Any First production Long Branch No.4's--- 1941

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x westie

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any of you fellows ever see or own one of the early Long Branch rifles, a No.4 MK 1 this would be 1941, i have read in the book "British Service Lee" by Ian Skennerton, that by the end of 1941 a total of 7589 rifles had been delievered out of the factory. I have never seen a 1941 Long Branch rifle, i was curious if these rifles are common place. These rifles would have a different method of removing the bolt, would be stamped No.4 MK .Own a 1942, 1943 and 1950 Long Branch.
 
I had one still intact with the proper parts at one point and I also sold a few that went through british FTR in the 50's (early parts replaced). Very low survival on these, in 41 rifles were rode hard and put away wet!
 
JP said:
I had one still intact with the proper parts at one point and I also sold a few that went through british FTR in the 50's (early parts replaced). Very low survival on these, in 41 rifles were rode hard and put away wet!
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Thanks, i like your style "rode hard and put away wet", probably very few survived the war, Allies needed rifles badly so many were scrapped by end of the war,
 
Thanks, i like your style "rode hard and put away wet", probably very few survived the war, Allies needed rifles badly so many were scrapped by end of the war,
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So good I had to say it 7 times.... :lol: :lol:
 
I've seen exactly 1 in original condition with the early trials rifle parts (waisted front sight protector, low wood{for cut-off}, button cocking piece, hollow bolt handle, It had the MkII flip sight on it however, and I didn't check the barrel date & can't recall if it was 2 or 5 groove...)

Most of the other ones I've seen had replaced parts, including the barrel & bolt.

Often the original 1941 dated ones have '42 dated 2 groove barrels. I'm not sure that any 5 groove barrels have been observed dated 1941???

I've never talked to anyone who has seen a No4MkI LB which is dated 1942. Anyone have any solid info?

1941 action, 1942 2 groove barrel, hollow bolt handle, C.MkIII rear sight & Canadian Postwar FTR parking in British wood :roll:

Editied to add hollow bolt handle :roll: Edited to add CMKIII rear sight.
 
my 1941 LB has original serial,dated 2-groove barrel. Bluing is original and decent, has a '46 stamped on left butt-socket but no Brit FTR evidence so might have been done at LB but who knows.Bolt not original but know 1941 and some early 1942's had hollow bolt knob like a BSA. My early 1942 MKI* serial 3L###X has such a bolt and is completely matching. Have only seen one other 1941 in resent years.

Geoff
 
As far as I know, unfired, no oil on it, the Canadian Military stamp on stock still looks like done on raw wood, 18L45xx. 1941 Mk4 No1, Birchwood stock.

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How does one do the white fill?
 
Probably rebuilt at some point it does not have the early stock, cocking piece, correct LB MKI sight, front band and waisted front sight sleeve.
 
Agreed - a longbranch FTR. The stock looks like an unmarked Savage which would place the FTR after after 1944. The finish is parkerized too, not caustic blued like a 1941 should be. I'd guess 1944-1945 FTR at Longbranch (LB didn't mark their FTR's). Also guess either the receiver was not used until 1942 for whatever reason or the thing's been renumbered. Possibly a apre receiver was mated ot the parts of a damaged 1942 LB at FTR. Still a decent find though!
 
mine is original as it left the factiory the waisted front sight ears were only on the very first and were very soon replaced as was the hinged front band so it's not true to say that if your 41 hasn't got those 2 parts then it's not original mine is a 0L### has the low wood the blued finish which is quite worn these rifles went to the Brits as soon as they were complete and were well used it also has the nobbed cocking handle and the proper hole in the bolt handle like the brit snipers .the most important part of my rifle is the fact the barrel has the 1941 stamp on it since barrel production fell behind receiver production it's not unusual to fid a 1941 receiver with the 1942 barrel which to me makes the gun an early 1942 and not a proper 1941 barrel date must match receiver IMHO to call it a rare 1941
 
When I got mine a few years ago had a non walnut (birch I suspect) forearm (milled for cutoff), mis-matched walnut handguards and butt, which I replaced to match forearm. Found a hinged LB front band which is really rare. Mine is 0L6### with original 1941 stamped barrel. Has Brit issue markings, original blueing.
Geoff
 
Claven2 said:
Agreed - a longbranch FTR. The stock looks like an unmarked Savage which would place the FTR after after 1944. The finish is parkerized too, not caustic blued like a 1941 should be. I'd guess 1944-1945 FTR at Longbranch (LB didn't mark their FTR's). Also guess either the receiver was not used until 1942 for whatever reason or the thing's been renumbered. Possibly a apre receiver was mated ot the parts of a damaged 1942 LB at FTR. Still a decent find though!
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The forend is Canadian Beech/Maple?? not Savage Birch. I have several examples that look identical. They are very heavy in weight. I agree with the '44 date for the forend.
 
42 mk I no 4

I have a 1942 NO 1 MK 4 enfield w/ original stock I think. I am looking to restore it, anyone know where I can find the info on how to do that?(see todays topic)
 
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