Lee Enfield
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Identifying a Lee Enfield No 4 Mk 2


Q: For many years my grandfather did a lot of range shooting with a .303. A couple of years ago he died and left me a Lee Enfield rifle marked “No 4 Mk 2 (F) 11/49” which has a serial number in the PF series.

I’ve enquired about its history at a number of gunshops but without any success. Can you help?

Dave Andrews

A: The No 4 Mk 2 rifle was an improvement over the World War II vintage No 4 Mk 1 and Mk 1*, approved in December 1947 and instituted in March 1949.

The trigger was pinned directly to the receiver, as opposed to being pinned to the trigger guard as on earlier versions.

The reason for the trigger change came about because during World War II unseasoned stocks on some rifles warped, causing the sear and trigger to bind. It wasn’t until 1949 that this problem was rectified by the new trigger pinning.

The new trigger system was not only installed on the new Mk 2 rifle, but was also added to some of the Mk 1 and Mk 1* rifles still in inventory, and these were re-designated the No 4 Mk 1/2 and Mk 3 respectively.

The Mk 2 also got a new blade bayonet and new barrel with five-groove rifling.

The non-adjustable wartime flip sights were also replaced with elevation-adjustable rear sights.

The “(F) 11/49” marking indicates your grandfather’s rifle was made at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Fazakerley in Yorkshire, England in November 1949.

“PF” was one of the common serial number prefixes used on the No 4 Mk 2.

 

 

 


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Nick Harvey

The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.

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