Savage T sniper question

[Lee Enfield]

How does any Savage T have the TR marking on it, if that was a selection marking applied ad BSA and Maltby?

It is very common to find early guns which had the markings "corrected" in service. Specific to this rifle, I've seen a number of FTR marked early Savage "T" rifles with similar TR markings stamped.

It's also common for collectors to "correct" the markings on guns...which is why you sometimes find real Long Branch snipers with faked BSA and H&H type markings...

[Brian Dick]

Only BSA rifles had the "TR" selection markings applied at the factory and that was only from 1943 onwards. It indicates rifles selected for exceptional accuracy as a service rifle prior to conversion at H&H. Any Savage, Fazakerley, (yes, a very few exist), Maltby or early, (pre 1943), BSA rifles that have it applied were done by Armourers later in life. The "T" on the right side of the body was applied once the rifle was completed with the fitting of the telescope, testing and final inspection prior to being sent out for issue to the units. Again, these standardized markings weren't applied prior to 1943 as far as we know.

[MJ1]

I could not get the auction link to open but your description sounds good.

1942 15C

[Cheesy411]

Here are some pics, doesn’t look like a savage barrel. Everything looks about right to me, it was FTR at some point with the evidence on the socket. Let me know your thoughts

Imgur: The magic of the Internet

[Frederick303]

The entire "corrected in service" concept seems odd to me.

Why would someone stamp the "TR" BSA selection stamp on a rifle, when it is not in the EMERs?

If so where would they get the correct sized stamps that approximate the original look, as those stamps do not appear to be identical to any other FTR stamps I know of, especially in the shape of the letters?

If they did that why would the rifle not have the correct sniper swivel, as that is part of the upgraded rifle EMER?


Not an expert or in any way knowledgeable about the topic, but it reminds me of something I have seem on US marked SA-52 M1C rifles, where in "enhanced rifles" are passed off as original.

[Cheesy411]

The entire "corrected in service" concept seems odd to me.

Why would someone stamp the "TR" BSA selection stamp on a rifle, when it is not in the EMERs?

If so where would they get the correct sized stamps that approximate the original look, as those stamps do not appear to be identical to any other FTR stamps I know of, especially in the shape of the letters?

If they did that why would the rifle not have the correct sniper swivel, as that is part of the upgraded rifle EMER?


Not an expert or in any way knowledgeable about the topic, but it reminds me of something I have seem on US marked SA-52 M1C rifles, where in "enhanced rifles" are passed off as original.

I cannot speak for the FTR marks, but removal of the swivel could have happened anywhere and at anytime by a shooter looking to enhance the rifles ability. The swivel could have just got in the way, and the rear sight removed as well for greater accuracy. I’m waiting for some others to chime in, barrel twist looks the same as my M47c, pads are milled fitted like my others. It’s looks right in that respect. I have three days to inspect and what not, it’s a clean all matching rifle minus the butt.

[Roger Payne]

I’m on the Somme at the moment (though son is home, but don’t expect any Enfield sense from him!), I don’t have imgur through which to view the pix, & I’m viewing on a two inch screen on my phone! However, I have checked the pix on gunbroker & read everyone’s postings, & from what I can see, IMHO, it’s well travelled but fine. The butt is beech but looks to be off a 4T, though maybe/maybe not off this rifle.
Obviously I can’t say much about the barrel either, but in principle the rifle’s ok & I’d definitely give it house room.

[Cheesy411]

So libertytree collectors has a savage OC serial range that is about 500 off from mine... that one has the T mark but no TR marks heavily worn finish but looks nice

[smle addict]

Cheesy411-for your FYI;PM sent

[Brian Dick]

Frederick,

It may seem odd but it certainly was done and the stamps are seldom standard unless applied at the BSA factory or H&H. As I said, early rifles didn't have any of the standardized markings which became the norm at some point in late 1942 early 1943. This topic has been discussed at length on this forum over the years. The only way you can distinguish genuine rifles that were built prior to this standardization is by the presence of correct Enfield examiners' stamps.

Brian

---------- Post added at 12:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 PM ----------

Almost forgot: Early rifles didn't have the front guard screw swivel. They came later in production and were added to existing rifles that lacked them. Some weren't added until after WWII.