A No.4 T for 20 bucks

[jonh172]

Found this stripped barreled action in a pile of rusty shotgun and 22 barrels today.

The muzzle end was sticking out showing the bayonet lugs so I reached in to grab it as I was in need of a barrel, I was happy to see it was attached to a receiver.

I literally took a triple take when I saw the squares where the old pads sat and thought it couldn't be....

Well it is! 1943 BSA no.4 T with full length shiny barrel!

The owner said 20 bucks and I didn't argue.

I did tell him what it was and The price was still 20 bucks.

I have a mount and mk1 scope so this one will be getting rebuilt over the next few months/years.

Hard to see but above the TR on the wrist is the serial which looks electro pencilled and matches the barrel.

Information

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[bigduke6]

Although I've stopped buying bits or long term projects, I'd doubt I would pass on that...... nice find.

[Roger Payne]

I wouldn't either! It is also a little more interesting than average (well, if you're an anorak like me) in that it has the smaller than the norm receiver side wall 'T'. I have owned or seen several rifles like this & still have one in my collection. I have no doubts whatsoever that they are correct, & I have only ever seen this phenomenon on BSA 1943 rifles.

[jonh172]

I wouldn't either! It is also a little more interesting than average (well, if you're an anorak like me) in that it has the smaller than the norm receiver side wall 'T'. I have owned or seen several rifles like this & still have one in my collection. I have no doubts whatsoever that they are correct, & I have only ever seen this phenomenon on BSA 1943 rifles.

Very interesting thanks Roger!
Now I need a set of good pads.

[Surpmil]

I wouldn't either! It is also a little more interesting than average (well, if you're an anorak like me) in that it has the smaller than the norm receiver side wall 'T'. I have owned or seen several rifles like this & still have one in my collection. I have no doubts whatsoever that they are correct, & I have only ever seen this phenomenon on BSA 1943 rifles.

So was it one enterprising armourer who was stamping them or were they in fact converted at BSA as the records state, and they were using a smaller "T"?

[Peter Laidler]

As a matter of interest, those 'T's, 'S's and inspectors stamps only had a short life on the bench. Don't forget that they are wearing out during each and every hit! I found quite a few T stamps in fair to worn out condition when I sat at the examiners bench....... I suspect these small T's were used for the period until they too were worn out and then replaced and so on and on and on

[jonh172]

As a matter of interest, those 'T's, 'S's and inspectors stamps only had a short life on the bench. Don't forget that they are wearing out during each and every hit! I found quite a few T stamps in fair to worn out condition when I sat at the examiners bench....... I suspect these small T's were used for the period until they too were worn out and then replaced and so on and on and on

Once I find a set of pads (and time) I'll be putting your articles to good use Peter!

[Peter Laidler]

If you want pads that are reputedly as good as they get, get on to Fultons of Bisley. To be honest, if I was sitting on a potential £2000 worth of rifle I'd be cracking on with it now! Get a bracket from Roger Payne, borrow a telescope to collimate the lot together........

[jonh172]

If you want pads that are reputedly as good as they get, get on to Fultons of Bisley. To be honest, if I was sitting on a potential £2000 worth of rifle I'd be cracking on with it now! Get a bracket from Roger Payne, borrow a telescope to collimate the lot together........

Yes I want the best I can buy for sure. No way I'm messing around with repro.

I currently have a Dalglish bracket that someone "lightened" but is still solid, and that no.32mk1 with serials removed that I intend to use. Unless anyone can suggest otherwise, that'll be the setup.

[Roger Payne]

Unless you already have a set or know of a magician of a machinist, I'd strongly suggest you buy a set of body pads (bases) from Fultons of Bisley here in the UK. I don't know for sure the current price, other than it will not be cheap, but they are superb. As well as being well made, they also 'look' right.

Yes, I guess there was a small T (or maybe a few of them) in the H&H workshop during the latter part of 1943! It doesn't seem to be until that year that the side wall T's were consistently applied (earlier rifles were commonly though by no means always retro-stamped) so perhaps the small T was the first issue, soon giving way to the 'normal' sized one?? Just speculation, of course........

ATB.

Added later: sorry, just saw Peter had already mentioned about Fultons' pads!