No.4 Mk1* question

[joe n]

I know next to nothing about Enfields, but I am attempting to learn. I have two reference books on the way to me as we speak. But can someone tell me if the asteric (*) on the receiver is indicative of anything? For example, I have a 1943 dated Longbranch No.4 Mk1*. Thanks all,
Joe

 

[tiriaq]

The * means a modification. In this case, it means that the system of bolt retention has been changed. A Mk. I rifle has a catch at the rear of the receiver, which is depressed to allow the bolthead to be rotated, and the bolt removed. A I* rifle has a simple notch in the boltway. There are slight differences in the bottom of the charger bridge as well. I* rifles were approved for manufacture everywhere, but were only produced in Canada and the US.

 

[joe n]

Awesome!! Thank you!

 

[tootall]

An * means that the changes (as outlined by tiriaq. thanks guy!) are relatively minor ones. Big changes would give it a new number, such as the LE No.5, refering to the shortened "jungle carbine" version.

 

[Greenhorse six]

The barrels are usually 2 groove and not the more common 5 groove.
they're just as accurate as the 5 groove,and easier to clean.

 

[woodchopper]

actually there were 2 3 4 5 and 6 groove barrels, The 3 groove were a problem as the barrel was pressed into the barrel knox then threaded into the reciever. (sort of like the SKS pressd barrels that are causing all the problems) They were all recalled ad replaced.

2 groove barrels were war time expedient, and were used by all manufacturers.

6 groove barrels were made post war using bren tooling and normally have a small 6 stamped on the bayonet lug.

5 groove come in left hand and right hand twist


now that said the * on the Mk1* has nothing to do with the barrel its has to do with the bolt release. The charger bridge thing is another interesting thing and not all Mk1* rifles have that modification.

sort of like the bolts that have no grasping grooves on the hammer, some did some did not, another minor modification that is not part of the Mk1 - Mk1* change but an authorized modification. And those bolts hammers without grasping grooves did not have the half #### position and were susposed to be changed out with normal hammers by unit armouries as parts were available.

 

[tiriaq]

Apparently some very early Savages had 6 groove barrels. I have a rifle with a grooveless cocking piece with a half #### notch, and have only ever seen one cocking piece without grooves or halfcock. I suspect that most of the expedient parts disappeared as rifles were overhauled, went into storage, or were replaced by armourers as woodchopper has suggested.