New Enfield No. 4 Mk. I!!!

Finally. The great search is over. It's been almost 9 months since I first decided to get a rifle (for my 17th birthday), and I finally have.
After discussing everything from Garands to Saiga rifles, I finally have received the rifle I purchased about a week ago.
It's a lovely No. 4 Mark. I, with great wood and metal and a shiny bore.
Made in 1943, my rifle may have killed itself a few Nazis. ;)
But it looks in great shape. The buttstock is what looks to be beech, while the forestock is almost certainly walnut.
Suggests to me that it did see some action.
It looks even better than the pictures on GunBroker, and, yes, I will post pictures tomorrow afternoon, probably.
Anyway, I just wanted to express my glee at my new rifle!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Oh, and the safety still works!
EDIT: Here are the GunBroker pics to tide you guys over, I'll post better ones tomorrow:
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/pix218816656.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/pix218817765.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/pix218817390.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/pix218817031.jpg
I really never thought I'd own an Enfield this nice this soon...
:D

Nice. The 'England' is a U.S. importing mark. Just means the rifle was in England at one time.
Check the headspace. Thousands of 'em have been assembled out of parts bins with zero QC. The mixed wood stock indicates it might have been. Mind you, weapons techs did not and do not care where a part was made. You should be able to find a walnut butt stock if you really want one. They're not exactly cheap though. Gunparts wants $30.75 each. No mention of what wood though.
What other markings are on it? No. 4's were made in several countries, including the U.S. by Savage. The stamps will tell you where it was made.
Then slug the bore(hammer a cast .30 calibre bullet, a suitably sized lead sinker will do, through the barrel with a brass rod and a plastic mallet, then measure it with a micrometer.). Lee-Enfield barrels can measure between .311" and .315" and be considered ok. Larger than .315" the barrel is shot out. Then use a bullet that's as close as possible to the barrel diameter. Most commercial ammo makers use either a .311" or .312" bullet.
"...may have killed itself..." Not by itself it didn't.
Go here for lots of excellent info on Lee-Enfields. Load data, cartridge headstamps, etc. The guy makes .313" and .314", 200 grain SP's too.
http://www.303british.com/

That is one beautiful rifle. I'm jealous. Good buy on that one.

Cool....you too? I just picked one up today also :D

Nice looking rifle, the wood looks really clean.

Like I said, the bore looks great. Not at all shot out. I will check the headspace, though.
If she fires poorly, then I will check the bore, but it looks good.

I hate you.

*sigh* Perhaps one day I can get my hands on one.

Seriously though, she looks great.

is it .303? or a NATO .308

It's .303. As it should be.
I hate you.
Dude, I totally understand. I never thought I'd get a gun this nice this early, but lo! And behold! I have.
You just have to look.
I'm not even gonna tell you what I paid for it, that'd be like adding insult to injury.
One of the funny things, the safety on this gun is pretty unique. Enfields, as I recall have safeties that wear out after years of service. Mine is still intact, thankfully, and it operates by disconnecting the trigger, not by blocking it, like I'm used to on most rifles.
Just a curious bit of info.

Nice one NOLO , look after that baby and give us a range report :p

I will, but it may be a while. I've got some stuff to do first, going off to college and such.
Actually, now that I think about it, it may not be all that long.
I have to take a friend of mine shooting for the first time. I might as well bring along the Enfield.
Oh...
And I need to give her a name.
Yeah, I'm like that. Something as intimate as a weapon must have a name.
I'm not sure what to give her, though...
By the way, nice catching that my name is actually an acronym. Been in the Navy?

you give me too much credit , didnt catch that , I'm ex british army not navy:D , I'll be taking my No4 MK1 out tomorrow with my first homeloads , should be fun . always had a soft spot for them .

you give me too much credit , didnt catch that
Ah, well it is.
US Navy QF-4B target drones converted from old fighter jets are (or were, I'm not sure if we use them anymore) called NOLOs for NO Live Operator. They also earned the nickname "The Great Pumpkin" because they were painted bright orange.
Anyway, I fell asleep during a card game once, and when I woke up, I was being called "NOLO".
Note: I am not ex-Navy. My father is. I am just a Navy brat.
She seems to point really well, and hold to her target (probably because of the weight). She's balanced right about how I want a rifle, which is a good thing, of course.
Overall a great gun.
Oh, and she's a lot easier to cycle than my dad's Mosin. :neener:

Ok so I've learnt something new today ;) good luck with the old gal , I'll keep my eye out for your report.

