Joe Boleo wrote: |
Folks,
The local gun shop has a mint condition WWII Mark V Enfield with a hang tag price of $500.00. It is about the same as my brother and I bought back in 1964 for $26.55 from Century Arms. |
For that price, I would make darned sure it was a Genuine Mk 5 and not an ersatz one. Consult Skennerton's book before you lay down your hard earned cash.
No.5s have several identifying characteristics:
1. It will be electro-pencil engraved on the left side of the receiver
with No5Mk1, the date of mfg, and the factory that made it.
2. There will be lightening cuts made in the receiver beneath the rear
sight ladder, as compared to a No4Mk1 or Mk2.
3. The bolt knob will be hollowed out to some extent.
4. The chamber area of the barrel will have four scalloped lightening
cuts. (Not visible until you remove the handguard)
5. The triggerguard will be "pinched", with metal removed near the
front action screw to lighten it up.
6. Of course, it will have the black rubber buttpad, and the side
mounted rear sling swivel.
7. It may or may not have a metal nosecap on the forend.