Savage No 4 Mk 1/3 (F) FTR Trainer Conversion………….(F 1219)
Created on April 24th 2025
Extremely Fine No .22 Trainer
This fine rifle follows exactly the known and accepted liniage and all the markings are there to see. When it was first built it came from the Savage-Stevens plant in the USA as a No 4 Mk I*. Those markings are clearly shown on the outer LHS of the receiver wall; “S No4 MkI*”. You can couple this with the serial number which contains the “C” as in all Savage numbers; “98C01445″ on the LHS of the wrist socket. The next stage was the conversion to the”/ 3” designation which amoung other things, mainly comprised of mounting the trigger under / on the receiver from 1949 onwards. At this point the original designation marks on the receiver were struck out with one simple electropencil line through them horizontally. We assume that this was actually done in 1951 as the markings “/51 98C1445.” were also added on the same surface. Then its last manifestaion, which we have before us, still could be an official conversion to .22 R.F. To bring it into line as a No 9 type trainer, the conversion in vogue at the time, it carries all the same signs except the final receiver markings. The bolt is the correct offset firing pin type and more importantly, the barrel is the correct “PARKERFIELD AGP” crown marked barrel. Whoever converted the rifle has chosen this example because of the later set-up of the trigger, mentioned above. So in efffect they have provided the best donor rifle they had as the base, which hints at official orders; this would have occurred between 1956 and 1960.
Since that period the rifle has been extremely well looked after and maintained. Finish on all parts is consistant with its age and little use. The light beech stock is in excellent condition with ony one tiny ding on the crest of the butt on the RHS. All metal components are finished in the correct ceracote black paint which has also fared very well. On the top of the receiver wall, on the angled surface are the clear words; “U.S PROPERTY” reference to the Lend Lease Campaign which supplied these weapons to Britian.
Other markings on the rifle consist of a solitary “B” below the serial number on the wrist. Electropenciled serial number on the base of the magazine – matching. “S” in a box ( Savage) marked cocking piece. Matchin serial number on rear of bolt arm. Deep “Flaming bomb” US mark under electro-pencilled serial number on receiver wall. Fazakerley marked under wrist of stock for 1940. Other small manufacturers marks are visible which all seem to “fit”.
The rifle also benifits from having the Parker-Hale front revolving sling mount infront of the magazine, aadjacent the chain loop mount. Brass butt-plate with trap for cleaning equipment. Sling swivels front and rear and a modern green material sling. Guarded front sight. The external bayonet mounting lugs of the No 4 are still in position. An interesting ladder rear sight in the conventional form with open aperture battle sight. It is correctly graduated for training with graduations which read “”25, 50, 100” for the smaller aperture, surrounded by black cross hatched plate. At its top it shows a solitary “H”. This could be the marking for “National Brass & Copper Tube Co, Hastings, New York” who may have been called into produce these delicate items.
The action is smooth and functions mechanically correctly. The multi-groove enfiled rifled bore looks clean, shiney and bright, with no pitting or misting. The rifle comes with two No 4 magazines, the serial numbered example is empty and purely acts to collect spent cases. However, another Ace in the Hole for this weapon is the other magazine. Externally a fairly standard No 4 magazine case but, it has a very well made, pressed steel loading platform which places the bullets perfectly in position to be picked up by the bolt and then chambered. The author has not seen this form of magazine before and could only find a “LB” Longbranch making on the back. It is however well made, and very much of identicle construction and materials to all other magazine builds of the period. It is a very rare thing to go with a fine and sought after type of rifle. A chance for the serious collector / shooter to really aquire a fine and interesting conversion in wonderful condition.
Stock No F 1219 – FAC Required.
£ 2500.
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