Grim Reaper said:
Looking at the South African Enfield 10 Gauge has for sale I was reminded of a strange receiver marking on one of mine: can anybody identify it ? It looks like "MJ" with a small "N" in the center (possibly overstruck with the "MJ"). Any ideas ? Appears to have been FTR'd in '49.
I have several Enfield No 4 Mk 2 rifles. The Mk2's were assembled as new rifles from spare parts left over from WWII and were built with the later trigger that pivots on the receiver instead of the trigger guard. No 4 Mk2's are my favorite bolt action rifles. They usually have great bores and headspace since few ever saw war action. My used example has wood with damage on top of previous arsenal repairs, but the rest of the metal (other than finish) is in fantastic shape. I figure it was used for field training, but not much shooting.
I also have access to two earlier No 4 rifles and one No 1 Mk III that were FTR'd. Every Enfield I have seen that went through FTR is clearly stamped FTR on the receiver.
I'm convinced yours is like my used No 4 Mk 2. Since I don't see FTR markings, I don't believe yours has been through FTR. The engraving on yours is the same style as my 1954 and 1955 (my 1955's are new unfired rifles) examples. They were made at Fazerkley - the "F" in the parenthesis after the model number. Some refer to No 4 Mk 2 rifles as being former "Irish Constabulary" rifles. :roll:
Regardless, you have a fine rifle. I wish I'd bought more like mine when Century was bringing them in.
I can't say I recognize the other mark. I have a No 1 Mk III with a South African barrel, but it doesn't have a mark like that.
ETA: Found a range report on a No 4 Mk 2:
http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/no4/index.asp