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 Mk IV*, 22 caliber training rifle was made to simulate the exact weight of it’s big brother the No1 Mk III*. 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 receiver & bolt is matching numbers & started off as a No 1 Mk III* which has been converted into No. 2 Mk IV at the Lithgow SAF.

This hard to find action would be a great project to convert you old SMLE with a shot out barrel into a collectable No. 2 Mk IV & complete your Enfield collection without having to search for the complete rifle & pay much more.

This would 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.