Savage No. 4 Mk 1 Lee Enfield .303 British Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1942 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2725

WOA#:  WY230115JB004

Make: Stevens Savage

Model: No4 MK I

Serial Number: 5C9171

Year of Manufacture: 1942

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine

Markings:  The left side of the receiver over the stock collar is marked with the serial number “5C9171” with an “8” underneath with a flaming bomb proof.  The left side of the receiver is marked, “U.S. PROPERTY / S NO 4 MKI –1942–”.  The chamber is marked, “303 BRIT” with another proof.

Barrel Length: Approximately 25 Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade dovetailed into a base on the barrel, protected by military style ears that are finely checkered on their edges. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight pinned to the top rear of the receiver. This is a standard 1st Variation Mk I sight with the battle sight aperture.  When the ladder is folded up, there is an aperture in the center of the slider. The slider is raised and lowered with a Vernier screw with a serrated knob at the top of the ladder. The rear face of the ladder is marked from “2” to “8” with an “B” in the top left corner.  The rear face of the slider is finely checkered to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The oil stained stock has a straight grip, 2 nosecaps, 2 barrel bands, 2 sling loops and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scrapes & oxidation. There is a large chip in the upper forend.  There are scratches and compression marks throughout.  The LOP measures 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Oiled Wood.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is deep. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The face of the muzzle shows small scratches. The barrel shows a few light scrapes. The metal shows various scuffs & light handling marks. The bottom screw head shows very light use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

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: The rifle comes with a magazine that shows scrapes consistent with insertion & removal. It is in about Fine condition. The spring is strong and the leading edges are sharp.  It also comes with its pig sticker bayonet also in Very Good condition

Our Assessment: Today, we’re talking about a rifle that’s near and dear to my heart, the Savage Lee Enfield No.4 MKI. There’s just something about World War II guns that gets my blood pumping, and this rifle is no exception.

Now, I don’t want to bore you with a bunch of history you can find in some musty old book or on the interwebs, so let’s cut to the chase. This particular rifle was made by Savage in 1942, during the height of the war.   The Savage Enfield had a few features that set it apart from other rifles of the time. For starters, it had a ten-round detachable box magazine that could be loaded with stripper clips. That meant it could hold twice as many rounds as the German K98k, which was a serious advantage on the battlefield. Plus, unlike other rifles like the American Springfield 1903/1903 A3 or the German 98 Mauser, the Enfield had a rear locking lug and a cock-on-closing design. It was a little different than what most folks were used to, but it was lightning-fast and deadly accurate.

Now, I know some folks might think the Enfield action is a little complex, but to me, that’s what makes it so dang cool. It’s a unique design that you just don’t see in modern rifles. Plus, it’s capable of being operated with incredible speed and smoothness, which means even a mediocre rifleman can deliver aimed fire at a distance with almost the same speed and accuracy as an M1 Garand.

All in all, the Savage Lee Enfield No.4 MKI is a real piece of history, and one that any gun enthusiast should be proud to own. So make this rifle yours and good luck on your bid. Trust me, you won’t regret it.