Help with ID on Mk. 4

[jem102]

Many years ago I bought this rifle for $90.00. I fired it with commercial ammo with no problems but noticed the shoulder profile on the case had changed considerably looking almost like an "improved version" of the .303. I know little of this rifle type although I am an accomplished shooter and reloader and stopped shooting it with the intentions of finding out why the shoulder change but never got around to it till now some 15 years later. I would value your opinions as to what I have here and is it safe to fire.

Right side muzzle marked as follows:

CAI (or an l, or a 1) ST. A. VI. (or an l, or a 1)
303B UK

Left side receiver marked as follows:

FTR 1954 No. 4 Mk 1 / ' 2

The steel band around the grip is marked 1954 as well with an arrow pointing down just above the date.

There are several markings on the stock as well:

An underlined HTC or 4TC can't tell.

1954

An 80 (split by an arrow shaft) GE as best I can tell.

A W over a 6 or a 9 over an M depending on muzzle up or but up.

A 38 (split by an arrow shaft) G5 as best I can tell.

The receiver, bolt and stock serial numbers all match.

Any information will be greatly apppreciated.

John

Information

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[No4Mk1(T)]

Is the rifle full wood?
Your "improved version" 303 may well be just that. In Canada we call it the 303 Epps after a well known Gunsmith and sporting goods store owner in Ontario.
Can you post a photo of a fired case next to an unfired one?

CAI (or an l, or a 1) ST. A. VI. (or an l, or a 1)
303B UK

Century Arms International the importer and the caliber 303Brit.

Left side receiver marked as follows:
FTR 1954 No. 4 Mk 1 / ' 2

The rifle went through a Factory Thorough Repair at Fazakerly in 1954 when it was upgraded to Mk2 trigger

There are several markings on the stock as well:
An underlined HTC or 4TC can't tell.
1954
An 80 (split by an arrow shaft) GE as best I can tell.
A W over a 6 or a 9 over an M depending on muzzle up or but up.
A 38 (split by an arrow shaft) G5 as best I can tell.

Sounds like post war inspection stamps but photos would be helpful.

[jem102]

Thank you for the quick reply! I will see if I have a fired case around somewhere and get pics of it and the markings.

Appreciated,
John

[Smead]

Sounds like you mean that your fired case is stretched, as demonstrated by a smaller outside diameter near the rim...if so, this indicates excessive headspace...which should be between .064-.074".

Though some have said that American commercial .303 ammo cases are a bit inferior and will show more stretch than the Mk VII ammo. Prvi Partisan cases are said to be superior and are great for reloading.

I'd have the headspace checked; if it's OK, I'd try some of the 174 grain Prvi FMJ and see if the issue improves.

Information in general here:

http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/main.htm

Headspace:

http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/ti3.htm