British No.4 Mk I (T) Enfield .303 British Bolt Action Sniper Rifle, 1944
SOLD FOR: $5,525.00
LSB#: LSB250818JK007
Make: BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) Co. – Shirley
Model: Enfield No.4 Mk I(T) Sniper
Serial Number: M 32 436
Year of Manufacture: 1944 / C&R
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action rifle w/ detachable 10 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is faintly marked, “NO4MK1” and the stock collar is marked, “M 47 C / 1944 / M 32 436 / TR”. The right side of the receiver ring has a crown and, “ENGLAND”. The bolt is matched to the receiver however the buttstock is not. There are various small British proofs and subcontractor codes throughout. The scope base is marked, “KD / M 32436”. Both the scope base and scope ring tops are matched, “200 / 201”. The scope is marked, “TEL.STG.No32Mk3 / OS.2039 A. No 18639”. The underside of the stock has British proofs on the wrist and, “S51” (Holland & Holland Ltd.) and the forend has a matching serial.
Barrel Length: 25.2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post dovetailed into a base set between two protective ears. The rear of the receiver has a fully adjustable folding ladder peep sight. There is a scope mounted to the left side of the receiver. The scope is in Excellent Condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a 5-piece wood set with a capped forend, barrel band w/ sling loop, serrated handguard, stock collar, straight comb w/ raised additional cheekpiece. Sling loop, and brass buttplate w/ storage gate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks, but there are a few small chips. 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 is minimal erosion in the lands. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at a 9.5/10.
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 94% of its metal finish. This rifle retains 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 Very Good to Excellent 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: This rifle comes with the scope as described above with leather eye piece covers, one 10 round magazine and leather sling.
Our Assessment: This 1944 British Enfield No.4 Mk I(T) sniper rifle is a remarkably well-preserved and correct example of one of WWII’s most effective battlefield precision rifles. Manufactured by BSA Shirley (M47C), this rifle was selected for its accuracy during testing and subsequently converted to sniper configuration by Holland & Holland, London’s premier gunmaker. The presence of the “TR” marking on the stock collar, the “S51” cartouche on the wrist, and the matching serial numbers on the scope base and receiver all confirm its authenticity as a true No.4(T) sniper—not a postwar clone or reproduction. The rifle is fitted with a genuine No.32 Mk. III scope, correctly marked and serial numbered to the rifle’s base. The optics are clear, and both the scope and its mount remain in excellent condition. The bore is equally impressive, bright with sharp rifling and minimal erosion, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The wood stock set is in very good condition with only scattered pressure dents, small chips, and light handling wear—exactly what you’d expect from a rifle that likely saw combat but was well-maintained. While the buttstock is not serialized to match, the forend and receiver remain correctly matched.
These rifles were used extensively by British and Commonwealth snipers in WWII, the Korean War, and even into the early Cold War period. With its clean finish, matching bolt, original scope and mount, and wartime date, this is a highly collectible and historically significant precision rifle. It would be a standout piece in any serious military collection and a valuable investment for Enfield or sniper rifle enthusiasts. -R.E.
