No. 4 Mk.1 or Mk.1*

kjohn

kjohn

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I should know the answer, but it has escaped me. Can you spot the difference just by looking at the assembled rifle? For years, I was under the impression that Mk.1's had the old style rear bolt catch, Mk.1* had the later front cut-out release.

I realize most are stamped properly, but... Anything in particular that would stand out?

Thanks for any help in advance.
 
Yes - The No4 MkI* has the cutout to insert the bolt head into the rail channel.

http://www.milsurps.com/enfield.php?pg=ri9a.htm&styleid=15

image005.jpg
 
Okay. I was told by a Lee Enfield collector that the difference was actually the way the trigger was hung. The bolt release is obvious to the eye. What about the trigger? Can one tell just by looking how the trigger is hung?
 
There is a fly in the ointment here:
There are British guns which we consider No4MkI rifles which are marked as No4MkI*

There are other British No4MkI rifles which are marked as: No4MkI"

Today no one knows what these markings mean on these British guns.
 
CODFan said:
Perhaps the reference was between the No4 MkI and the MkII?

MkII has the hung trigger.
Click to expand...

FTR rifles sometimes have the trigger hung to MKII specs. The no4 comes in a few flavors

No 4 MK I : original production
No 4 MK I* : North American expedient modifications
No 4 MK I/2 : original production, with new brazed in trigger block and forestock modifications
No 4 MK I/3 : North American expedient modifications, with new brazed in trigger block and forestock modifications
No 4 MK 2 : almost the same as MK I, but with factory receiver mounted trigger and forestock changes
 
There is the lot of 1944 Maltby manufactured rifles with Mk. I bolt releases which are roll marked I*.
Mk. I* was authorized for production in Britain, but didn't happen. The die must have been made. Maybe someone got the wrong die from the toolroom.
 
That's what I figured. It is all as clear as mud. I have been "collecting" and gathering Lee Enfields for a long time. Have read much material, handled many rifles. I realize that the Mk.1's had the rear bolt release, and Mk.2's have the front release. I also realize that there are some puzzling differences. Grand old rifles to collect and shoot. I even have a couple of Pakistan Ordnance Factory rifles. :)

Thanks for any and all input. Most times, there is no harm in asking or posting about any differences. Enjoy your Lee Enfields!
 
kjohn said:
That's what I figured. It is all as clear as mud. I have been "collecting" and gathering Lee Enfields for a long time. Have read much material, handled many rifles. I realize that the Mk.1's had the rear bolt release, and Mk.2's have the front release. I also realize that there are some puzzling differences. Grand old rifles to collect and shoot. I even have a couple of Pakistan Ordnance Factory rifles. :)

Thanks for any and all input. Most times, there is no harm in asking or posting about any differences. Enjoy your Lee Enfields!
Click to expand...

MK 2 rifles have the rear bolt release.
 
Blastattack said:
MK 2 rifles have the rear bolt release.
Click to expand...

Yes. You are correct. The trip from the gun room to the keyboard resulted in memory loss! :redface:

I have a couple of Mk2's down there with rear release and Mk1*'s with front. Okay. I'll write that on my arm for future reference! :p
 
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