Savage No4 Mk1* 1942 - can't ID some markings

[XLesky]

Hi guys,

I've had this Savage Mk1* for a few years now, two-groove barrel and it shoots reasonably well. Non-matching magazine, but the rest seems correct. Looks like someone fitted a scope at some point, as indicated by the shaved back wood part of the stock near to the safety.

There are a few markings I'm unsure of, on the safety and bolthead (pictured) especially. I have Ian Skennerton's Buyers Guide for the Lee-Enfield, and it doesn't show this symbol.




I imagine the B on the stock is a BSA inspection mark? There are B marks on the rear sight also. 66

Unsure what the other two marks there are also.


If someone could let me know what these marking are, it would be appreciated.

Thanks

Information

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[Maxwell Smart]

It has been taken onto the books in New Zealand during WW2. (the NZ and rack number stamped)

The "B" on Savage made rifle bodies is quite common; I do not believe that it has much to do with BSA. The "B" on the rearsight could indicate BSA though.

The shaving of wood from the rear of the fore-end is to fit the mounting plate of competition target sights - adjustable iron sights rather than a scope.

The bolthead marks seem to be the Savage "square S" and proof/acceptance marks.

[JerryEAL]

The B is actually an LB for Longbranch. The C/|\ is a Canadian Government ownership stamp. Search "Longbranch No4 Mk1* ".

[XLesky]

It has been taken onto the books in New Zealand during WW2. (the NZ and rack number stamped)

The "B" on Savage made rifle bodies is quite common; I do not believe that it has much to do with BSA. The "B" on the rearsight could indicate BSA though.

The shaving of wood from the rear of the fore-end is to fit the mounting plate of competition target sights - adjustable iron sights rather than a scope.

The bolthead marks seem to be the Savage "square S" and proof/acceptance marks.

Thanks, I figured based on the NZ marks that it went to them at some point. Also, the two different serials are on both the bolt and socket, so I take it that the serial was changed in NZ ownership?

Does anyone have pictures of that type of competition sights? Haven't found anything with that type mount via Google.

The B is actually an LB for Longbranch. The C/|\ is a Canadian Government ownership stamp. Search "Longbranch No4 Mk1* ".

So that's the mark that looks like a box with a tail on it?

There seems to be a D or something there closer to the bolt body, does it mean anything?

[rgg_7]

Looks like the stock was shaved for a Central/Centrol sight base. Ron(Canada)

[Maxwell Smart]

For the competition sight, try googling "Central sights"

The NZ rack number is stamped in addition to the original serial number.

[XLesky]

Looks like the stock was shaved for a Central/Centrol sight base. Ron(Canada)

For the competition sight, try googling "Central sights"

The NZ rack number is stamped in addition to the original serial number.

Thanks for the info. So the sight would have been something like this?


Thank you to all who commented. This is my first LE, still trying to work out these darned charger clips (top round keeps rimming-over!). I'd love a Lithgow as I'm not far from there, but haven't seen any in shops lately that would make good shooters.

I watched Riflechair's sighting in video the other day, and am looking forward to making some time to scientifically sight the rifle in.

[Maxwell Smart]

Your photo shows well how the stock is shaved to clear the side-plate mounting for the Central sight.

Keep persevering with the chargers - are you loading your chargers military style or opting for the simpler civilian way? Either way, successful technique needs plenty of practice; there is also some you-tube viewing for charger-loading as well.

[XLesky]

Your photo shows well how the stock is shaved to clear the side-plate mounting for the Central sight.

Keep persevering with the chargers - are you loading your chargers military style or opting for the simpler civilian way? Either way, successful technique needs plenty of practice; there is also some you-tube viewing for charger-loading as well.

Thank you. I load DUDUD (Down-Up-Down-Up-Down), but have loaded 'staircase' before just so that I can have a go at rapid fire experience. Haven't found any YouTube videos that give me any more clues as to what my technique is doing to affect the last round, any suggestions?

[Maxwell Smart]

Thank you. I load DUDUD (Down-Up-Down-Up-Down), but have loaded 'staircase' before just so that I can have a go at rapid fire experience. Haven't found any YouTube videos that give me any more clues as to what my technique is doing to affect the last round, any suggestions?

Keep your thumb as close to the charger as you can when you strip the rounds into the magazine. As the last round is about to come out of the charger, sweep your thumb forwards - this will drag the last round forwards a little and help its rim get in front of the second last one. I've only found 1 video which mentions this, but it works for me.