Yeah, I'll try and get one out as soon as I can.
It'll be before the 15th, if it happens at all (within the next few months, she will be shot), I can assure you that.

Nolo, welcome to the world of Enfields and be aware of a disease called Enfieldittis, if you catch it, it is very expensive and there is no known cure. Thats a nice rifle you got there. I started with a nice Savage No 4 mkI* and now have six No 4's of different flavors, two are Mk II's that are very nice and my favorite shooters. Also got three No I's that cleaned up real nice and are very accurate. Get that rifle out and shoot it and let us know how it does.

very nice rifle nolo congrats.And your Jefferson quote,it so happens on a political forum I have been debating a couple guys who have the notion we shouldn't question Bush or other politicians on anything since we are at war ("patriot correctness" I call it akin to" political correctness") and your quote is going to serve my point so thanks.;)

Wow, nice looking rifle. An Enfield is one of the remaining rifles on my short list. Good find because most of the Enfields I've seen look like they've been dragged through a swamp.

Nolo, nice rifle. The "England" stamp actually was placed there by armorers in England when the rifle was surplused form war stores and sold on the open market. My most recent Savage built #4mk1* has the "ENGLAND" marking on the reciever, and no import marks. Are there any import stamps anywhere?

The rear sight would be typical for your rifle, which is English built. Is the serial number on the left side of the reciever socket visible? And, does the serial number match the number on the bolt handle and possibly the magazine? That would help in narrowing down the manufacturing plant.

The surplus ammo out there is poor in quality. I might suggest new stuff like S&B, Hot Shot, or even the basic Remington. Save your brass, as you will next enter the world of reloading.

As Jeff F said, you now have "Enfielditis", which there is no known cure. The .303's are the cornerstone of my collecting. I am a definate "Enfieldaholic"!

Was the "England" stamp ALWAYS placed on surplussed/sold rifles? My 1943 Longbranch No4MK1* has only the FTR(F) stamp. Wonderful shooter!

armoredman , From what I understand the England stamp is purely a legal importers stamp to show where the rifle came from , if yours doesnt have it , then it probably just wandered down over the border , Longbranch is in Canada . Darn Canucks cant keep em out :D

Sellier & Bellot is great commercial ammo for the most part.I have used that and Prvi Partizan in a few of my mil-surps and S&B always out performs the PP.


S&B is not exactly bargain ammo,but it is quality and less expensive than American brand ammo for non reloading people IMO.Hotshot is actually PP ammo I think.


S&B will typically run $12 to $13 per 20.I also have greater success in tighter groups using the ladder site as opposed to the battle aperature.

I'll second the S&B ammo, also the Remington. I have noticed that the Wolf Gold FMJ is just a bit on the long side, OCL is larger then mil spec and can give problems when loading more then five in some magazines. Don't be afraid to try some of the POF surplus that is out there, some of it is not bad. Try a box or two before you get a bunch.

Okay, for markings, here's what she's got:
On the very tip of the barrel (the only part that is exposed) she's got "303" "2.22" what looks to be "18 1/2", "10N*" "NP" and an arm with a cutlass.
On the receiver she's got "ENGLAND" and the royal crown. On the bolt head she has a "2" and a mark that is not stamped well but doesn't look like a number or letter and marking that looks like two crossed rifles, but it's really tiny. There's also an "F" on the bolt head, which probably means "Fazakerley".
Right on the stock band behind the receiver is a "4D" and what looks to be an "M" right above it. There is also a mark that looks curiously like the Bic pen guy right next to it. On the sight there's a "MK 3" at the very end. On the bottom of the front sight there's a "D R" and on the stock cap behind it, also on the bottom, is a "CE1967". On the front stock, there's a "3454" in front of the barrel band on the bottom and an "M" on top of a "138" right in front of the magazine. Right behind the trigger guard there's an arrow pointing toward the stock to a "49". The magazine follower has an "SMC" on it. Finally there's an "M47" "1943" and a VERY faint "AA3454" just under the safety. Wait! Just under the bolt handle, there's another "AA3454". Looks like my front stock, barrel and bolt match.
Okay, time for more pics:
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/DSC02407.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/DSC02406.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/DSC02405.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/DSC02402.jpg
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa149/Nolo_photo/DSC02398.jpg

