Author Topic: British 303 No 4 MK2  (Read 2097 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline jack19512

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 639
British 303 No 4 MK2
« on: November 14, 2006, 05:15:47 PM »
Purchased this rifle today.  I have to admit I know nothing about these rifles.  Just wanted it.  The only marking on the reciever are No 4 MK2 (F), 6/40 [PF110***.

Also in very small letters 303 British
                                  United Kingdom
                                  IAC ALEX UA

They had 2 of them.  One had the rear peep sight only and the one I bought had the flip up 1300 meter sight.  I think this is correct.  The rifle seems to be in good shape except for the dents and dings on the stock.  The bolt is very smooth.  Any info would be appreciated.


Offline Mikey

  • GBO Supporter
  • Moderator
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8734
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #1 on: November 15, 2006, 03:50:55 AM »
Nice looking Mk4.  Glad you got the metered rear sight.  The (F) stands for Fazerkly , er sumptin, the arsenal that refurbished that particular rifle (and probably thousands of others).  I believe the IAC Alex UA is the importer. 

The SMLEs have very smooth bolts - they are about the fastest bolt action ever produced.  Most 303s are incredibly accurate for rifles of that age and many wind up sporterized and fill the freezer for years to come. 

I used a rifle similar to yours to shoot the Postal Match we shot last year.  Came in 5th, which for me isn't all that bad.  Good buy.  Mikey.

Offline jack19512

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 639
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2006, 02:01:36 PM »
I don't know what these sell for but I probably paid too much for this one.  I gave $152.00.  This is my first British 303, I really didn't want to get into another caliber but I liked the rifle and wanted it for my mil-surplus collection.  The rifiling in the barrel lookd to be in good shape.

Offline Cat Whisperer

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 7493
  • Gender: Male
  • Pulaski Coehorn Works
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2006, 03:41:16 PM »
I don't know what these sell for but I probably paid too much for this one.  I gave $152.00.  This is my first British 303, I really didn't want to get into another caliber but I liked the rifle and wanted it for my mil-surplus collection.  The rifiling in the barrel lookd to be in good shape.

You did well.  I just picked up a #4Mk1(1943 BSA) for 125 at a gun show (the term 'stole it' comes to mind).  They're good shooters - you'll grow to love it - great balance, good trigger and smooth.
Tim K                 www.GBOCANNONS.COM
Cat Whisperer
Chief of Smoke, Pulaski Coehorn Works & Winery
U.S.Army Retired
N 37.05224  W 80.78133 (front door +/- 15 feet)

Offline Double 30

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 199
  • Gender: Male
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2006, 03:38:16 PM »
I think the 6/40 stamp might be a 6/50 which would be correct for that serial # range.The Brits went to arabic numerals in the MK designation after the war.That being said you have SCORED a beaut of a rifle! The MK2's were the last of a proud line and due to not having seen a world war , are usually in unissued condition or close to it.My MK2 is shooting sub 3 inch 3 shot groups at 200 yards and is as issued. The ( F) is Fazakerley which is the only plant to make the MK2. They make GREAT hunting rifles for anything in N America( with proper bullets and shot placement) My 1st 3 days in the woods with mine got me 2 does and a 7 pointer.BTW with the sight folded down the large aperture is a 300 yard battle sight so in all probability she'll shoot high at 100.Not all do as the rifles were zeroed by unit armorers once issued.Keep her clean and give the furniture ( stocks) a bit of boiled linseed oil and she'll outlast you...
Deo Vindice

Offline jack19512

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 639
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2006, 12:19:36 AM »
I think the 6/40 stamp might be a 6/50 which would be correct for that serial # range.





I checked and the marking is definately a 6/40 or it might br a 6/49.  But it is a 4 and not a 5.

Offline Brithunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2538
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2006, 05:21:23 AM »
Just one little point  ;D the rear sight is graduated in Yards  ;) and not some foreign measurement.

     Also the No4's could have been used in the Suez Crisis and Korea as well as various places in Africa.

Offline bbqsnbeer

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 29
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #7 on: January 01, 2007, 04:38:35 AM »
$152 is a a very good buy for a No4Mk2  ;) , many of which never seen service .
The date must be '49 since production of the Mk2 didn't start until then at the Fazackerly factory.
Converted Mk1 rifles would be stamped Mk1/2
Converted Mk1* rifles would be stamped Mk1/3
The difference between the Mk1 and the Mk2 is the trigger assembly and the forestock receiver inlet.
" It's not the pipes , Laddie , It's the Piper ! "

Offline acorns

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 11
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #8 on: January 02, 2007, 04:24:44 PM »
Bought a '54 mummy pack about ten years ago for $265. Unwrapping a brand new old gun was a BLAST. I've never fired it, should get around to that.

Offline TrenchMud

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 105
Re: British 303 No 4 MK2
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2007, 04:20:18 AM »
Many a Russian was eliminated with these rifles when they were in Afghanistan.
I would wager that some of the pot-shots being taken at our troops are coming from them too. Old British rifles are very popular there because of their range of reach. Many of the Ammo Caches I have seen contained .303 British ammunition.
Among literally dozens of other calibers. They store ammo for everything they can get their hands on! Their primitive
metalworking shops can turn out just about any firearm you want but creating ammunition is almost beyond their reach.