Savage No. 4 Mk I* shooter?

[mikld]

I recently "re-discovered" a Savage No. 4 Mk I* in my closet that I had purchased in the mid '80s. Can't remember why I put it away. I hadn't shot it so I guess I got distracted and went on to other guns. I was told that an inverted U with an arrow in it as a South African property mark and uncommon. The receiver is also stamped "US Property". I'm not interested in a collector's gun, just want a shooter. So, does my No. 4 Mk I* have any collector's value, and if so I'd swap for a shooter or sell...

Information

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[mikld]

Hmmm. Not trying to sell/get rid of anything, just seeking info...

[harry mac]

I don't think this combination of markings is particularly rare, or that it gives any increased value to the rifle. I'd just shoot it.

[mikld]

Thanks Harry. I found a box of ammo at the box store and have a "Field" grade coin type headspace gauge coming, so I'm gonna shoot it...

[Patrick Chadwick]

The metal surfaces in the photos, especially in the 3rd photo*, look as if the whole system has been bead-blasted, which suggests that the rifle may have had surface rust. Remove the woodwork and take a good look below the "waterline" to discover possible traces of rust and/or the original finish. If my interpretation is correct, you can totally forget any collector value. So what! It's a rifle, not a piece of porcelain for a display cabinet. Go out and shoot it!

*Note the stippled surface, even inside the stamped markings (especially the figure 4).

[Mikesm44]

They usually shoot well. You can do a lot of things with a good No4.

[WarPig1976]

Is that a crack in the receiver in picture 3 under No4 stamping??
I does kinda have a bead blast look to it doesn't it....

[bob4wd]

The metal surfaces in the photos, especially in the 3rd photo*, look as if the whole system has been bead-blasted, which suggests that the rifle may have had surface rust. Remove the woodwork and take a good look below the "waterline" to discover possible traces of rust and/or the original finish. If my interpretation is correct, you can totally forget any collector value. So what! It's a rifle, not a piece of porcelain for a display cabinet. Go out and shoot it!

*Note the stippled surface, even inside the stamped markings (especially the figure 4).

I'm always trying to learn more about original finishes vs. refinished examples, (all gun types ), so have a question. I agree that it's been bead blasted, but there doesn't appear to be any sign of it in the serial number, inverted "U", or the flaming bomb. Does that mean it was blasted prior to acceptance, and if so does that make it a normal manufacturing process therefore correct?

[Brian Dick]

Original Savage Mk.1 and Mk.1* bodies were sand blasted before being blued with Dulite. Barrels and other small parts had a light polish.

---------- Post added at 12:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:29 PM ----------

I had 50 or so of the Savage No.4's imported by Interarms from South Africa in the early 90's. I still have one Mk.1 with it's original 6 groove barrel and original parts in my own collection. Many were original rifles. Some were in new condition sans handling marks in the woodwork. A few had been through FTR in South Africa with new South African barrels installed. I'd say all of these rifles are very collectable and certainly shootable too. Shoot, enjoy and maintain it. It'll last a lifetime and never lose value.

[mikld]

Not an Enfield expert but from what I can tell/observe, the finish is a pre-blue blast, as Mr. Dick described (thanks for the excellent advice!). Some areas weren't blasted as original bluing remains under the wood and on the barrel. That isn't a crack on the receiver side, just a scratch.

Thanks for all the replies. Not a newcomer to firearms, but this my first/only Enfield, No. 4 Mk I*...