POF No4 Mk1

[Phosphorus32]

No4 Mk1 Background

The No4 Mk1 and No4 Mk1* were the updated versions of the Lee-Enfield line of bolt action rifles that was the successor to the MkIII* that continued to be produced (at BSA and Lithgow) and used during WWII.  The No4 was adopted and produced from 1941-45. During WWII, the No4 Mk1 was made in the UK at ROF Maltby, ROF Fazakerley, and the private arms firm BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) at their new factory location in Shirley on the outskirts of Birmingham established specifically for No4 Mk1 production during WWII. BSA's primary facility at Small Heath, close to the heart of Birmingham, was bombed repeatedly during "The Blitz" of late 1940. Production of No1 MkIII* rifles, other weapons and motorcycles continued through the dispersal scheme.

Long Branch in Canada and Savage in the USA also made a few No4 Mk1 rifles and a large number (approximately 1M each) of No4 Mk1* rifles. The easily visible distinguishing feature of the No4 Mk1* vs. the No4 Mk1 is the lack of a spring loaded bolt release at the rear of the receiver. Most also had the two position flip aperture sight, similar (but unrelated) to the early M1 Carbine sight.

Pakistani Production
The BSA Co. No4 Mk1 production machinery was sold or donated to Pakistan in the early 1950s and production of that version of the rifle was done at the Pakistani Ordnance Factory (POF) in Wah Cantt (40 km NW of Islamabad) from 1952 -1957. Based on serial number data collected at Gunboards, at least 23.7K were produced with letter prefixes A (1952 only) and B for 1953-57.  The Fazakerley No4 Mk2 production equipment was sold/donated to Pakistan and that model was produced from 1957-1963. At least 59.8K were produced, all with the C prefix.

Subject Rifle
This matching No4 Mk1 rifle was produced in 1955 at POF. Perhaps it was made late in the year, considering the "POF 56" marking on the underside of the bolt handle indicates acceptance into Pakistani service in 1956. It was used by the Pakistani Army and later captured by the Indians, probably in one of the many wars/skirmishes in the disputed border regions of Kashmir. The SAA and MPD markings on the stock are Indian arsenal markings. The "Ishapore screw" that goes through the foreend from left to right is another Indian feature. Finally, the 29 and 40 rack numbers are in the Indian style, though Pakistan may have been responsible for the 29. I'm not as familiar with Pakistani practice regarding rack numbers.

[1mlt]

I have a Mk4 also. It's been converted from 303 to 308. Never shot it. Safe queen.

[Phosphorus32]

I have a Mk4 also. It's been converted from 303 to 308. Never shot it. Safe queen.

Is your converted No4 Mk1 a Santa Fe or Navy Arms converted rifle, or a post-retailer re-barrel?

The Indian RFI 2A and 2A1 rifles look more like a No1 MkIII, but were chambered in 7.62x51mm.