Clint and Matt open crates of Enfield rifles at the Classic Firearms warehouse. The rifles are Enfield No. 4 variants, including No. 4 Mk I, Mk I*, and Mk II. Classic Firearms partnered with James River Armory to refurbish these surplus rifles. The wood has been lightly refinished and cleaned, while the metal components have been fully disassembled, professionally reblued, and reassembled to original specifications. The hosts handle several rifles, noting the classic Enfield action with its cock‑on‑close bolt operation and the slight resistance felt as the bolt cams closed. The overall impression is that the metalwork looks almost factory fresh while retaining the underlying surplus character.
The discussion focuses on how James River Armory approached the refurbishment. Most of the work was done on the metal parts, which were stripped, cleaned, and reblued, giving the hardware a deep, even finish. The stocks were cleaned and lightly refinished but not completely replaced or heavily sanded, so dents, dings, and handling marks remain visible. These marks show use, storage, and transport history, preserving the rifles’ military character. The hosts emphasize that the goal was to enhance the natural appearance of the rifles rather than erase their service life. The result is a surplus Enfield that looks significantly refreshed while still clearly showing its age and heritage.
Clint and Matt examine rifles from a second layer in the crate, pointing out how each stock has unique grain and color. Some have darker, reddish tones, while others are more blond, with visible repairs that hint at past service. They highlight how wood furniture gives each rifle an individual look, making them appealing to collectors. The conversation turns to the .303 British cartridge, described as a full‑power rifle round that is manageable in a heavier, wood‑stocked rifle like the Enfield No. 4. They note that .303 is enjoyable to shoot and that these rifles can serve both as functional shooters and as display pieces in a collection.
Attention shifts to receiver markings and date codes. The hosts explain that markings can appear on the receiver ring or left side of the receiver, clearly identifying the rifles as No. 4 Mk I. One example shows a marking interpreted as “10‑50‑2,” indicating October 1950 production. They discuss how many people do not realize how recently Enfield rifles remained in service. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police used Enfields as standard‑issue rifles until relatively recently, and some institutions in India still issue them, including to prison guards. The Enfield No. 4 design is described as a proven workhorse that continued in use long after World War II.
The hosts look more closely at individual rifles, noting varying degrees of stock wear. One rifle shows a small crack of about two inches in the upper handguard. They point out that such a crack in the upper handguard is unlikely to affect shooting performance but is part of the rifle’s character. They also mention that Enfields were produced in multiple factories and countries over many years, leading to noticeable variation in details. Collectors may see different rear sight styles, different machining cuts for bolt removal, and features like a spring retainer at the rear of the receiver. These production differences mean that even a group of No. 4 rifles can show distinct configurations.
Clint and Matt each pick favorites from the batch. One preferred rifle has a mostly blond stock that appears worn from extensive handling, suggesting long service. Another favorite has a rich red tone and pronounced grain patterns, though its magazine shows more external wear. One receiver is clearly marked “ENGLAND,” indicating English manufacture, while another rifle carries a “4‑42” marking on the band, suggesting April 1942 wartime production. They note that Enfields in this shipment may originate from armories in England or India. The combination of national markings, dates, and wood variation adds interest for collectors who enjoy finding unique traits among surplus rifles.
As the video wraps up, the hosts summarize that the refurbished Enfield No. 4 rifles are visually appealing surplus guns with refreshed metalwork and original wood character. They mention plans to take some rifles to the range for live‑fire testing with .303 ammunition, possibly sharing footage on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram if it does not appear in a full YouTube video. They briefly reference another bolt‑action rifle, the Barrett M99 chambered in .50 BMG, as part of a current giveaway, contrasting its size and caliber with the Enfield’s .303 British chambering. The segment closes with an invitation to subscribe and follow future content from Classic Firearms.
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