no4 lee enfield import marks

[olskool]

I hope you fellows can answer a question. I have a lee Enfield no4 mk2, at the muzzle by the bayonet lug it appears to have an import mark. just above it is stamped 303 B is that an import mark as well? I think it is as I have never seen any righting on the muzzle of any of my other Enfield's I have owned. thanks for the help!

[Garandy]

Many No4's in the US were/are import marked near the muzzle.

[olskool]

well what I was trying to find out is the "303 B" an import mark as well? my friend has a savage and it has the same marking except it says US 303 B did any no4 have the muzzle marked in this way "303 B" when they left the factory?

thanks mike

[Garandy]

I have seen markings applied by the importer to indicate caliber as well, so that seems entirely possible.

[Roger Payne]

I'd imagine the 303 B indicates 303 British to distinguish it from the other 303.

[Brian Dick]

There are three required import markings along with the serial number that are law in the USA since the Gun Control Act of 1968.

1. An abbreviated version of the business name, city and state of the importer.
2. The caliber, (.303 B for British in your case).
3. The country of manufacture, (not origin).

[Sunray]

"...when they left the factory?..." No. When the .303 Brit was being used, those that used it would have known the chambering.
Any of the 'BNP' marks on it? If not, it means the thing was never sold through England. Isn't good or bad.

[olskool]

thanks for the replies. I figured the 303 B was not original,,,,,,,,,,,,,