7.62mm DCRA LE No4 conversion thread

I found one of these rifles yesterday. Made a deal to trade a 1917 Mk3 No1* for it.

A 7.62mm No4 Mk1. CAL #221
Bore is mint. Lots of Canadian stamps. CAL 7.62 marked barrel.
Reciever Serial starting with "PB" so it's a ROF Fazakerley in the 20,000 to 29999 serial number range. Built 1941-1944 and is one of 619,000 from that factory. Probally a '44 or maybe even '45 as there is not date stamped on the wrist.
Longbranch bolt matched to the receiver and chamber stamp. Headspace is good.
It has 2 dowels forward of trigger to reinforce reciever stiffness and is bedded at the receiver, mid barrel(wood insert), and muzzle.

Rear sight is a " Twin Zero " Model 4/47 Aperture Sight.
Approved by the N.R.A
Used throughout the U.K., Canada, South Africa and wherever the No. 4 Rifle is found.
acclaimed by all who use it as the best, most accurate and strongest aperture sight ever made.
Commended by M. D. Waite (Technical Editor of N.R.A. of America).
Designed by Mr. Alfred J. Parker, M.Inst.B.E., and manufactured entirely at our Works.

The Model TZ 4/47 Aperture Backsight combines all the best features of fine aperture sights-automatic zero, clear scale markings, absolute precision, first-class workmanship, neat and compact design, half¬minute clicks, perfection of all moving parts. Highest quality workmanship throughout. Sturdy and accurate. Invented and designed by a professional armourer, who was also a finalist at Bisley, the Twin Zero Model 4/47 Aperture Sight is used by many of the most famous marksmen to-day.

Early model DCRA "Club gun" #221 converted by CAL Canadian Arsenal Limited (Long Branch)
I have to shoot it this weekend and see how she runs.











200 Yards, 175 Grain BTHPM M118LR Bullets. I did not get a chance to adjust the sights yet, because of this crazy bad weather we're getting here. Weather was -3C. Feeding and ejection was perfect with the .303 extractor, and sterling magazine.
 
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Is it known how many Canadian Rifle Army Team DCRA conversions were made? Are these conversions any more desirable than the rest from a collector's perspective and were there cartouches or other markings made to identify the Army Team rifles? My DCRA No4 Mk1 has a fairly large "C Broad Arrow" cartouche on the receiver ring. I wonder if that marking has something to do with the DCRA conversions for the Army. Would sure appreciate it if someone could share what they know about this.
 
I bought a very large batch of parts at the Calgary show today, and in the bunch was the matched barrel and receiver (British) with conversion number 888.

In the same batch of parts was the original conversion tag for #325 (I think, I'll confirm tomorrow).
 
Is it known how many Canadian Rifle Army Team DCRA conversions were made? Are these conversions any more desirable than the rest from a collector's perspective and were there cartouches or other markings made to identify the Army Team rifles? My DCRA No4 Mk1 has a fairly large "C Broad Arrow" cartouche on the receiver ring. I wonder if that marking has something to do with the DCRA conversions for the Army. Would sure appreciate it if someone could share what they know about this.

2000 +-
 
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1943 Long Branch #1573
Recently acquired. Not really sure What I have hear other than it is 7.62x51. Haven't fired it yet. Anything to be aware of before I do? Bolt and receiver match. Wood doesn't.
 
Number 1358 is a goner. I purchased it at the recent Victoria Gun Show but only looked down the muzzle. When I got it home I found out the barrel was ruined. someone put a sleeve over the barrel, I imagine to stiffen it up more and the weld connecting it at the receiver over time I imagine deteriorated the barrel as there is a large void in the breach where metal has fallen away, so the rifle is now a parts gun. So I guess 1358 is no more unless for a wall hanger. Unfortunately none of the wood other than the butt stock is good for reuse as they were gouged out to fit the larger diameter rifle sleeve. Lost a few dollars but I have found another and should have it in a few weeks, its number 988.
 
1044, Longbranch, Seen at shoot in Saskatoon, April 2014, , owner lives in Rosetown. Forgot to write date down. In good original condition, was been used for shoot.

I also have report a DCRA .303 Long branch, 1942 conversion, Parker Hale sights, no DCRA number
 
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