No4 Lee Enfield, what do I have here?

[Volhv]

I'm more into the Mauser side of things....
Have had this thing kicking around for a few years. I wonder if anyone can offer some more insight on it.

I guess it's a Maltby made in 1943 by the M and 1943. A no4 mk1.
Fore stock and magazine numbers match the receiver, bolt does not. Butt stock is nicely fitted and tight. Must have been bashed against everything as the buttplate screws are so peened that the slots are unusable. I'm assuming It was replaced wartime and the FR is meant to be (field replacement). Paint job I think is wartime, as I've read that they did issue out an order to do that. It looks pretty old, and covered by grime in a few spots. Doubt bubba did it, you can also see where it was done around the front sling swivel, which appears to have been replaced with a Savage (square s) part. Upper handguards appears a bit too long, and like the buttstock I think they are walnut. The fore stock I think is beech. Has a few bnp proofs. Sling has some sort of ink stamp on it that has faded.

So what can you tell me about this one? Did I get it right?

What's it worth? Most of the ones I see around are former sporters in full wood. This one to me feels like a real war vet. I need to go out and enjoy it more. While I do prefer the m98 Mausers more, this gun feels so nicely balanced, and it shoulders/points much better.

 

[7ECA]

A No.4 Mk. I rifle. Looks to have seen some use over the years, with the cracked forend.

Looks like the front sight post is also Savage marked.

 

[Volhv]

Definitely seen some use. Luckily the forend isn't actually cracked, but it sure looks that way in that one picture. Just a few big scratches.
I'll have to keep an eye out for more markings.

 

[bearhunter]

Is that just lighting or does that rifle have green paint on it?

If it has green paint, that might indicate its been to places such as Malaysia and other such countries

 

[Volhv]

It's definitely green.

Based on this source, I don't think we can determine where it's been based on the khaki green paint.
A.C.I. No1444 dated 27/11/40

The painting will be carried out in all stations at home and abroad.

It barely predates the no4 rifle, hence why it isn't mentioned, but I would guess it applied to it also, and maybe a revision was made.

 

[milsurpo]

Volhv: I think it may be a BSA rifle. The M may be part of M47 or M47C, BSA manufacturer codes, and the serial number makes sense as an early to mid '43 BSA. Having the number matching forend is a real plus although it may be from refurbishment as opposed to factory original. But, at least it's not "desporterized". The green paint doesn't necessarily mean tropical use but it makes it a good possibility. Most of the rifles I've had with the paint were clearly marked as Indian or Australian. I also believe that on certain forums I've read the "FR" on the butt may be Indian. As far as value, it's hard to say. I would guess $700.00 to $800.00.

milsurpo

 

[cosmic]

How's the bore???

 

[Volhv]

Maybe a BSA thanks for the lead. The M for Maltby, is generally just in front of the year from what I've seen.
The FR marking being associated with India seems to be debated. Maybe it's a case of just because crows are black doesn't mean that all black birds are crows. Can't really say one way or another given my limited knowledge and research, but the lack or forestock reinforcing screw would suggest it hasn't seen India. There is a wood repair to the upper aft part of the butt that looks to have been there for a very long time.

The bore is actually really good. Definitely better than some of the Mausers I have. I should pick up a set of cheap 303 dies and reload some of the brass that it has made.