British No.4 Mk II Enfield In .303 British Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
WOA#: WY240514TP005
Make: Fazakerley
Model: Enfield No.4 Mk II
Serial Number: PF203182
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action, detachable 10 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “No 4MK 2 (F) / 11/54 PF203182” The bolt handle is marked, “PF203182” The magazine is marked, “PF203182” The receiver and stock collar have import marks. The stock is marked, “PF203182” There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 25.2”
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 peep hole ladder assembly.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a straight grip with nose cap, barrel band, two sling loops, straight wrist, straight comb, and a brass buttplate with a hinged door for storage. There are pressure dents and scratches throughout. There is a repair at the wrist. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” 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 Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Oil darkened metal, rust proofing black paint
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates at a 9/10.
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 97% of its metal finish. There are scratches, scuffing, and thinning throughout the finish. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads show light to moderate 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 one 10 round magazine.
Our Assessment: The No. 4 Mk II Enfield is a notable variant of the British Lee-Enfield bolt-action rifle series, widely recognized for its role during and after World War II. Introduced in 1949, the No. 4 Mk II was an improvement over the earlier No. 4 Mk I model, featuring refinements that enhanced the rifle’s reliability and accuracy. It served as a standard-issue rifle for British and Commonwealth forces during the early Cold War period. One of the key differences between the No. 4 Mk II and its predecessor, the No. 4 Mk I, lies in the trigger mechanism. In the Mk II version, the trigger was mounted directly onto the receiver rather than the trigger guard. The No. 4 Mk II retained the robust construction and design features that characterized the Lee-Enfield series. It was chambered in the .303 British cartridge, a rimmed round known for its effective stopping power. The rifle featured a 10-round detachable box magazine, which allowed soldiers to maintain a high rate of fire. The bolt-action mechanism, with its smooth cock-on-closing operation, enabled rapid cycling of the action, further enhancing the rifle’s combat effectiveness. The rifle was equipped with a micrometer-adjustable rear sight, calibrated for ranges up to 1,300 yards, which provided precise aiming capabilities. The front sight was protected by a sturdy steel guard, and the rifle also included a bayonet lug, allowing for the attachment of a bayonet. The No. 4 Mk II’s stock was typically made from beech or birch, and it featured a full-length design that offered a comfortable and stable shooting platform. Production of the No. 4 Mk II began at the Royal Ordnance Factories in the United Kingdom and later extended to other Commonwealth countries, including Canada and India. The rifle saw widespread use during the Korean War and various other conflicts in the post-war period. It was highly regarded for its durability, accuracy, and ease of maintenance, qualities that made it a reliable service rifle for military forces.
Today, the No. 4 Mk II Enfield is a prized collector’s item and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lee-Enfield rifle series. Its historical significance, combined with its mechanical precision and craftsmanship, continues to be appreciated by firearms enthusiasts and historians alike. The No. 4 Mk II remains an iconic symbol of British military history and a classic example of 20th-century rifle design. -R.E.
