Description

The No4 MkI rifle was adopted in late 1939 but production of the No.4 rifle only started in earnest in 1941. 2 new factories were set up in England to produce these rifles, Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Fazakerley & ROF Maltby. BSA Co. set up the Shirley plant & additional plants, Longbranch in Canada & Savage in the US were set up to produce rifles.

The No. 4 rifle was heavier than the No. 1 Mk. III, largely due to its heavier barrel. A new bayonet was designed to go with the rifle: a spike bayonet, essentially a steel rod with a sharp point, nicknamed “pigsticker” by soldiers. 

The No. 4 rifle led to the No. 4 Mk I* in 1942, with the bolt release catch replaced by a simpler notch on the bolt track of the rifle’s receiver. The Mk 1* was only produced by Long Branch in Canada & Stevens-Savage Firearms in the USA. The No.4 rifle was produced for the United Kingdom, Canada & some other Commonwealth countries including New Zealand.

Like all American gun makers, Savage was doing it’s part for the U.S. war effort during World War II. One of the guns they made was never intended for use by US troops & this was the No. 4 Mk1 main battle rifle which replaced the No. 1 MkIII for British & Commonwealth troops.

The Savage & Long Branch rifles were a part of the Lend-Lease agreement with the USA. This program was to get as many rifles as possible to the British without requiring them to purchase the rifles. When Savage began building the rifles, the U.S.A. was not yet at war & as these were ‘lent’ to the Allies, the rifles made by Savage are marked with US PROPERTY, making them instantly recognisable.

All No.4 Mk.1 & No.4 Mk.1* rifles were marked with codes signifying the builder. The parts that were made &/or used by Savage are marked with a squared “S”. The serial number has a “C” to denote Chicopee Falls as it was made at the Stevens factory in Chicopee Falls, MA.

It retains the original 2-groove barrel & is in good original condition as can be seen in the photos, with much of the black suncorite finish remaining & the US ‘flaming bomb‘ proof mark clearly visible.

It also correctly has the S in a square stamp on all visible parts including the wood (which is matching the rifle), showing that all are original Savage.

If you are looking for a shootable rifle for service comps at your club, this would be it or, if you are a collector looking for a collectable rifle, this is definitely a great choice.

View the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired.

Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.

Call for shipping cost to your dealer.