No. 4 Mk.1* - serial numbers

small gamer

small gamer

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Hi all. I'm new to this board and I'm sure from the lurking I've been doing the anwers I'm looking for are here. I just bought a 1943 Mk.1* with an aftermarket sporter stock. I've been surfing the 'net for info and have been reading that matching numbers on the barrel and bolt are important. The only numbers I can find are the serial number on the left side of the band behind the trigger guard, a number on top of the barrel near the breach, and a number on the backside of the bolt handle. None of these match. Is there someone in the London, Ont. area that I could have inspect the rifle to make sure it is safe to use? Also, any thoughts on how critical it is to have matching numbers, other than value? Thanks.
 
small gamer said:
Hi all. I'm new to this board and I'm sure from the lurking I've been doing the anwers I'm looking for are here. I just bought a 1943 Mk.1* with an aftermarket sporter stock. I've been surfing the 'net for info and have been reading that matching numbers on the barrel and bolt are important. The only numbers I can find are the serial number on the left side of the band behind the trigger guard, a number on top of the barrel near the breach, and a number on the backside of the bolt handle. None of these match. Is there someone in the London, Ont. area that I could have inspect the rifle to make sure it is safe to use? Also, any thoughts on how critical it is to have matching numbers, other than value? Thanks.
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I can check the headspace for you for nothing. Glad to have a look at it too. I'll pmail you my number.

It's a sporter, matching numbers are less important than on an original collectible military specimen.

My best guess is, it's quite fine as is. Clean up the bore with some good Hoppes or CLP, let's see how clean the bore is.

Is it a Long Branch or a Savage? US property on the receiver?
 
Hi cantom. Thanks for your PM, I've sent a reply. Yes, it's a Savage, 1943, U.S. Property lend/lease stamp. The bore looks good to my eye, I'll be glad to have you look it over and measure the headspace. Much appreciated and I will phone within the next few days to set something up.
 
small gamer said:
cantom, thanks for your help today. All the info you provided is really appreciated, you are a good guy
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No problem guy, nice meeting you...and that's a very nice rifle you got there!

BTW, headspace is really tight and it has a 0 bolt head.

Only issue is a bit of over-rotation of the bolt head. The rifle is just like new basically with really nice wood.
 
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Thanks Ollie. cantom is right, it's best left a sporter. However down the road I'd like to get more into milsurp. Since buying this rifle a couple of weeks ago I have been doing some research on the 'net and the LE's really intrigue me. As an army cadet in the '70's I did a lot of indoor range shooting with Long Branches converted to .22, and also some outdoor range stuff with the .303's whenever the opportunity arose. Thanks everyone for your replies.
 
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