Interarms Whitworth Proof Marks

[CoElkHunter]

So, I have a Whitworth .375 with express sights manufactured 5/88. I’ve recently acquired a Whitworth .458WM manufactured 5/85. The barrels are the same contour and length (24”). They have the same scrolling of caliber on the barrel. The proof marks look similar, except the WM has a “N” at the end. BUT, the WM has no sights AND no screw holes for sights? In my limited research of the larger bored (.375, .458) Whitworths, I’ve never come across one that has no holes in the barrel for sights? I guess the WM has a factory installed barrel, but now I’m not sure. Any input from the Whitworth experts here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[CoElkHunter]

Well, it’s been as slow here as BobNelson35Whelen’s .35 Whelen cartridge ballistics, so I thought I would take this Whitworth .458 apart today. I believe the previous owner bought a factory barreled action and put his own stock on it. It looks like he tried to glass bed it and there are holes in the end of the stock from a duplicator? The stock was dull and dry, so I put some oil on it. There was a lot of black grease on the bottom of the action. But, once I cleaned everything up, I can see so evidence of any useage marks on the rails, chamber, feed ramp, trigger, magazine box (which looks aftermarket?) or bolt. The barrel looks new. I need to figure out how to fix the stock and where to get some barrel sights. That’s it!

 

[bruce moulds]

almost looks like an old fajen or bishop stock.
bruce.

 

[CoElkHunter]

almost looks like an old fajen or bishop stock.
bruce.

I wouldn't know?

 

[rdog]

I wouldn't know?

I have used Fajen & Bishop stocks & none had marks on the front of the forend from the machining process, it will take some tidying up but that is part of the fun good luck with it .
Brownells sell un finished 95 % inletted M98 Walnut sporter stocks, of fair quality if you want to start again. I have used 2 & they turned out OK. A German company Rectnagel i think that's how its spelt, do a huge range of express sights etc, have a look at their web site

 

[sestoppelman]

For sure not a Whitworth stock. I have seen a couple of Whitworths with no sights, so not unheard of. Just haunt the various web sites for irons. That vintage would use the one fixed two folder on a base and a Williams front ramp sight, but in reality you could use just about any setup, perhaps NEGC or similar.

 

[Ngonyama]

Barrel/action most likely from Zastava .Stock must be aftermarket

 

[rdog]

Barrel/action most likely from Zastava .Stock must be aftermarket

Barrel/action most likely from Zastava .Stock must be aftermarket

the receiver has Whitworth on it or am i mistaken .?

 

[Ngonyama]

Zastava made rifles for whitworth in 80’s,could have before 80’s as well,but my books are packed away so I can’t confirm.The had all the British proof marks on them

 

[Ngonyama]

Zastava made rifles for whitworth in 80’s,could have before 80’s as well,but my books are packed away so I can’t confirm.The had all the British proof marks on them

Found this photo of a Zastava made Whitworth 375HH

 

[sestoppelman]

Zastava made all of the Whitworth rifles and Mark X's and later for Remington. Still making them as the M70, and many used ones have been imported in recent years, I have had 3 of those.
Not all Whitworths are made in England, only the very early ones and they will have British proof marks.
My first year 1974 made Whitworth .458 is British proofed, my others are not. My1983 .375 is not.
The other proof marks one finds are not British.
They may say Manchester on the side but they weren't made there unless it has British proof marks.
English made rifles also show the caliber spelled as 'Calibre", not caliber.

 

[CoElkHunter]

For sure not a Whitworth stock. I have seen a couple of Whitworths with no sights, so not unheard of. Just haunt the various web sites for irons. That vintage would use the one fixed two folder on a base and a Williams front ramp sight, but in reality you could use just about any setup, perhaps NEGC or similar.

I think this is an unfired barreled action that some guy bought and attempted to build his own stock for it. Like you suggested, NECG sights and I’ll need to find someone to finish the stock. The wood seems pretty decent, so I think it would be worth saving?

 

[Milan]

It is a Zastava for sure. Your receiver even says MADE IN YUGOSLAVIA on the rear tang. I have one of the earlier Mark X ones (1973) in .375 H&H. Manchester England and British proof marks, nicely polished and blued and what looks like "stocked in England" nice piece of wood. It is slick too, compared to other Zastavas I have had/handled. Of course it is worth saving. Make what you want out of it and enjoy it.