No4 MkI(T) and MkI*(T) Sniper Rifle

History

A 1944 BSA Shirley No4 Mk(T), conversion done by Holland & Holland

All No4 Sniper rifles began as standard rifles, those that displayed better than average accuracy were selected for conversion to T model sniper rifles. Once selected these rifles were sent to Holland and Holland (an English commercial firm), for modification. Once at H&H, the process that followed included: Reaming the chamber true; Checking and adjusting if necessary, the headspace and timing; Adjusting trigger pull and firing pin protrusion; Milling off of the rear battle sight aperture (to allow for scope clearance); Precision fitting of the fore-end and handguards, this generally involved replacing all the wood; Installing a raised cheek piece to the buttstock; Adding a middle sling swivel (attached at the triggerguard screw); Fitting of the scope mounting pads, rings and scope (pads, rings and scopes were a matched set) in addition the scope was serialized and this serial number was stamped on the upper wrist of the buttstock of its mated rifle.

Completed rifles were stamped with a (T) on the left receiver wall to denote their new nomenclature as Telescopic Models. Other stamps unique to the T Model was the Holland & Holland stamp S51 that was located on the lower wrist of the buttstock.

Once "in service" these rifles were issued as a kit, which consisted of a transit case, a scope-carrying bag and can, a leather U.S. M1907 sling and a spotting telescope. The conversion of Long Branch and Savage No4 MkI*'s were conducted in the same fashion as where the No4 MkI's, although these rifles were sent to and converted by Small Arms Limited of Canada at the Long Branch Ontario factory, using CNo32 scopes and finally re-named No4 MkI*(T).

It should be noted that very few MkI*'s were converted at Long Branch. Perhaps only numbering around 1000 fitted with CNo32 scopes, less than 100 fitted with Lyman Alaskan scopes and that some Savage produced No4 MkI*'s were half converted, having the scope pads installed, but never having had scopes fitted. These rifles will not have a serial number stamped in their buttstock wrist or have the other common T Model stamps.

Total conversions by Holland & Holland numbered approximately 23,000.

The receiver, showing the scope and scope mount.

The opposite side of the receiver.

The receiver shown without the scope. Note the battle sight has been removed.

The right side of the receiver without scope. Notice the scope mount pads, they were installed using the rifles actual scope for zero, silver soldered and screwed in place. The screws being staked afterwards to prevent backing out or tampering.

This image shows the added sling swivel for use with the U.S. M1907 sling.

The snipers ash wood cheek piece.