British Savage No.4 Mk I* Enfield .303 British Bolt Action Rifle w/Bayonet
SOLD FOR: $920.99
WOA#: WY231107MF002
Make: Savage Arms
Model: Enfield No.4 Mk I*
Serial Number: 88C1509
Year of Manufacture: 1942-1944
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action, detachable 10 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with an import mark, “U.S. Property”, the Savage block “S”, “No.4 Mk I*”, and a flaming bomb stamp. The left side of the stock collar is marked “88C1509”, “B”, and with an import mark. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “88C1509”. The rear sight apertures are marked “300” and “600”. The underside of the forend is marked “88C1509”. The underside of the grip is marked with various proof and acceptance marks. There are Savage block “S” marks on the rear barrel band, the bolt head, the rear right side of the cocking piece, the front of the trigger guard assembly, and the top of the magazine follower. The bottom of the magazine is marked “88C1509”. The rear is marked “533 BZ”. There are numerous small proof and acceptance marks scattered throughout. The left side of the bayonet socket is marked “II* P S K” with other marks and letters being illegible. There is also a British broad arrow acceptance mark.
Barrel Length: 24.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post dovetailed into a base set between two protective ears. The rear sight is a two position dual aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, nose cap, two barrel bands, two sling swivels, and a steel buttplate with a hinged door for storage. The buttplate has light scuffs and scratches as well as wear to the heel and toe edges. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are some shallow gouges in the right side of the buttstock, near the stock collar. The LOP measures 13.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10 round detachable magazine in Very Good Condition.
Type of Finish: Black gun paint
Finish Originality: Some areas are original, but some parts such as the barrel bands and nose cap have been refinished.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is deep. There is very light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is wear and thinning to the finish on the receiver and bolt. The bolt handle finish is heavily worn. There is wear on the right side of the stock collar from where the bolt handle rests. There are scratches on the sides and bottom of the magazine. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings vary from crisp to muddied. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one 10 round magazine, canvas sling, and a No.4 Mk. II* Bayonet with scabbard made by Prince-Smith & Stells Co.
Our Assessment: The Enfield No.4 Mk I replaced the SMLE No.1 Mk III* in British and Canadian service beginning in late 1941. It featured a number of improvements over the previous rifle, including a heavier barrel, but retained the cock-on-close action that lent itself to rapid fire. During the war, the two North American manufacturers of the No.4 rifle, Long Branch and Savage, began producing the No.4 Mk I*, which was meant to speed up production. This new variant had a simpler bolt release, a pinned magazine catch, and a 2-groove barrel. Savage produced rifles were marked “U.S. Property” and with US acceptance marks as part of the Lend-Lease program. Savage would continue to produce the No.4 Mk. I* until the middle of 1944, making a total of nearly 1.1 million rifles.
This is an example of a No.4 Mk I* rifle made by Savage sometime between 1942 and 1944. There is a combination of original finish and refinish, with some parts retaining their original black paint finish and others being refinished at some point which has muddied the markings. The finish is mostly intact though. Some of the parts are not Savage marked, either due to the marks being obscured by the refinish or because the rifle was refurbished with non-Savage made parts. The stock has some scratches and dings, but it still looks to be in nice shape. The 2-groove bore is in semi-bright, with very light wear along the rifling, so it should be an accurate shooter. It also comes with a Prince-Smith & Stells Co. made No. 4 Mk. II* bayonet and scabbard. This would be a great addition to any British, Enfield, Second World War, or even American collection. Please see our photos.
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