My first Enfield - 1941 Savage No4 MkI T

[HoosierNative]

Finally picked up this set and am pretty excited. A big thanks to Brian D who was extremely generous with his time answering countless questions. Let me preface by saying that I know that it is far from original and the condition is less than average compared to the majority i have seen on this board. That being said I was pretty happy when I received it. I think it actually looks better than in the pictures. One of my biggest concerns was the barrel condition but it was just really dirty and cleaned up to be bright with no pitting. Bought some Greek HXP to shoot and just waiting on a head space gauge and then just plan to shoot it and enjoy it. Welcome any comments good or bad. Picked up a set of lens covers from Moore's leather, nice quality. Plan to pick up the scope booklet from Brian as well. I'm looking for the following items if anyone has an extra for sale. Thanks

1907 sling - used condition to match rifle wear
#32 scope key - prefer original or good repo

Lee Enfield - Jason Boulanger

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.

[Peter Laidler]

We don't know exactly what mark of scope you have but if it's a Mk1 or 2, can I just suggest that you DON'T buy a scope key. You don't need one. Armourers didn't use them, in fact we HATED people who used them with a vengeance! All the key does is encourage the ham fisted to wind up the lead screw lock nut up like it's a Boeing wheel nut! Just lock up the lead screw lock nut JUST sufficient to hold the inner graticle lead screw. That's all that is needed for the uisual civilian owner.

Then when you need to zero it, zero in (at 300 yards) by winding the drum up and down in the usual way and THEN, when you're on, just hold the nipped-up lead screw in place with a modified allen key (there's a sketch in the booklet) and slip/rotate the drum to read 3.

Look at it like this........... If the range drum of the Mk2/1 and 3 and L1A1 is nipped up with spring load pressure, why should the Mk1 or 2 drum lead screw be loaded up with anything greater?

I suppose that there might be a case for tightening the lead screw lock nuts up until they're ready to shear the threads (yes....., I have seen them stripped.....) if you were ahead of the troops advancing on Antwerp in 1944 but not on some leafy rifle range, please!

Just my 2c's worth as a bit part amateur in these matters

[Ridolpho]

HoosierNative: Looks darn nice to me! Tremendous photo collection. Can you tell us anything more about the outfit based on your research prior to buying it? It's a very early Savage- is it an H&H conversion?

Ridolpho (the envious)

[Charlie]

Social Security number vibra-penciled on the butt socket is a nice touch. Some insurers require that but should have been done somewhere under the wood line.

[HoosierNative]

We don't know exactly what mark of scope you have but if it's a Mk1 or 2, can I just suggest that you DON'T buy a scope key. You don't need one. Armourers didn't use them, in fact we HATED people who used them with a vengeance! All the key does is encourage the ham fisted to wind up the lead screw lock nut up like it's a Boeing wheel nut! Just lock up the lead screw lock nut JUST sufficient to hold the inner graticle lead screw. That's all that is needed for the uisual civilian owner.

Then when you need to zero it, zero in (at 300 yards) by winding the drum up and down in the usual way and THEN, when you're on, just hold the nipped-up lead screw in place with a modified allen key (there's a sketch in the booklet) and slip/rotate the drum to read 3.

Look at it like this........... If the range drum of the Mk2/1 and 3 and L1A1 is nipped up with spring load pressure, why should the Mk1 or 2 drum lead screw be loaded up with anything greater?

I suppose that there might be a case for tightening the lead screw lock nuts up until they're ready to shear the threads (yes....., I have seen them stripped.....) if you were ahead of the troops advancing on Antwerp in 1944 but not on some leafy rifle range, please!

Just my 2c's worth as a bit part amateur in these matters

/

gotcha on the scope key. if i can find one it will just be for showing it as an accessory that came in the package but not to use as a functional tool.

---------- Post added at 06:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:21 PM ----------

HoosierNative: Looks darn nice to me! Tremendous photo collection. Can you tell us anything more about the outfit based on your research prior to buying it? It's a very early Savage- is it an H&H conversion?

Ridolpho (the envious)

Previous owners friend is a photographer and took the pics. Not sure what you mean "the outfit based on your research prior to buying it?"

---------- Post added at 06:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:24 PM ----------

Social Security number vibra-penciled on the butt socket is a nice touch. Some insurers require that but should have been done somewhere under the wood line.

i know its a real bummer someone thought that was a good idea.

[jmoore]

We don't know exactly what mark of scope you have but if it's a Mk1

But we do! Mk.I And the tool is good for collecting purposes. For range use, not so much. (ETA: reply made whilst reply #5 being posted. Rather redundant at this point....)

A few oddities about the rifle, but that's expected. Forestock seems to be a replacement unit, but doesn't have the usual Post-WWII serial numbering added (which is in keeping with several other "Post-WWII lacking features" that one usually sees). The rear sight conversion strikes me strange but can't say it's "wrong". Pad machining seems OK, but the front screw tails being blue is odd, especially since they wouldn't likely be removed after installation.

ETA: Oh, your bayonet can be saved for a future Post-WWII No.4 rifle. Not very appropriate for this one.

[Roger Payne]

Yes, I think it's essentially ok. Like many (most?) 4T's it's been through the mill & during the process has acquired a number of replacement parts, but the barrelled action looks correct enough. I have one not too far away from it, 0C378.

ATB.

[tlvaughn]

I remember when this rifle first appeared for sale approx. 2 years ago. If I remember correctly, at the time, the seller was asking $3,000+ for the set. As you stated, the rifle is far from being all original, but there is just something about a 1941 Savage, especially when it is the 462nd rifle to come off the line at Savage!!

Very nice first Enfield!!!

[HoosierNative]

When I inquired a few months back he was asking 2750 obo and after some back and forth we agreed on 1900 shipped which I think is pretty decent.

[PrinzEugen]

What 1900 DOLLARS? - for a 1941 Savage T with an original tin, chest, bracket etc - that is a good deal Hoosiernative! That's about £1200 in Blightly - which wouldn't be far off what you could easily pay just for the tin, bracket and chest - never mind the scope and rifle itself!