Curiously, "3454" are the last four digits of my cell phone number... Hmmm... Coincidence?

That wood is beautiful! Mine ain't near as nice.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/enfieldpic.jpg


BTW, I was told the FTR(F) stamp on mine meant it was Factory Total Repair, aka rearsenalled, in Fazakerley. I wonder if mine took a less public route back across the water...

Is POF ammo corrosive? 'Cause it appears to be uber-cheap.

waverace, the only Enfields that were marked with ENGLAND were the rifles that were sold directly from the British Armory's to wholesalers for export. All the others were sold as surplus to exporters directly. This is also known as a BNP rifle, which is accompanied with info on the testing proof pressures, which is the 18.5 TONS and the 2.22 markings described.

Rifles that have come in over the past decade will not have the ENGLAND marking. The ENGLAND markings are not all too common.

Nolo, the M47 and the AA serial number makes your rifle a BSA-Shirley, and confirms the 1943 manufacture date. You got a good one. All matching, including the wood too.

BTW, the POF is POS, and is corrosive.

Here are the Savages. The rifle with the mkII forearm (top) is the newest Savage, with the ENGLAND markings. It is the only one I have currently marked that way of my current 8 #4mk1's and 1*'s.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p118/MDWINK/IMAG0007.jpg

Armoredman, you are close. It is known as Factory Thorough Repair, and was done at Fazakerly and Maltby. The FTR markings were usually applied with an electropencile. I had one #4mk1 that was manufactured at BSA, FTR'ed at Maltby, and later FTR'ed at Fazakerly. FTR's are quite common. The thing that can happen during FTR is that the bolt, wood, or magazine may be replaces with a servicable part that is either used or new. The idea was to bring the rifle back to service standards. None of my 4 Savages were FTR'ed. Of my 8 #4's, only my Long Branch was FTR'ed at ROF Fazakerly, and my Maltby was FTR'ed at Maltby.

Doug, how do I tell if my rifle is a Mk.I or Mk.I*?

The MkI*'s are manufactured by Savage or Long Branch in Canada. The bolt head release is a slot cut in the bolt guide rail on the right forward side of the reciever that allows the head to be rotated up, so that the bolt can be removed. The British government approved this mod for the N American manufacturers. The British manufacturers used the spring loaded plunger latch behind the charging bridge on the right side to release the bolt head (MkI's).

Then I do have a Mk. I.
Is that a good thing?

Well it's not a bad thing. Probably better then the Mk I*, I have herd of a few that the bolt release slot has gotten chipped and then when you run the bolt the bolt head can jump up out of its track.
If you do shoot any surplus ammo, most all of it is old, treat it as corrosive and clean accordingly and fairly soon after shooting.

The general collectability these days here in the US of Enfield rifles is rising. The prices are getting higher, and the really nice origional condition rifles are not very common. The British rifles were built in an era when the factories were being bombed occasionaly, but production still continued. BSA Shirley was hit hard during the Battle of Britian, as was ROF Fazakerly. Maltby not quite as hard. Savage and Long Branch were commissioned by the Brits to build additional weapons, and they were quite successful, especially since the factories were not being bombed!

Generally, Savages, then Long Branch are the most "collectable" here, but these days any of the British rifles are favorable. My current shooter is a 1944 Fazakerly that went through the Ishapore Factory in India and has the Ishy Screw. It will be less valuable, so it is the one of my rifles that gets the most use. The barrel is pristine, and it is very accurate. I have used it in Mil Bolt Action Matches and it definately does it's part well.

