" Shirley" No4 mkI ??

[Pre-1898]

I was told that the " Shirley " No4 MkI. was scarce and not often seen. Is that thru ? Was also told they were BSA made , so are all the Shirley BSA and vice versa ? and what makes them special ?

 

[points]

BSA made #4s at their Shirley plant. They made about 665,000 of them. So, not scarce.

 

[Pre-1898]

Are they good rifles ?

 

[points]

Are they good rifles ?

I have several. They are all good. That being said, does a Lee Enfield suit your taste. If so, yes. Some of the British made #4s got a little rough in the finish as the war raged on, but they still function very well. Faz, BSA and Maltby all made a decent rifle.
Long Branch made a better one and Savage was also pretty good. You would do well with any of them.

 

[Pre-1898]

I have several. They are all good. That being said, does a Lee Enfield suit your taste. If so, yes. Some of the British made #4s got a little rough in the finish as the war raged on, but they still function very well. Faz, BSA and Maltby all made a decent rifle.
Long Branch made a better one and Savage was also pretty good. You would do well with any of them.

I just had a 1943 Fazakerley which was really nice, I also had a Brand new unissued Savage which was a real gem sold them both but now l just bought a Shirley but did not know much about them . I have not received it yet as it is still in the mail. So quality wise, shall I expect something comparable to the Fazakerley ?

 

[points]

I just had a 1943 Fazakerley which was really nice, I also had a Brand new unissued Savage which was a real gem sold them both but now l just bought a Shirley but did not know much about them . I have not received it yet as it is still in the mail. So quality wise, shall I expect something comparable to the Fazakerley ?

Yes, they will be similar. Depending on who ran the milling machine that day. Best thing to do is collect all five makers.