Just a question about serial numbers - the early rifles seemed to have the numbers together hidden under the fore end and on the bolt (which would show it is the original bolt) and another hand engraved serial on the side of the action where it is visible.
I have a picture of the serials of two rifles - about 1895 and 1905 - and on the later rifle serial has migrated to the top of the action on the flat under the bolt handle where it can be seen.
As there are a number of knowledgeable people on this forum who could see a reason for this - maybe as they supplied a large number of their rifles through the trade and other gun makers wished to apply their own serial number?
Another question - when did nitro proofing begin in England - this rifle is not nitro proofed? - could the Rifleite marking be a substitute by the manufacturer for the lack of an industry standard - I believe the first .303 proof loads used Rifleite.
[image]http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Narrewarren/media/BSA1and2sportersSNJ.jpg.html[/image]
[image]http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Narrewarren/media/BSAriflesNo1and2J.jpg.html[/image]
[image]http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Narrewarren/media/Rifleite.jpg.html[/image]