BTW, my newest Savage was bought in W Texas at a gun shop for $100. It had been 'bubbatized", with the wood cut, but none of the metal was touched. It required a new finish and new wood. But, the necessary parts were all ther, and it is all matching and SMOOTH! The wood is not exactly correct, but I will replace it with some nice Savage wood when I come accross it.

In 1943, the rifles might come out with mixed wood, like yours. Remember, the British and Commonwealth were fighting in N Africa, and the war stocks in England were being raised in anticipation of D day. The '43 rifles I have and have seen are a bit rough on the metal finishing, but the name of the game was to push the weapons out the door ASAP.

Enjoy your rifle!

When the bolt is pulled out, it seems like the firing pin does not protrude, is this normal?
Also, when fired, the bolt handle moves up slightly.
Should I be worried?

That's all normal, nothing to worry about.

Okay, yeah, now that I've looked at it a bit more, I can see th firing pin coming out.

+1 to whar Jeff F said.

Nolo, get Skinnerton's and Stratton's books on the Enfields. You will gain a bunch of knowlege, and be totally drawn into the Dark Side!

You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile!
THIS is what you can expect in your future:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p118/MDWINK/IMG_0129.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p118/MDWINK/IMG_0127.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p118/MDWINK/38443-IMG_0130.jpg

At some point, you will be buying them like this:

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p118/MDWINK/6Enfields006.jpg


:evil::evil::evil::evil::scrutiny::neener:

Ick. POF. Bad stuff. Lotsa click bangs.
I reload my own, got some MOA groups, best way, much cheaper than uber expensive factory.

Does ANYBODY still use .303 in the world (I mean militaries)?

I think they may still use it in the wilderness in Canada. Most likely still used in some third world country's.

I think it's still used in India, by the police.

Aren't the Indian Enfields in .308?

Congratulations! Very nice rifle. I too have one, but it doesn't look anything like your rifle. :o Wow!

Thanks, Doc.

Ick. POF. Bad stuff. Lotsa click bangs

Yes a lot of it is bad but I have gotten some that was not so bad, especially when used in the summer time and left in the sun for awhile. I've shot over 300 rounds of some I got in Carson City and not had one fail to fire. Did have a few click-bangs but they were quick. I've also had some good looking British RG from the late 40's cordite loaded that was click bang also. Like i said, surplus is a crap shoot, some is good some not so much. Reloading is the better way to go.

Current day Canadian Rangers, patrolling the Northern Frontier of Canada. #4mk1* is the most reliable in the very cold weather.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p118/MDWINK/2006462360_CdnRngr1.jpg

Tha's outstanding! Good solid rifle, always works right, and shoots straight. Just started casting for it right before the weather got too hot to cast for a while. :(

armoredman

What bullets are you casting for your Enfields. I am pretty much set up for casting, done a lot of handgun bullets and thought about casting for the .303. I shoot a lot and .303 bullets are getting hard to find in quantity or for a good price.

I did run across a good deal on a couple thousand 7.62x54r rounds of loaded ammo for less then 10 cents apiece and bought all I could get my hands on, I pulled all the bullets and am down to a couple hundred left. Casting is kind of looking good right now if I can make the time to do it.

On the very tip of the barrel (the only part that is exposed) she's got "303" "2.22" what looks to be "18 1/2", "10N*" "NP" and an arm with a cutlass.
On the receiver she's got "ENGLAND" and the royal crown. On the bolt head she has a "2" and a mark that is not stamped well but doesn't look like a number or letter and marking that looks like two crossed rifles, but it's really tiny. There's also an "F" on the bolt head, which probably means "Fazakerley".
Right on the stock band behind the receiver is a "4D" and what looks to be an "M" right above it. There is also a mark that looks curiously like the Bic pen guy right next to it. On the sight there's a "MK 3" at the very end. On the bottom of the front sight there's a "D R" and on the stock cap behind it, also on the bottom, is a "CE1967". On the front stock, there's a "3454" in front of the barrel band on the bottom and an "M" on top of a "138" right in front of the magazine. Right behind the trigger guard there's an arrow pointing toward the stock to a "49". The magazine follower has an "SMC" on it. Finally there's an "M47" "1943" and a VERY faint "AA3454" just under the safety. Wait! Just under the bolt handle, there's another "AA3454". Looks like my front stock, barrel and bolt match.

