Description
The No.2 Mk IV is relatively unknown, mainly due to its rarity. Among SMLE collectors it is highly prized for this same reason.
To conserve resources in training, the British & Australian Army converted some .303 rifles to .22 calibre for target practice & training purposes after the First World War. In 1926, the British government changed the nomenclature of its rifles, designating the .303 calibre SMLE as No. 1 rifles & the .22 calibre training rifles as No. 2 Rifles. In Australia the SAF Lithgow factory manufactured many of these rifles as .22’s rather than convert them from SMLE .303’s. These are the most desired among collectors, although those converted from .303 also hold real appeal.
The No2 MkIV*, 22 caliber training rifle was made to simulate the exact weight of it’s big brother the No1 MkIII*. All outer appearances & mechanical operations were the same as for the .303 version, the exception being that as a .22 this rifle was a single shot. The magazine was merely a shell, which excluded the follower & spring; its purpose was to catch the extracted cases after firing.
This particular rifle is all matching numbers & is made is a No. 2 Mk IV from birth making it highly desirable for astute collectors. This hard to find original would complete your Enfield collection without a doubt or be a hoot to shoot in Rimfire comps at your local club!
Do you research & view the photos carefully as these form the main description & override all others.
Being sold on consignment for a collector.
