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 also converted many of these rifles into .22’s from SMLE .303’s as was the case with this rifle.
The No.2 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 was made in 1941 as a No.1 MkIII* chambered in .303 & was converted in April 1949, as indicated by the numerous stamps on the stock. This is all matching numbers as far as we can see & as a 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.