Your rifle was made at the BSA Shirley Factory. Their factory code was M47C. You may not see the the C, sometimes the refinish enamel filled characters, or characters may not have been stamped deep enough, or of course there is possibility of wear or damage.

Does ANYBODY still use .303 in the world (I mean militaries)?
I've seen TV footage showing African (possibly Kenyan) game wardens carrying Lee Enfields.

You all might enjoy this Ozzie's Lee Enfield videos.

He seems like our kind of guy.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Jollygreenslugg

We need a range report!

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg215/bkoenig1975/enfield.jpg

I've already seen Mr. Vegemite. He's got some good stuff. Glad to see the Aussies aren't all pansified. He is an Aussie, right?
We need a range report!
Yeah, tell me about it, I need some trigger time...
Unfortunately, my shooting time is largely dictated by my father's time, and he works a whole helluva lot, so I may not get to it soon. She'll be a sweet shooter, though. Oh, and I got permission from my dad to go shooting with my friend's dad (who shoots a lot more, it's a darn good thing I got permission, too, because I've been friends with this family for about 11 years now...), so the range report may come sooner than I think.
Oh, and I need a name for her. I was thinking "Emily", what do y'all think (yes, I know she's not a real MLE...)?

Here's a list of British name for you to choose from:

http://www.geocities.com/pentapod2300/name/ke04002.htm

I think I'm going to name mine Nigel. It's not nearly as pretty as yours (rough 1943 metalwork) but it has a lot of character.

See, I'm not sure I want to give her a proper name or a sort of title almost.
Like, my shotgun is "Chewey".
I've already got it into my head that it's a "her", so either way she's got to have a female name.

Congrats on the rifle and congrats on being 17 and understanding proper grammar. I truly appreciate it. :)

Congrats on the rifle and congrats on being 17 and understanding proper grammar. I truly appreciate it.
You're very welcome.
I do try.

Since it was made at BSA Shirley, how about Shirley?

Shirley...
Could be good. Has the same "ring" as "Emily".

That's one nice rifle you got there ;)

Thanks.

My son asked for one for his 17th birthday as well. :)

She's English, therefore Lady Shirley. :)

You have done well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/5354008.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/5354006.jpg

.....MJ....

Hey, that second rifle looks suspiciously like mine... :scrutiny:
How much does this kind of rifle normally run a person?

Things have been kind of crazy this year what with elections. I have seen three sell on auction from $900~$1200 for unfired rifles.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/5354007.jpg

...MJ...

$900~$1200
A piece?
:what:
Damn, I did well.
Mine looks almost unfired. I'm not gonna say what it cost me, unless you PM me. There are sensitive egos here.
What's the probability of a rifle like mine having not been in WWII? Mine's in super condition, so it doesn't look like it saw any real action, but I somehow find that hard to believe judging on the Brits' condition at the time.

Looks like I'm not the only one with the Enfield bug. Just picked up a No4 Mk1, No4 Mk1*, and a No4 Mk2 (F) for an average price of under $100.00. All in cosmo, the last two with armory tags.

That just leaves me short of two major types, one of which I want. (I do NOT like the No5.)

I've located a No1 Mk3 in excellent mechanical condition but with rough wood. Handguard is checked and missing a splinter in front of the rear sight. The shop wants $220.00 but would take $190.00.

I'm spoiled, I guess.

Think I should pick it up?

I did find a nice LB two years ago.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/LB42003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/LB42001.jpg
I thought it was resonable at the time.

...MJ...

The metal and wood on that rifle is flippin sweet! Congrats. Gotta love the No. 4 Enfield - love mine.

