Good evening everyone,

Been losing sleep over this with my shiny new no4 mk1* enfield I'm finally taking the time to learn. Was very happy to learn more and more until I read about ZF markings. Well I can't find a 'ZF' but I can find a single Z on the buttstock by the sling swivel. I cannot find any extra info about this online. It has been a very frustrating introduction to the enfield rifle. I've enjoyed plenty of mosins, mausers and K31s and never had this much trouble. (Though one time someone did sell me a welded garand so I realize I have very bad luck).

Is this Z a condemnation of my new rifle? Should it have gone to a repair depot but someone kindly shipped it to the states instead? Did I waste my money? I was about to sell it this weekend because it sits around and now I know too much about it so I'm simply frustrated.

There is no marking of a FTR or DP anywhere else on the rifle. There is a 'S' on the bottom of the buttstock near the buttplate. There is a 'H' on the end of the forearm. Rifle's bolt number does not match the receiver serial nor the magazine, bolt head is a 1, tail of the bolt is listed as a 5. I was assured at the store that mismatched numbers were fairly common for enfields, I probably was taken for a ride but I sure hope not. It feels great to shoulder and I'd love to take it to some steel plate, just would prefer I keep my fingers and eyes.

Pardon the shiny finish, this rifle was apparently used for police parades in Florida at some point. I'm guessing someone tried to pretty the stock up and it's a little too shiny now for my taste.

Thank you for any help or guidance.

Hi Riijic, welcome to the board and to Enfields.  You'll find a wealth of expert knowledge here.  I am not an expert in No4s but I do like to learn about the markings on Enfields.  I looked up the Broad Arrow 2 and could find no reference to a single "Z" mark.  However, I can't imagine a rifle being stamped "beyond repair" on the lower of the butt where it is easy to miss.  DP, ZF etc are usually marked in several obvious locations.  I know it looks like a "Z" but maybe it is a "2".

The "S" on the butt stock refers to a SHORT butt stock, which is 1/2 inch shorter than normal.

I am unsure of the "H" on the forearm.

If we determine if is not a condemned rifle, then I would have it checked out by a gunsmith - headspace, etc.

There are many No4 experts which will contribute.

 From what I’ve read, the ZF marking was normally on the right side of the butt stock and indicated the rifle was beyond repair at field level and was to be returned to the factory for disposition.   That small Z stamp on the stock would seem to indicate something else and quite inconspicuous.  ZF marks were supposedly painted on like the DP marks so it was much more obvious. 

Can you post some photos of the left side of the action body so we can see the markings on the flat side and butt socket.  Any other markings on the action body? 

Left action, only long branch markings. Picture heavy post now following, just got back from work.

Left side of buttstock, traces of paint remaining.

Front sling swivel, traces of yellow paint

Beginning of buttstock by action, wish the previous owner hadn't refinished it so hard.

And a final clearer shot of the 'Z' or 'N'

These were all the major stampings I could find. On the forward sling swivel there is a VNS with an arrow, and MB13 on the nose cap.

Just my opinion here: Just from the few photos you submitted, I would leave the rifle alone. I see quite alot of rust and if it was used as a parade rifle chances are high that rust is also in the bore...