British No.4 Mk I (T) Enfield .303 British Bolt Action SNIPER Rifle 25” C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,610.00
LSB#: LSB250723CA016
Make: BSA-Shirley
Model: Enfield No.4 Mk I(T) Sniper version
Serial Number: H 32887
Year of Manufacture: 1941-1945
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action, detachable 10 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “No.4 MK1 T”. The stock collar and rear of the bolt handle are marked, “H 32887”. The stock forearm is marked “H 32877”. There is an import mark on the barrel. The wrist of the buttstock is stamped “6849”. There is a large “S” markings on the stock along with a smaller “B” marking and other proof markings throughout. The serial number on the magazine is non-matching and has a line through it. There do not appear to be serial numbers on the Scope or Scope Mount.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post dovetailed into a base set between two protective ears. There is a scope mounted to the left side of the receiver. Scope is marked “TEL SIGHTING / No.32 /, MKI / 1941, No 2670”. The scope has a German Reticle and the glass is clear. Scope is in Excellent Condition. There is also a rear ladder sight underneath the scope but it is not operable while the scope is attached.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a three piece wood set with a Raised cheek piece, straight wrist, straight comb, thin flutes, forend cap, barrel band w/ sling loop, stock collar, sling loop, and brass buttplate. There are pressure dents, scratches, and scuffs throughout. There is a repair at the heel. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 10 round detachable magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Oil darkened metal, Black rust proofing paint.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are some signs of light erosion in the lands. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at a 8/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. This rifle retained about all of its rust proofing paint. There are faint handling marks throughout. The screw heads show light use. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine to Very Good condition as a C&R.
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 the scope as described above with leather eye piece covers, one 10 round magazine and canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The British No. 4 Mk I Enfield is a bolt-action rifle that was a standard-issue firearm for British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. Developed from the earlier Lee-Enfield series, the No. 4 Mk I represented a significant evolution in design and functionality. One of the defining features of the No. 4 Mk I Enfield is its distinctive bolt-action mechanism, which is known for its rear-locking, cock-on-closing design. This system allows for smooth and quick operation, enabling soldiers to maintain a high rate of fire—a notable advantage in combat situations. The rifle’s heavier barrel improved accuracy and reduced barrel whip, which was particularly advantageous for long-range engagements.
During the Second World War, standard No. 4 rifles, selected for their accuracy during factory tests, were modified by the addition of a wooden cheek rising-piece, and telescopic sight mounts designed to accept a No. 32 3.5× telescopic sight. Initial production of the Sniper version was 1,403 conversions of 1931–1933 troop trials No. 4 Mk I rifles at RSAF Enfield and a few others including Stevens-Savage No. 4s. These were converted in late 1941 and into the later part of 1942. Then, the work was assigned to Holland & Holland, the famous British sporting gun manufacturers, which converted about 23,000 No. 4 Mk I (T) and No. 4 Mk I* (T) sniper rifles. The Holland & Holland conversions usually have the contractor code “S51” on the underside of the buttstock.
Post-war, the No. 4 Mk I continued to see service with British and Commonwealth forces. It was used in the Korean War and various colonial conflicts during the 1950s and 1960s. The rifle was eventually replaced by more modern designs, but it remained in reserve and training roles for many years. Today, the No. 4 Mk I Enfield is highly valued by collectors and military history enthusiasts. Its historical significance, coupled with its mechanical quality and performance, makes it a prized piece in any collection of military firearms.
BF
