No4T Serial Number list?

[Sixshot6]

My dad's thinking about getting a No4T can anyone please give us a list of dealers that are known for having the real thing or does a list of the No4's that were made during WW2 exist anywhere by any chance. We're eager to avoid getting ripped off.

[dromia]

Nowadays it is really hard to prove the real thing, even original rifles will have changed substantially over their service life.

My original No4 T has had three different scopes over its service life, presumably upgrades from MK1 - 3 with the two previous serials having been struck out on the wrist. None of the existing "original" rifles will be as they were when first issued, so what is your definition of original?

On top of that the faking brigade are doing some very good forgeries as it is worth the effort now with the prices being so stupid.

[Sixshot6]

Nowadays it is really hard to prove the real thing, even original rifles will have changed substantially over their service life.

My original No4 T has had three different scopes over its service life, presumably upgrades from MK1 - 3 with the two previous serials having been struck out on the wrist. None of the existing "original" rifles will be as they were when first issued, so what is your definition of original?

On top of that the faking brigade are doing some very good forgeries as it is worth the effort now with the prices being so stupid.

As I thought, Just one that's close like yours would do for my dad. Any dealers we should go to that you think will have one within your definition of an original no4T?

[GeeRam]

My dad's thinking about getting a No4T can anyone please give us a list of dealers that are known for having the real thing or does a list of the No4's that were made during WW2 exist anywhere by any chance. We're eager to avoid getting ripped off.

I think with any potential purchase of a 4T, from a dealer or otherwise, its essential to do as much homework as possible prior to viewing, not that you can be 100% sure.

I bought my 4T, 18 months ago from Richard at Devizes Gunsmiths after having viewed a number of 4T's at various other dealers over the previous 3-4 months.

[MrD]

My dad's thinking about getting a No4T can anyone please give us a list of dealers that are known for having the real thing or does a list of the No4's that were made during WW2 exist anywhere by any chance. We're eager to avoid getting ripped off.

I can only echo other's advice - do a lot of research first. There's a wealth of info on http://www.milsurps.com for example.
Unless you are prepared to pay a huge amount, you are not going to find one which is perfect with everything showing all the correct and matching marks. One of our members paid £7k for one in it's chest with everything present and matching. Also, even if the rifle is genuine, what about the scope and the mount? There are a few specialists but you'll pay a premium price from them(£3.5K+ for a non-matching rifle and scope).
As Dromia says, most of these rifles have gone through a lot over their lives and show signs of this and no longer have all of the original fittings. However, this doesn't stop them being honest examples which you can use, enjoy and not be scared that you are ruining an investment.

If you know someone with a genuine No4T have a good look at it and note the markings which set it apart from a 'normal' No4. If possible comparing it physically side by side with a potential purchase is a great help. If the receiver is missing any of the key marks, be very wary. I bought one a couple of years back after a lot of head-scratching. All I could say for certain was that it had a genuine No32 scope which seemed to work, a genuine No4T butt, the receiver's marks were all present, correct and that the serial no. was within the possible range. The barrel had been replaced and the same with the rest of the woodwork. Mount looked very suspicious. It had no scope serials on the rifle or mount and was missing the rear leaf sight. It has since been through the hands of a specialist and he assured me that the receiver is correct and the butt has the serial number where it fits into the socket, so I have a No4T albeit not as it was issued. I was lucky that the seller was reasonable, listened to my concerns and I obtained it for £2K.

Donald