New No 5 Questions

[Singer B]

I finally found a No 5 Mk1 I could afford. The only matching numbers are the fore end stock and the receiver. It appears to be a BSA and in overall pretty good shape with good rifling. The stocks and handguard are very smooth and shiny and appear to have been finished with a varnish or urethane. Were No 5 stocks finished this way? I assumed they would be lie other Lee Enfields and finished in RLO. I would return it to the RLO if it isn't supposed to be finished this way. Also, there is a small mark on top of the receiver ring. It is an "X" with 4 dots. I was just wondering what it meant. Thank you for your help!

[Singer B]

Additional photos.

[Singer B]

Last batch. Thanks again!

[browningautorifle]

Nice piece, well used and handled for sure. No, there was no military faction that used varnish or urethane finish on their wood. It makes them slippery in wet conditions, like the deep dark bush. You could strip it without problems but you'll lose the rack marking. I'd do it but that's just how I see things... The "X" with dots is the proof mark that didn't come out as deep as it should have. Nice piece.

[Daan Kemp]

I agree with BAR. Get that horrible finish off and oil it.

[Singer B]

Thank you gentlemen! That finish will be removed by the end of tomorrow. The No 5 is such an oddball in the Enfield family so I wasn't sure if some country had felt that varnish would be a good guard against moisture. I'm not too worried about the rack mark even though it is kind of cool.

[DJCee73]

Very nice pickup!!

[mrclark303]

I agree with BAR. Get that horrible finish off and oil it.

I'll third that.... Absolutely strip it off and RLO the wood work.

Nice looking rifle.

[Singer B]

I'll third that.... Absolutely strip it off and RLO the wood work.

Nice looking rifle.

I have a gallon of RLO sitting in the cabinet!

[GeeRam]

That'll be a nice No.5 once you've got shot of the yuckky finish off the timber

Nice to be the much rarer BSA made as well.