MJ and his Enfields.
You have a very nice collection.
I am very jealous.
Especially of your No4 T's
Man you could start a museum.

Jeff lets not jak the mans thread. But thank you for the comment.

Funny thing is I don't have an SMLE.

Cheers
...MJ...

"...Long Branch were commissioned by the Brits..." Savage, yes. Canadian Arsenals no. Long Branch is just the name of the wee village where the Canadian Arsenals plant was. Now in Mississauga, Ontario. A suburb of Toronto.
Canadian Arsenals wasn't hired by the Brits. CA was a wholly owned government corporation formed in 1945. They made rifles, etc. for the Canadian military and sent rifles to England as aid after Dunkirk.

MJ, feel free to jack my thread. You've got pics, I do not (well, not anymore than I've posted).

That is one sweet looking No4Mk1. I have been looking for one in such condition. The ones at area shows are junk. POF ammo is corrosive, so clean your gun after shooting it. It is worth it if you reload, for the componets.

Beautiful rifle, Nolo.
And great pictures.
You done good...

Be Safe.

Whan aer we going to get a range report NOLO.

Nice rifle NOLO! Good to see so many fans of the Enfield on here. Here's a pic of me shooting my Long Branch No. 4 Mk 1*

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r61/philuk44/S1031717.jpg

Phil

Yes a range report.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/bkt040a.jpg

NOLO, you have a fine rifle. :)

All these askings for a range report...
I will get to it as soon as I can, trust me. Patience is a virtue, especially when you don't get to shoot very often. ;)

All,

I can understand your 303 madness. I've had madness over a few other 'beautiful ladies'.

I ran across a '303 Jungle' version (noted by the flared barrel) last week hanging on the wall at a local shop. Was hard to pass up, but again, not my bag.

My 303, seen here is on the catwalk sporting a 'sporterized' stock (the only mod I can tell), and from what I can see, the numbers match, but I haven't given it much looking or bought a book on it's history. I've shined a light thru the bore and it looks good and clean, and the rifling strong (additionally, the muzzle is not dinged and in good shape).

The safety does work, smoothly, and because I'm a dolt, you can see I've idiot proofed it (beyond handling it as 'all guns are loaded at all times').

I thought about finding a period stock with the appropriate cartouches, markings, etc. but I have other more pressing wants and desires for my 'go bang' needs.

If anyone is interested, I can put 'er up on Gunbroker, and she can be yours to restore and adore, and if you'd like more picts to oogle, I can do that too.

Happy hunting for your 303 needs.

Regards.

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0081.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0082.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0083.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0084.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0085.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0089.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0090.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0091.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0092.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0093.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0094.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0099.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0100.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0102.jpg

http://www.solutionmetrics.com/images/enfield/IMG_0107.jpg

As for the range trip, if there's gonna be one anytime soon, it'll be either the 7th or the 13th. Stay tuned.

I was at Cabela's in Kearney, NE yesterday and they had a sporterized SMLE in very good condition for $115. I really wanted it but my wife would have killed me if I bought it 2 weeks after getting my No.4. MK1. It had pretty much the same treatment as danefraz's No. 4 - the forend had been cut and the handguard removed, and the sight hood was gone. With new front wood and a sight hood it would be a sweet rifle. The bore looked pretty good on it. I hope someone buys it who will restore it to its former glory and not drill & tap it.:fire:

On a happier note I found Cabela's has S&B .303 Brit for 8 bucks cheaper than Scheel's here in Lincoln. My rifle seems to really like it, especially the 150 grain.

After my first session I found the forend was slightly loose, so I put a shim under the triggerguard screw to tighten it, and also another shim at the tip of the forend to put a pressure point on the barrel. It really responded well, with my best groups at abou 3" at 100 yards. And that's with the crappy 300/600 flip sight with a huge aperture. This rifle is definitely going deer hunting this year...I've got a Cad Technik no gunsmith mount on the way since there's no way I'll ever drill & tap this thing. I think a scope will really make it shine.

