Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this outstanding bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the BSA Shirley No.4 MKI!
Notably, some of the earliest No. 4 Mk I rifles manufactured at BSA-Shirley (Birmingham Small Arms Company) are distinguished by four-digit serial numbers. These early serials—numbered from 0001 through 9999 and then into lettered blocks like A0001 to Z9999—represent some of the first production batches from 1941 to early 1943. By mid-war, BSA transitioned to five-digit and later alphanumeric serials. These low-serial BSA-Shirley rifles are highly prized by collectors for their rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance, as they mark the earliest phase of No. 4 Mk I production before standardization and large-scale wartime output took full effect.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: BSA Shirley
Model: No.4 MKI
Serial: 7941
Model: No.4 MKI
Serial: 7941
Date of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Flip Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
By the late 1930s, Britain recognized the urgent need to modernize its standard infantry rifle, leading to the official adoption of the Rifle, No. 4 Mk I in November 1939. Mass production began in 1941, with the design based on the earlier No. 1 Mk VI trials rifle, but strengthened and simplified for easier wartime manufacturing. Unlike the SMLE, which had a flush-fitting barrel and a rounded nose cap, the No. 4 Mk I featured a protruding barrel and a squared-off charger bridge to ease machining. It also introduced a new sighting system: a receiver-mounted aperture battle sight offering faster and more precise target acquisition than older tangent-style sights. Heavier than the No. 1 Mk III due to its thicker barrel, the No. 4 delivered improved accuracy and superior heat resistance during sustained fire. A new cruciform spike bayonet, nicknamed the “pigsticker,” was introduced for simplicity, and later replaced or supplemented by bladed bayonets such as the No. 5, No. 7, and No. 9—the latter two remaining compatible with the No. 4 rifle into the postwar years. In 1942, a simplified variant known as the No. 4 Mk I* was introduced.
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Flip Aperture Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
By the late 1930s, Britain recognized the urgent need to modernize its standard infantry rifle, leading to the official adoption of the Rifle, No. 4 Mk I in November 1939. Mass production began in 1941, with the design based on the earlier No. 1 Mk VI trials rifle, but strengthened and simplified for easier wartime manufacturing. Unlike the SMLE, which had a flush-fitting barrel and a rounded nose cap, the No. 4 Mk I featured a protruding barrel and a squared-off charger bridge to ease machining. It also introduced a new sighting system: a receiver-mounted aperture battle sight offering faster and more precise target acquisition than older tangent-style sights. Heavier than the No. 1 Mk III due to its thicker barrel, the No. 4 delivered improved accuracy and superior heat resistance during sustained fire. A new cruciform spike bayonet, nicknamed the “pigsticker,” was introduced for simplicity, and later replaced or supplemented by bladed bayonets such as the No. 5, No. 7, and No. 9—the latter two remaining compatible with the No. 4 rifle into the postwar years. In 1942, a simplified variant known as the No. 4 Mk I* was introduced.
It replaced the bolt release catch with a milled slot in the bolt track and was produced exclusively by Long Branch in Canada and Stevens-Savage in the United States under the Lend-Lease program. The No. 4 Mk I and Mk I* saw widespread service among British, Canadian, and other Commonwealth forces throughout World War II. After the war, many existing rifles were upgraded to the improved No. 4 Mk 2 standard, officially adopted in 1949. The Mk 2 featured a trigger mounted directly to the receiver, enhancing consistency and simplifying maintenance. Postwar production also saw the return of brass buttplates and the widespread use of beechwood stocks. Rifles upgraded from earlier models were redesignated as No. 4 Mk I/2 (for converted Mk I rifles) and No. 4 Mk I/3 (for Mk I* conversions). This transition also marked the shift from Roman numerals to Arabic numerals in official British military documentation.
The No. 4 Mk 2 and its predecessors remained in service through the late 1950s and beyond, a testament to the rifle’s durable and reliable design. Notably, some of the earliest No. 4 Mk I rifles manufactured at BSA-Shirley (Birmingham Small Arms Company) are distinguished by four-digit serial numbers. These early serials—numbered from 0001 through 9999 and then into lettered blocks like A0001 to Z9999—represent some of the first production batches from 1941 to early 1943. By mid-war, BSA transitioned to five-digit and later alphanumeric serials. These low-serial BSA-Shirley rifles are highly prized by collectors for their rarity, craftsmanship, and historical significance, as they mark the earliest phase of No. 4 Mk I production before standardization and large-scale wartime output took full effect.
Contents:
This example will ship with one magazine!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
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