Mk. 4 No. 2(F) Enfield - questions

[zouavexx]

I have a Mk. 4 No. 2(F) Enfield (.303 Brit.) that I picked up a few years ago for about $30.

I really don't know much about it and I was hoping the Enfield Guru's could give me a clue.

What does the (F) mean in the rifle designation?

http://album.gunsnet.net/data/zouave/103_p478.jpg
(side view)

The rifle has few marks of any kind on it, I have not found any cartouche's on it anywhere. The only mark on the stock is a number "42" in a plastic disk that has been embedded into the rifle.
http://album.gunsnet.net/data/zouave/103_p479.jpg

Here is a close up of the action, it seems to have a painted finish on the metal (like on a Sten gun) and has very little proof marks on it. It has "UK" and "303 Brit" and the serial number that reads like this: 7/52 (the date it was made??) then PF247,XXX

http://album.gunsnet.net/data/zouave/103_p480.jpg

The upper hand guard is slightly loose any Idea on how to tighten it up?

The gun is in pretty good shape, light dings and scratches and a mint bore. The Metal finish is worn. All in all it seems to have been a good buy at $30!

Anything else you can tell me about the rifle would be greatly appreciated!

[neilwest]

1. Works out well. Im using the money I get from the #1 you are buying to order a #4 to complete my collection. See it works great.:D

[REDSTAR]

I think the F designates the Royal Ordnance factory at Fazakerley, which is a suberb of Liverpool.

http://www.uidaho.edu/~stratton/en-page.html

In 1947, the design of the trigger mounting was changed to allow the trigger to be hung from the action body rather than from the trigger guard. In addition, light-colored beech wood was approved for rifle furniture, and Arabic rather than Roman numerals began to be used to designate various Marks of components. These changes led to the adoption in March 1949 of the No. 4 Mk 2 Rifle, with production beginning at ROF-Fazakerley in July, 1949. Production continued until 1955, with Fazakerley being the only plant manufacturing the No. 4 Mk 2.

I'd guess the 7/52 is the date but I'm not sure.

[REDSTAR]

Oh yeah, the handguard is held in place by the two stock bands. Try tightening up the screws on both of the bands. Don't force it and go too tight though or you may split the wood.

Thats a nice rifle, let me know if you ever care to sell or trade it.

I just got to looking at my Savage #4 MKI* lend lease, very nice. All matching mirror bore, beautiful weapon. I've never fired it.

[lordviperscorpin]

DO NOT SHOOT IT !!! Those are no good. The F stands for "Falkans", it's a long story but I'll explain. During the British-Falkans war, covert ops seeded ammo dumps and small arms supply houses at their Falkan bases with these particular MkII's. They are designed to explode upon ignition. The British figured that the natives did not have any weapons, and since they could not exert authority, they would eventually lose partial control of the island. If the Falkaners were given a false sense of confidence, and then had their weapons blow up in their faces, they would discontinue hording British weapons and seek out something else. They also figured it would save British soldiers lives, since at that time, they no longer used the Enfield. Even with it's peculiar history, these MKII's hold no collectors value and are at most used to show British citizens what a gun looks like. Nothing more. Pure crap.

The stock might be worth something. But the barrel, receiver, and everything else are designed to do nothing but harm the shooter. Very dangerous stuff. You better send it to me so I can melt her down and make sure no harm is done. I'd say, what, $15 worth of steel ? Sounds like a fair deal to me, I'll even throw in shipping. Send me an email so I can get your address.

[zouavexx]

Thanks REDSTAR!

lordviperscorpion, would the rifle still work as a pygmy club?:)

[Schuetzenman]

Nice looking rifle Zouave. I'm going with Redstars explaination of the "F". But if there is any doubt, fire it with a string on the trigger and stand behind a tree for shelter.;)

Most Enfields seem to be painted or a Baked on Lacquer finish. I can see the merit to it in a combat weapon as the paint is a positive barrier to rust. Bluing isn't and parkerizing is only good if saturated well with oil.

Do you see an Importers mark stamped on the barrel?

The 42 is a rack number if I'm not mistaken. Aside from these observations I can't tell you much more about it. I see you got a spike bayonet with it. Won't make much of a hole. LOL! :D

[lordviperscorpin]

"lordviperscorpion, would the rifle still work as a pygmy club ?"

I suppose :D

[Warwolf]

All Serial #PF231xxx to PF263xxx were made in 52 by Fazakerley.Couldn't find any info on the plastic stock disc :(

[zouavexx]

Thanks Warwolf!