they come when it comes to Enfield snipers, so please be patient with my ability to converse intelligently on this subject. Thankyou for any help on this matter

TOMO

Information

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[Ridolpho]

tomo: As another relative newcomer, welcome aboard. The information available on this forum is incredible. I would strongly suggest you try to upload some photos. If you can get a picture saved on your hard-drive, attaching it to a post is amazingly easy- see the instructions elsewhere in the forum. The M37C you mention is M47C and indicates manufacture by BSA who I gather made most of the rifles converted to No.4T's.

Ridolpho

[tomo]

Thanks Ridolpho,

The rifle in question is listed on Guns International and at Cabellas in Hazzlewood, MO. It might be a No4 Mk1 with the stock cut back.

I look forward to monitoring this site... I'm sure it's a wealth of information.

I would love to get a Australian International Arms rifle in any of their versions based on the Enfield. I find them to be beautiful rifles, with the teak stocks and other changes. Their version of the L42A1 is very appealing. I've only seen one for sale in the USA and that was on Gun Auction.com. last year. I mention this because Marstar in Canada sells them. Thanks again for the reply.

TOMO

[Brian B]

Looks to me like a WWII BSA Shirley made in 1945? that has had the forewood cut down. I don't see any L42A1 markings on the receiver. You can zoom in on the pictures for a very close look.

You can see the holes in the buttstock where the cheekpiece was attached. Barrel looks to be a standard weight 303 barrel. Can't see if front sight is still there or if barrel has been cut down.

Here is a link:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Enfie...%3D0&Ntt=L42A1

Hope this helps.

Brian B

[tomo]

Thanks Brian,

Do you think it might be an original sniper?

Tomo

[Brian B]

I believe it is based on the limited pictures. I don't see a "T" mark on the receiver, but it is marked "TR" (Telescopic Rifle) on the wrist. It is definitely NOT an L42A1 but appears to be a WWII sniper rifle that has has had the cheekpiece removed and had the forearm and handguard cut down. Too bad the scope and mount aren't included.

Let's see who else weighs in.

Brian B

[Roger Payne]

Hi Tomo, & thanks for the link Brian. My two cents worth would be that the rifle certainly is original but is a 'sporterised' No4 (T) rather than a L42. The description as an L42 may simply be limited knowledge of Enfield snipers on the part of the vendors. If you zoom in on the pictures you can see the 'S' on the cut-off block, a broad arrow on the front pad etc etc. There does not seem to be a side-wall T but then neither is there a scope number on the wrist of the butt. I suspect it is one of those rifles completed but not scoped up. The butt could be a replacement of course, & I think has been sanded (admittedly a nice job has been made of it) looking at the relative heights of the woodwork at the interface with the butt socket. I would have thought that had there been a scope number on the butt there would still be some trace of it even after sanding, assuming the butt has not been swapped. The wood all matches in colour & fit & I suspect it probably is original to the rifle. If you were of a mind to, it would not be too difficult to re-stock it & find a cheekpiece so as to restore it to its former glory (also assuming the muzzle end of the barrel has not been messed about with).
Hope this helps.
ATBRP
P.S. 'R' prefix indicates very early 1945 mfr - I have owned both 1944 & 1945 dated 'R' prefix rifles in the past.
P.P.S. Welcome aboard Tomo!

[enfield303t]

Thanks Ridolpho,

The rifle in question is listed on Guns International and at Cabellas in Hazzlewood, MO. It might be a No4 Mk1 with the stock cut back.

I look forward to monitoring this site... I'm sure it's a wealth of information.

I would love to get a Australian International Arms rifle in any of their versions based on the Enfield. I find them to be beautiful rifles, with the teak stocks and other changes. Their version of the L42A1 is very appealing. I've only seen one for sale in the USA and that was on Gun Auction.com. last year. I mention this because Marstar in Canada sells them. Thanks again for the reply.

TOMO

Tomo, Marstar has sold all of their AIA rifles and now you can only find them on the used market. Most who have one keep it however a few do surface occasionally. Yes the are pretty decent and good shooters.

[tomo]

My thanks to all. I hope to continue learning on this excellent web site.

TOMO