The scope serial number should appear on the left side of the scope tube just under the elevation dial and may, or may not be matched to the rifle serial number. Note: The rear long range aperture sights normally found on Pattern 1914 rifles, were removed during the sniper conversion, however, the front dial side plate was left in-place on the stock fore-end. Serial number (with no W) should be stamped on right side of rear sight protector.
W prefix to normal Winchester serial number, should be just visible at rear edge of front mount, plus W marks on components. The receiver markings and serial number will be obscured by front scope mount. When examining one of these rifles for authenticity, check for the following. '14 sniper", both (F) and (T) versions very rarely match the rifle, as they were all removed converted and then just randomly picked out of a bin. Lance observed and noted that collectors should be aware that the rear sights on the "Patt. The fine adjustment screw on the top of the leaf is for elevation only. A special aperture sight with fine adjustment was fitted to the rifle, although calibrations remain the same, from 200 to 1,600 yards. Mounts are of the "craw" or "clawfoot" design, with a double claw at the front. This latch is lifted up to disengage the cam and release the foot of the rear mount for removal. Telescope mounts are soldered and screwed to the receiver with a release latch on the left side of the rear mount. Lateral adjustments are made from inside the front end of the telescope using a special key. The scope is quick detachable and the range drum is graduated from 100 to 1,000 yards in 100 yards increments. stacked/crossed rifles trademark is impressed on the telescope tube. Guns during the 1930's, and in this instance the B.S.A. Makers London", however, a small quantity of 79 was converted by B.S.A. Pattern designation and the manufacturer are marked on the telescope tube. The telescope is designated the Model 1918 and has a magnification of 3x with a field of view of 7 1/2 degrees. Only Winchester made rifles were used for this conversion and the Winchester rifles can be identified by the "W" prefix to the serial number.
The designation was changed to Rifle No.3 MkI*(T) in 1926. '14 sniper" and was also on issue in Australia and India. Introduced in 1918, this rifle is more commonly referred to as the "Patt. Note: Pics of rifle provided courtesy of MILSURPS.COM member ~Angel~. With thanks to Advisory Panel members Lance and Wheaty for their assistance. Small Arms Identification Series #10 by Ian Skennerton (1998) - ISBN: 0949749362Ĭanadian Collector Market Value Estimate: $
The British Sniper by Ian Skennerton (1983) - ISBN: 0949749036 5 Groove, Enfield, Left Hand, 1 Turn in 10"