The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

So I'm not sure if this qualifies as Pre 1945 or not, as it's borderline. There were some used at the tail end of the war, although mine is fro 1947, but since it is a historic rifle and they were military, I'm going to put it in here...

With great thanks to Graham (GeeRam) for pointing out that there was specifically the rifle I wanted on MFLClassicFirearms almost 2 weeks ago, I am now the proud owner of...



A 1947 BSA (Shirley) made No. 5 mk. 1. Matching serials.

I am over the moon. Aside from the massive journey to go pick it up, it looks lovely and I can't wait to get out and put it through it's paces.

Picked up 100 rounds of PPU whilst out there (and the sling), so just need a day at the range to blow the cobwebs out of the old girl.

It's also got, which I love, remnants of a painted number on the stock, presumably for rack identification in a military stockroom somewhere?


What it's got on the bottom, that I'm hoping some of you guys can tell me more about, is some numbers on the magazine, that have got XX's through them, presumably nullifying them. Can anyone give me more info on what they were? was it a previously issued magazine to a different serial number, then it got serialised to my rifle?

Anywhoo.

Much happy. please let me know if the picture doesn't load and I'll adjust some settings.

TG :)

It says pre 1945 action that qualifies it for this forum not the date of manufacture, see forum headers.

The No 4 action was introduced before 1945 so this is the appropriate forum for the post.

Way to go TG! I'll bet the homeward journey was better than the outward one!

Redcat

redcat wrote:Way to go TG! I'll bet the homeward journey was better than the outward one!

Redcat

Not so much... Although I nearly killed myself because my car tried to kill me at a give way sign that it just didn't want to stop at (No ABS) on the way out, I think I prefered the near death experience on the way there to the hellish traffic coming back around Birmingham and M6 at 5pm....

Haha

Awesome rifle in a real man's caliber ... That painted numbers are great little addition .
Makes a change from your last poncy purchase . Congrats Caveman
I want to try it !!

NB - BTW, You will not be allowed in the CR without sporting a slouch hat now !!

Very nice rifle, and you bought it from a very nice chap. I have bought/sold several rifles through him, never sells rubbish. Enjoy shooting it.

I would think the mag was from another rifle thats why the numbers been x out, my first No4 was like that.

Also see the bayonet lug has been cut off could have been a US import at some point.

bnz41 wrote:Very nice rifle, and you bought it from a very nice chap. I have bought/sold several rifles through him, never sells rubbish. Enjoy shooting it.

I would think the mag was from another rifle thats why the numbers been x out, my first No4 was like that.

Also see the bayonet lug has been cut off could have been a US import at some point.

Ah man, I was hoping I could get a bayonet on it, didn't realise it had been cut off.. (I know little more about these rifles, than at a guttural level, I wanted one). Although looking at the prices of the bayos, I'd be spending almost as much as the rifle just to get one!

TG, if Shirley shoots half as good as she looks, you've got yourself a winner! Great find, and definitely worth the trip, I think! clapclap

Nice rifle you have there Ste, you'd been after one for a while now if I remember right

The painted number on the stock could be an armoury rack number, I don't know if the British did that but my Dragunov stock has one.

Shirley you can't be serious?

Love it. Want it. Ace