S.M.L.E. .22 Rifle Mk IV (No.2 Mk IV*)…..(F 1064)
Created on July 18th 2021
High condition conversion to .22 Trainer No.2 Mk IV*
To say this rifle has been well looked after is an understatement! Its more like its been cherished in a way appropriate to more than just an inanimate object. I can almost imagine it on display in a dark blue velvet backed mahogany display cabinet. Apart from its breath-taking cosmetic condition, its specification is perfectly correct. Alongside this technical perfection comes a distinctive Canadian connection in the form of the Ross rear sight with broad arrow acceptance mark. This all ties up as the rifle was discovered in Canada and imported by Sword & Musket.
These training rifles were conversions from existing No1 Mk III rifles. A solid barrel was installed, in this case by B.S.A. and the bolt head changed. An empty shell of a magazine added (hence the *) to collect brass, and target sights fitted. As part of the conversion process the original markings were removed from the wrist and minimal markings replace them. The magazine box being stamped “.22” Bolt head also stamped thus. The rifle was then given another serial number, which in this case is “A 176” and is matching throughout in the normal locations. The original rear sights were re-used and a 25 yard graduation added at around about the three hundred yard mark. Early rear sight protection with recces cuts in outer sides. Front sight retained with original pinched sight protection ears. The bayonet stud has the serial number clearly marked on the front face.
The action retains all normal features except the Canadians have chosen to mount their target aperture sight in place of the Parker-Hale norm. Simple wind up elevation knurled adjustment wheel. Clearly graduated on the RHS of its frame, from 0 to 9 and divided into quarters. Scale on the rear face with adjustment for zeroing. The rear face also carries graduations from 0 to 12 on a scale. The RHS which is in the white also has a makers mark of “H.W.C.” within an oval and an Enfield-type inspection mark along with a broad arrow on its side. There is no doubt that this was a Canadian War Office choice of fitment. This is further enforced by the fact that the base of the sight, located on the LHS of the action has a clear Large “C” with broad arrow within it – Canadian ownership mark. The sight base has a datum line with “O” beside it for zeroing the elevation. A simple turn-screw loosens the whole unit to allow it to slide vertically within a dovetail. This larger movement allows the whole unit to be raised to allow clearance for the bolt head to pass under upon removal. Serial number marked towards the front on the same side of the action and adjacent are the markings ” B 55.” Original donor rifle Enfield inspection marks are all still present on the receiver and action.
The three stacked rifles logo of BSA is marked on the top flat of the barrel knox form. Extra sling mounting is fitted to the position in front of the magazine on the trigger guard. Serrated trigger with arrow markings. It is possible to see/feel on the RHS of the wrist a slightly flattened profile where the original markings have been removed and simply; “broad arrow / .22″ have replaced them. A highly polished brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment to the rear.
Matching serial number applied to rear of bolt arm. Within the curved scallop on the underside of the bolt arm are two more interesting markings which show more about the conversion; “1954 / M47C” The later part is the factory code for BSA. The date is the date of the conversion. This tallies with the information to be found on the stocks. On the underside of the wrist, just behind the trigger guard is a clear set of stamps, obviously applied before the rifle was stock finished. Not completely legible but the majority being; “B / arrow – unclear / broad arrow / S O U 2 / 11/55 / O” this is mirrored by markings on the underside of the fore end just behind the bayonet fitting in the timber, ” A / 176 / B / 1955 / ” All supporting information for time of production. Square cocking piece to rear of bolt. Twin sling swivels with period canvass sling attached with brass fittings. The sling is marked on the inside “TPL”
Mechanically fine and fully functioning. Superbly fine bore with perfect, uninterrupted, 6 grove, sharp, clean rifling. No pitting or misting and showing very little use with sharp lands and deep groves, What more would you want from such a rifle. The condition within matches the same on the outside. A real collectors piece in wonderful condition. An almost unrepeatable moment in Enfield development and a clear winner in the newly emerging following that is rapidly expanding for collecting military trainers. Within collecting and valuation circles this rifle will score very highly as it ticks all the boxes that command a decent return. Remember; Condition is everything.……..
Stock No’ F 1064
£ 2950.
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