Canadian Rangers No. 4 Mk. 1*s

Caydel

Caydel

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Can anyone provide information on the LE No. 4 Mk. 1*s used by the Canadian Rangers?

I know that they are Long Branch in origin. Is there any other information available about their service histories?

Were they initially issued new to the Rangers (postwar manufacture)? Or were they reissued to the Rangers after being used in the war?

Are there any specific markings on Ranger-issued LEs?

Any information that can be provided about these firearms would be much appreciated!
 
EAL rifles were issued when the supply of No. 4s dried up. Additional No. 4 rifles were later acquired on the surplus market.
 
I thought the EAL was made for the RCAF?

Ask Riflechair, I believe he is associated with the CDN rangers.

Peter
 
Canadian made LB rifles were originally issued to the Rangers. Not just Long Branch, but whatever was in stock in the Canadian inventory. This will also have included some Savage no4mk1*s in all likelihood. Some EALs apparently were issued into the Ranger program, but the EAL was meant as a survival rifle with the CF. In the late 90s, inventories of the no4 rifles were critically low in the CF, and British no4 rifles were aquired for issue. Later, around 2003/4, more no4s were acquired on the surplus market to support the rangers. It was my understanding that about 1100 ex-Indian army Enfields were procured.

The Rangers are a low priority program, and if that program can be satisfied with $100 surplus rifles, then surplus rifles it is. I remember in the late 90s there were a couple Enfields in my section's weapons shop being prepared for a sov-op with the Rangers. There was a tour of some German soldiers going through the building. They were quite astounded that Enfields were still in the CF.
 
stencollector said:
There was a tour of some German soldiers going through the building. They were quite astounded that Enfields were still in the CF.
Click to expand...

they shouldn't be too surprised to see LE in the CF.
the German Army itself, still uses K 98's, and be it mostly for ceremonial purposes...
 
"...included some Savage No 4 mk1*'s..." Yep. All the rifles, parts and machinery used by Savage got shipped to Long Branch after the Savage contract ended. Complete with the U.S. Property Lend/Lease stamp.
 
I have seen many examples of the surplus rifles that the Military bought up for the rangers, both with 1 and 3 CRPG in Northern Ontario and Nunavut, respectively. There are a wide mix of makes and models in use now, everything from Longbranch to Savage to Fazakerley, a number of them have the 'Ishy Screw', indicating Indian service, which StenCollector was talking about.

I have even seen a few No4 Mk2's kicking around.

I'm not entirely sure I would buy a used Ranger rifle, as they are notoriously hard on their weapons, especially around coastal areas, with the salty sea air. I saw a good deal of rust on the rifles I saw up in Iqaluit, enough to make any old school CSM loose his mind. They do make a handy bear defence rifle though, as well as a good seal hunting rifle, along with the .17hmr rifles that are quite popular up there for that purpose.
 
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