Did anyone else notice that the knob on Nolo's bolt handle is hollowed out? I thought that this feature was only found on the No5 "Jungle Carbines".
Regardless, that is a very nice rifle. My first rifle was a SMLE No1 MkIII* so I know where you are at. :)

Hank, I believe that feature is common on No. 4s, but I could be wrong.

Hank, I believe that feature is common on No. 4s, but I could be wrong.

Hmmmm... My No4 MkII 's bolt handle nob is solid. I'm by no means an expert but I've read that a hollowed bolt handle nob is one of the features to look for in identifying a real Jungle Carbine as opposed to a No 4 that's been cobbled up to look like a Jungle Carbine. I hope one our resident Lee-Enfield experts will comment on this. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that my No5 Mk Is bolt handle nob is hollowed out.

I have two Lee Enfields (okay, I admit it, the Jungle Carbine is still on Lay-A-Way), both are 1945's. My No.4 Mk1 is an FTR'd BSA Shirley (FTR date unkown, the FTR electropenciling is under the enamel, and I can barely make it out). The bolt and mag are not matching. The bolt handle is solid. The Jungle Carbine is a 10/45 Fazakerly, all matching numbers, that has no FTR mrkings and is all original. It has a hollowed out bolt handle.

Never herd of the No 4's coming out of the factory with the bolt hollowed out, only the No 5 jungle carbine.

I HAVE ORIGINAL #4'S FROM 1941 ~ 1945 THAT HAVE DRILLED BOLT HANDLES.

..MJ..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/41tmkI0014.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v130/montereyjack/43M4702.jpg

MJ, was that partial just to the NO 4T'S

My all matching '43 Fazakerly has the drilled bolt handle as does the '43 Maltby with a non matching but '43 dated bolt. The other 6 #4's have solid bolt handles. My #5 is drilled. It is not specific to #5 and MkII rifles only.

I have a Longbranch! I've wanted one ever since I saw Don Johnson use one in the movie " A Boy and His Dog". Cost me $150.00 about 5 years ago.:)

I have inspected over 50 of the number 4's and own 5 at this time and never seen any with the drilled bolt handles except a few that were none matching and I just assumed they had No 5 bolts in them. I learned something new today.

I am going to the range today, and the Enfield is coming with me, so you'll all get your range report, finally.
It'll be short, probably 10-20 rounds, but there'll be plenty of useful knowledge that will come out of it, I'm sure.
Probably won't have any good gauge of accuracy, except whether it can hit the soda can or not.
I might be able to scrounge up some targets, though...

Nolo, wheres the range report

Never herd of the No 4's coming out of the factory with the bolt hollowed out, only the No 5 jungle carbine.

I hadn't heard of this either until I bought my No 4 and here's the proof.

Fred.

Nice Enfield!! No wait! Super nice Enfield. I just got a No 4 Mk 2 that was imported to the States in the Cosmoline a few years ago. The collector that bought cleaned it up and test fired a few rounds through it before I purchased it. It looks like it just left the Faz. Arsenal. It was put though a FTR ( factory Thorough Repair ) It is marked F57 so it was done in 1957.I'm still waiting for the California mandated waiting period to pick it up. I'll post some pics when i bring it home.

You should do a search of "Ian Skennerton" to find the most comprehensive books and short booklets on your particular rifle series. I've ordered the "SAIS #2 booklet that covers the No 4 series. This man is world renowned for his historical knowledge on the Enfield and other firearms. I've asked him questions by email and if he is home he will respond forthwith. Again, looks like you got a great rifle. I would like to know what you paid for it but I understand if you won't say.

All,

I thought I'd post a followup to the post and picts I made earlier...

Your enthusiam for the 303 peaked my interest and well it's catching...

I started reading a bit more on the MK4, No1. Interesting bit of history... Might be fun to shoot along with the M1 Garand and 1903 Springfield that sit next to it in the safe.

So I took my sporterized piece (in pictures above). I stripped her down. To the bare metal and un-identifiable bunch of parts, springs and screws.

To the nekkid metal that is.

I don't have the tool to remove the barrel from the receiver nor could I get the last pinned piece (the "L" shaped piece that actually releases the bolt to fire), but that was incidental to my cleaning and refinishing.

