Parker Hale sporter?

[TCS-5]

OK, I bought the sporterized, 2 groove, No4 Mk1. Got it for $75!

I'm wondering if this was sporterized by Parker Hale?
Barrel has been cut to 22". It has a Parker Hale front sight. Fore stock has been professionally shortened and all wood was "varnished" with something very smooth and shiny. At one time it must have looked real nice.

Now it don't look so good. The fore stock is cracked in two places. The butt looks like it was repaired by an armorer. Receiver has FTR B stamp. The front blade looks like it was drifted with a 10 lb sledge (right side of sight and barrel dented).

On the good side; bore actually looks pretty good, receiver-barrel-bolt have matching S/N. Other than the beating the sight got, everything else looks unmolested. No knackerd screws, file marks or signs of bubba teething on it.

So I attached a bunch of photos so you guys can decipher all the marks. I can figure out some but not all.

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.

[TCS-5]

Where the FTR and No4 Mk1 are stamped looks like there was something on there before that they tried to scrub off.

[browningautorifle]

This rifle appears to have been a T model at one point. Strange the pad location is present for the front pad but not the rear one...that I can see. It's been sporterized as Parker Hale did them, they did several grades and this is the lowest grade. Simply a truck gun. The two groove barrel isn't that unusual, the heel repair and wrist repair and normal. I wonder if the number for the T was stamped into the wrist and was removed so there's a patch? Others will be along to help with all the small marks.

[Roger Payne]

I can see the two marks that look like they might be blanked off old screw holes, but I think they're some sort of markings stamped in rather than covered holes.

[TCS-5]

On the right side of the wrist(?) under bolt handle there's this stamp: chevron over crown over an E on it's back over 6T

[browningautorifle]

I think they're some sort of markings stamped in rather than covered holes.

Look at your T Roger, that's the machined depression the pad goes in.

[TCS-5]

Roger,
Those are stamps. The upper left one looks like a circle with a B over 10. The lower right one I can make out a 2. Just above the B over 10 on the bit of angle is another circle with a 28 or 29 in it, can't see a letter over the number but there's a space for one.

I see no signs of plugged holes. Looking very close with bright lights and magnifying glass.

[browningautorifle]

Just look at the pics...where the FTR is located. Easy to see...

[vintage hunter]

that's the machined depression the pad goes in.

Jim, that depression is found on all? Brit and U.S. made No.4's. Part of the manufacturing process I reckon. The milled ''window' the pad fit into would be very distinct with the pad removed if this were a T. It's pretty hard to see otherwise but you can just make out part of it around the bottom of the pad on this rifle. And it's obvious the screw holes should be inline, not diagonal.

[TCS-5]

Jim, that depression is found on all? Brit and U.S. made No.4's.

Ah yes, that depression. Yep, they all have 'em. I was looking for some other indication.

The milled ''window' the pad fit into would be very distinct with the pad removed if this were a T. Plus, the screw holes would be inline not diagonal.

And I keep telling ya, those ain't plugged holes. They are some kind of acceptance stamp, and there are three of 'em. They look like they were on there before the FTR.
I can see how they might look like a stud ground flush with the receiver so here are some real close ups.
Scotch Brite helps too!

Clearly a 2 but can't make out rest.


'B' over the number 10.


29


No signs of plugged holes on the inside. Here's a shot inside the ejector port/mag well.


---------- Post added at 11:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:00 PM ----------

Ok, now what armory was 'B' that FTR'd this rifle?