Savage No. 4 Mk I (T)

[Tom Jackson]

Seaforth72/RobD:

I neglected to post the picture of the S51 H&H conversion mark on the butt. The bolt is stamped with the full OC3695 serial number - it was hard to show the full number in the photo. The forearm also is stamped with the OC3695 serial. All the components including the magazine are properly "S" marked. I found the re-numbered scope can interesting. It adds confirmation that the original scope remained with the rifle. The can contains a 1961 dated bag of desiccant and the cleaning cloth although the adjustment tool is missing. I am not surprised that the original can was replaced between 1942 and 1961.

I have no idea what the purpose of the two screws in the back-sight are for -I assume some sort of repair. I thought someone on the board might have an answer.

[SpikeDD]

Very nice looking set! Thanks for sharing.

[Peter Laidler]

The only thing that ever goes wrong with the backsight slide is that it comes loose on the leaf or the adjusting screw nut is loose in the slide.

Maybe someones used those screws to hold down a small plate with a smaller aperture

[Tom Jackson]

Looking closely at the sight - the screws don't seem to serve any purpose. I suspect that the intent was to allow a smaller aperture to be fitted.

[Surpmil]

Looks highly original, and therefore rare. But does raise some interesting questions about when these Savage rifles were converted, and of course why so many seem to have remained without scopes fitted. Could be nothing more than a desire not to use US made rifles unless it was essential to meet deliveries. The sort of thing that happens sometimes, though not "officially".

Interesting that the pad screws are not staked despite apparently being in UK service until the 60s. Only done on overhauled rifles?

Nothing uncommon about the swapped cases from what one sees. Maybe a change to the canvas case and then a change back again when those were discarded?

The bracket looks better finished than most Dalgleish examples, so perhaps an early example as well?

Very nicely presented, and assembled!

You've had the chest markings translated?

[Peter Laidler]

Technical Stores Sub Depot at Weedon. That was the old term for what we now call ' Ordnance Loan Stores' or TMP, 'Training Materials Park' type equipment. Next question?

[Tom Jackson]

Thank you. I did not have a clue what the markings meant.

[Lee Enfield]

Look at the barrel again. I think you'll find it's a six groove, not four. That's only if it retains it's original Savage barrel. It may have a five groove British replacement. I've seen a few of the H&H converted Savage Mk.1* rifles that had British five groove barrels. I'd guess they were originally supplied with two groove barrels which were changed at H&H during the conversion process. You won't find the "TR" on the left side of the butt socket because that marking was specific to rifles selected at BSA for above average accuracy.

I have a sporterized No4 rifle 4 groove Savage "bomb" marked barrel so there is some potential for them to be out there...

My Savage MkI T has a 1945 dated British 5 groove barrel
My 1942 Savage MkI*T has it's original Savage 2 groove barrel

[Brian Dick]

That's very interesting LE. I've had a hundred or more and have never seen a four groover. Never say never with Lees I reckon.