I used a combination of "Simple Green" to eat away most of the paint from it's last re-armorment, and then I used a soft brass brush and a dremel with some metal polish and a plastic brush to get the nooks...

The receiver when polished with a fine metal polish (no grit), was a deep green, and had the barrel matched, I'd have just put more polish and left them bare. But it never works out that way. Different metals, different milling techniques, etc.

What was covered up were the 5 or 6 stamps on the barrel "D-42", 'crown', 'chicken foot / arrow' near the receiver, and other small cartouches. These came out perfect when I cleaned then repainted.

I ordered some new 'surplus' wood for her (minor fitting required). I gave the wood a bath with some cleaner to strip of the years of goop and grease (and cosmo left-overs). I added a touch of mineral oil, and 4 layers of wood wax to give it some protection. My new stock has some good cartouches as well, just that I think they're from the 50s rather than the 40's, but hey - it looks good to me... They're not new, and I didn't pay a fortune...

I had the brass butt-plate. It was a faded mess, and now it's a high shine with the scratches and dings still in place.

I found a replacement sight hood in excellent shape.

All her parts and pieces have been cleaned. This was time-consuming, but I'd rather work in the garage than watch 'dancing with the stars.'
I think it took the better part of two weeks (an hour or so a night here and there). May be 10 hours total to strip her down, polish and prep.

I waffled on 'parkerize' or 'paint'. Painting won out, at $12 for two cans of flat 'high-temp' vs/ $150 for glass-beading and parking. Beautiful turn out... pictures coming soon.

As a note: I used a propane torch to 'gently' heat the metal just before painting - you can do it in the oven if you'd like. If you use a torch, don't go quickly - you want to only 'heat' the metal, not melt or scorch or de-harden it.

Second Note: the torch actually helped remove the left-over polish I could't extract from some nooks as I didn't want to use anymore chemical degreasers...

Third and most important note on using the torch... Aerosol paint is flamable. Open flames and paint fumes DO NOT mix. Common sense says use in a well ventilated area (I do it outside). Second stitch of sense says "Shut off the torch" before you spray...

(I am not responsible if you blow your self up, light yourself on fire or burn down you house, melt your toupee or otherwise loose an eyebrow because you forgot fire is hot)...

Oh - the purpose of the torch... to heat the metal so the paint would 'bake' on nearly instantly. It has a nice finish - looks like a new 'park' job almost (just not quite as durable - but is easy to repair... sprrhhsss and it's fixed).

Rem-Oil on the new paint looks just fine and makes it seem even more to it's day than it was before.

I have a handfull of small screws to find (for the bands) but once I track them down she's range ready.

Oddly enough, I picked up some new brass, some Hornady 150g Interbond pills, and a set of RCBS dies for her too. I'm a fan of 'start low' and work up. I let you know what recipe she likes best.

How does she look now? It's taking shape and looking well. I need to figure out how to highlight the 'electro-pencil' engraving from her last re-armor, but other than that, I'd say sah-weeet. I have to re-polish the surface of the flip-up sights but that's the last of it. I'm torn there too - I might just use a white paint instead. It looks good in black.

I've gotten the trigger group back together (easy enough), but I'm trying to figure out how to remove the 1/4" of trigger travel that seems to have suddenly appeared.

I also will be disassembling the bolt (no tool on-hand presently), giving it a high-shine (glass-like), which will only help the lock-time and such.

I'll give a reload / range report in the next few weeks provided the weather holds as well...

Not counting time, I'm out so far only about $75 for wood and small parts. Figure $30 for dies, $15 for brass (50pcs), $40 for bullets (200), and some primers and powder (around $0.50 each round) and I'm in action at the range.

I probably should start another thread to keep from dancing on Nolo's toes... I'll post it up when I'm ready to put picts, reloading and range report.

Hooked on things that go bang... It's even better when you know how they 'tick'.

My 303, seen here is on the catwalk sporting a 'sporterized' stock (the only mod I can tell)The foresight has also been modified.