No5 Jungle Carbine - Serial number check

[koesdibyo]

I know if its got over 4 digits, I should worry about its authenticity of being a number 4 in disguise.

In this one in particular, the bolt matches the receiver, and no markings on the mag. Ive seen a lot of 3 or 4 digit serials... and would expect to see 2 digits, or even 1 digits, but havent heard of them really. Wondering if perhaps they started off in the 3 digits and bypassed 1 and 2s?

The reason I am wondering is because Ive acquired is a 2 digit, serial is "S82" from 10/45. Wanting to know if it is a legit model, or a fake. Everything is leading me to believe it is true, but hoping for clarification from the gurus!

It is a beautiful rifle, and everything looks extremely clean on it. The only downside is the rear sight has been removed and replaced with a redfield peep (no-gunsmith mount thought, phew!).

 

[wbaad]

Looks legit with the hollow bolt handle and lightened receiver. Have a look under the rear hand guard. The barrel should have little notches or fillets just forward of the receiver. Has the same EP details mine had.
I'm sure someone has more details...

 

[5THBATT]

Yep, all good, i have seen Y40 & at least 1 another 2 digit plus now yours.
Single digit s/n would be quite rare as there would only be 9 in each letter prefix so there would be less than 300 ever made & only around 160 if you use the often quoted production figures for Fazakerley of 169,807 but this figure of 169,807 is only up to rifle number S8823 to which we must add prefixes T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z,AA,AB & AC which adds nearly another 100,000 to the production number.
Now before someone jumps in & says they did not used all the allocated s/n prefixes, that is true, they did not use AD* AE & AF which were allocated to Fazakerley for No5 production but unused.

*there has been a AD reported, but yet to be seen.