Canadian Rangers - Enfields and .303

bluemike807

bluemike807

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I've been wondering - the Canadian Rangers; the Enfields they are issued - what vintage are they? Are they Canadian (Long Branch) made, or are they a mish-mash of other manufacturers? Were they originally issued during WWII/Korea/etc and refurbished or were they totally virginal upon issue to the Rangers?

Likewise, the ammunition the Rangers are using; is it surplus from 'dickety, or is it of modern manufacture? And if so, is it being produced by a Canadian-Forces affiliated company? or a third party (ie. Winchester) and essentially the same as storebought?

I'd be very interested in any details anyone as, thanks
 
The rangers Enfields are a mix match of origin. A few years ago (10?) the CF purchased quite a few from India, and probably several from the UK as well. But I would have to say that the majority are Long Branch made, as we did provide India with quite a few during the war. Member "Riflechair" is a Ranger (I think) and should be able to clarify.

As for ammo, the stuff they use now is all new production made by IVI, who also makes the majority of the CF's ammo.
 
I can share my observations but thats all. I'm not privy to the history on the CF Ranger procurement programme post 1947. All I know are rumours and I'm not going to spread those.

In general terms I would say that 90% or more enfields I have seen 'In-Service' are the CNo4Mk1* by LONG BRANCH. However I've been seeing more and more ROF No4Mk2 enfields recently - especially at CFSAC last year. These No4Mk2 enfields were in very good (but not exceptional) condition.

I have also seen two British No4Mk1 of BSA and ROF manufacture. Pretty much the whole gambit, but as stated predominantly CNo4Mk1* LONG BRANCH. Actually I haven't seen a SNo4Mk1* in service yet but lots of new (in wrap) Savage magazines.

I have not seen any Pakistani or Indian capture No4's in service.

So far as "Virginal" enfields? I have seen one exceptional 1950 CNo4Mk1*. Haven't seen a 1941 CNo4Mk1 yet either.
 
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The bulk of Enfields in Cdn inventory in the early 90s were LongBranch, with some Savages and Brit made rifles in the lot. In the late 90s, as stocks dwindled, there was a purchase of no4mk2s from Britain. Then around the 2005 period, there was a fairly large purchase of Ishapore rifles.

The total number of Enfield rifles presently in the two depots is approx 5000.
 
As stated the majority of the ammo is IVI. Some Winchester soft point quantities were issued from time to time as a bit of hunting was being done.
All the rifles that i saw were longbranch manufacture No. 4 MKI
 
I sometimes wonder what "goobermint genius" decided that the EAL rifle was a suitable substitute for a No4?
They are nice deer rifles but certainly nowhere near the ruggedness of a No4.
 
Ammo. For the most part we issue current production 303 produced on contract by IVI.

Rifles. Bit of everything, predominantly Longbranch, but depends on what we buy off the market. Just last year we turned down a batch of ex-Pakistani rifles as it was not worth the price/effort with the new rifle coming on line for 2014.

Current stock about 6000 issued and 5000 in depot, will look at exact numbers Monday when I get back to work.
 
millwright said:
And what is the new rifle? Haven't been keeping up with developments.Thanks
Click to expand...

Just completed User Survey.

Now moving on to trials. Statement of requirement is quite detailed, but at a bare minimum includes.

Bolt Action
7.62
Removeable mags
Iron sights with rail for optics


Rifle will be issued complete with hard case, soft case, cleaning kit, 5-6 spare mags, sling etc.

I may be forced to shoot a wide variety of trials rifles at Connaught with unlimited amounts of ammo. Tough job but someone's got to do it.....
 
I may be forced to shoot a wide variety of trials rifles at Connaught with unlimited amounts of ammo. Tough job but someone's got to do it..... I feel for you brother.Life sucks at times.eh.Will you be able to keep us updated on what transpires?
 
Nice to hear we are getting a new rifle for the Rangers... I tried in 91-92 to get a replacement for them did numerous Service Papers and the results were the same trials and tests in CFSAC. We gave away 18000 #4's in the 80's to the USA for support to the Mujahadeen, a ammo trade I was told. Now our troops probably face the odd Long Branch in action against the Taliban, ironic is it not! Oh and the result was when we were out of rifles was to buy more and keep 204 Workshop alive and well in Quebec. I could talk on and on but I guess one should let by gones be by gones.
 
canadianranger4gprc.jpg
 
4b1t said:
Just completed User Survey.

Now moving on to trials. Statement of requirement is quite detailed, but at a bare minimum includes.

Bolt Action
7.62
Removeable mags
Iron sights with rail for optics


Rifle will be issued complete with hard case, soft case, cleaning kit, 5-6 spare mags, sling etc.

I may be forced to shoot a wide variety of trials rifles at Connaught with unlimited amounts of ammo. Tough job but someone's got to do it.....
Click to expand...
Sounds like a hunting rifle.
 
I put my money on smelter. Don't you know those rifles are not worth the metal they are made of. I can't see the goverment CPC or not surplussing 10,000 rifles with out the antis melting down. That or they back down from the purchase and the No.4 carries on forever.

I hope they are made avialable for sale.
 
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