Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historic bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Birmingham Small Arms No.4 MK1 (T)!
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Birmingham Small Arms (Wartime “M47C” Factory Code)
Model: No.4 MK1 (T)
Serial: X32349
Date of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Fold Adjustable Aperture Rear and Scope Mount
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Stock with Wood Cheek Rising Piece
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side plate above the trigger is stamped “M47C 1945 TR X32349”. The right side of the receiver is stamped “England” with British proof marks. The rear of the receiver behind the bolt is also stamped with British proof marks. The right side of the barrel is stamped “.303 2/22 18/5 tons”. The bottom of the stock is stamped “S51”. Chest: The chest is stamped “ BAS5885 CHEST S.A.No.15 MK.1 TEL SGT Mk 3”. The top of the Chest has a shipping label.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
During the Second World War, the British No. 4 rifle was adapted for use as a sniper weapon, particularly recognized for its accuracy during factory tests. These modifications included the addition of a wooden cheek piece and telescopic sight mounts designed to accept the No. 32 3.5× telescopic sight. The No. 32 scope featured a field of view of 8 degrees and 20 minutes, along with a bullet drop compensation range drum graduated in 50-yard increments up to 1,000 yards. Side adjustments could be made in 2 MOA increments via a drum mounted on the side of the sight. The modified rifles were designated as No. 4 Mk. I (T) and had to meet rigorous accuracy standards: placing seven of seven shots within a 5-inch circle at 200 yards and six of seven shots within a 10-inch circle at 400 yards. The cheek piece was affixed with two screws, and the rear "battle sight" was ground off to accommodate the No. 32 telescope mounted on the left side of the receiver. Each No. 32 scope was matched and serial numbered to its specific rifle. The No. 32 telescope underwent three marks in British service: the Mk. I was introduced in 1942, followed by the Mk. II in 1943, which improved side adjustments to finer 1 MOA increments, and finally the Mk. III in 1944, which enhanced the field of view to 8 degrees and 30 minutes.
Model: No.4 MK1 (T)
Serial: X32349
Date of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: .303 British
Finish: Parkerized
Barrel Length: 25 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Winged Protected Blade Front with Fold Adjustable Aperture Rear and Scope Mount
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Stock with Wood Cheek Rising Piece
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard / The left side plate above the trigger is stamped “M47C 1945 TR X32349”. The right side of the receiver is stamped “England” with British proof marks. The rear of the receiver behind the bolt is also stamped with British proof marks. The right side of the barrel is stamped “.303 2/22 18/5 tons”. The bottom of the stock is stamped “S51”. Chest: The chest is stamped “ BAS5885 CHEST S.A.No.15 MK.1 TEL SGT Mk 3”. The top of the Chest has a shipping label.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
During the Second World War, the British No. 4 rifle was adapted for use as a sniper weapon, particularly recognized for its accuracy during factory tests. These modifications included the addition of a wooden cheek piece and telescopic sight mounts designed to accept the No. 32 3.5× telescopic sight. The No. 32 scope featured a field of view of 8 degrees and 20 minutes, along with a bullet drop compensation range drum graduated in 50-yard increments up to 1,000 yards. Side adjustments could be made in 2 MOA increments via a drum mounted on the side of the sight. The modified rifles were designated as No. 4 Mk. I (T) and had to meet rigorous accuracy standards: placing seven of seven shots within a 5-inch circle at 200 yards and six of seven shots within a 10-inch circle at 400 yards. The cheek piece was affixed with two screws, and the rear "battle sight" was ground off to accommodate the No. 32 telescope mounted on the left side of the receiver. Each No. 32 scope was matched and serial numbered to its specific rifle. The No. 32 telescope underwent three marks in British service: the Mk. I was introduced in 1942, followed by the Mk. II in 1943, which improved side adjustments to finer 1 MOA increments, and finally the Mk. III in 1944, which enhanced the field of view to 8 degrees and 30 minutes.
A transitional model, the No. 32 Mk. 2/1 also existed. Canadian scopes produced by Research Enterprises Limited were prefixed with the letter "C" and included the C No. 32 Mk. I, Mk. I A (a transitional model), Mk. II, and Mk. III. Many Mk. III and Mk. 2/1 scopes were later modified for use with the L42A1 sniper rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, designated as Telescope Straight, Sighting L1A1. Initial production included 1,403 conversions of No. 4 Mk. I rifles used in troop trials from 1931 to 1933 at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield, with some conversions also performed on Stevens-Savage No. 4s. These conversions occurred in late 1941 and into 1942, after which the work was contracted to Holland & Holland, renowned British sporting gun manufacturers. They converted approximately 23,000 No. 4 Mk. I (T) and No. 4 Mk. I* (T) sniper rifles, typically marked with the contractor code "S51" on the underside of the buttstock. Additionally, BSA Shirley undertook 100 conversions to .22 caliber, while James Purdey and Sons provided special buttstocks later in the war.
Approximately 3,000 rifles, primarily Stevens-Savage models, were partially converted by Holland & Holland but did not receive the necessary brackets and scopes. Canada converted about 1,588 rifles at Small Arms Limited until the end of 1945, and later at Canadian Arsenals Limited in Long Branch, Ontario. Most of these Canadian No. 4 Mk. I* (T) sniper rifles were supplied to British forces. The No. 4 (T) rifles continued to see extensive use in various conflicts until the late 1960s, solidifying their place in military history.
Contents:
This example will ship with a Wooden Chest, a correct No.32 MK3 scope with leather lens covers, two leather slings, a Bushnell 3x-9x32 optic, and other contents pictured above!
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.
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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