Maltby FR - Who did re-finish?

[butlersrangers]

I recently picked up a No.4 Mk1 rifle built in 1943 at Maltby, I believe. Although the exterior appeared to have been part of some refurbishment efforts, I presumed it was legitimate ROF work. The serial numbers (Receiver, bolt, magazine, and forearm) match and the two groove barrel has a bore that is brilliant. I bought it for a 'shooter' and the initial Range session was very promising, with three 5-shot groups at 50 yards that averaged 1&1/2 inches and centered on the Bull's-eye. When I returned home and cleaned my rifle, I removed the fore and rear hand-guards. Although there is an "AL" stamped on the side of the knox form and "AL" appears in all serial numbers, the barrel has been painted with shellac or varnish. There are no 'U.S. - import stamps', but also due to the refinish (kind of blue/black), all proof marks and Long-Ton markings are gone. I am left wondering if the "re-finish" was done possibly in another country, like Pakistan, or if this is the work of a hobbyist ? "It is what it is" and I am not going to mess with it since I got it to shoot. But, I would like to know if forum members have seen similar 'refurbishment'?

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[Peter Laidler]

It is an ex Indian or MOST probably a Pakistan Army rifle. FR'd out there but not FTR'd. There's a subtle difference...... Painting the barrel kakhi was an acceptable form of protection and written into the official EMER's of the time.

These FR markings are very common and regularly seen on the forum