E.A.L. models variations

H

h.letourneau

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
157   0   0
Location
Quebec City.
I know that there is the military model ( 5 shot mag., folding leaf rear sight and standard military front sight) and the civilian model( ramp front sight, "L" type rear sight and the 10 shots mag.)
I have the civilian model(serial 288X) but the stock is not as per the EAL standards: the forestock doesn't have the schnabel end and the inside has been hollewed like the No4 forestock and the buttstock is exactly the copy of the No4.The buttplate is made of stamped steel and there is no trap.The front sling swivels is a cheap commercial one; the rear one look like a NoI.
Everything look the have been made by a professionnal.
Do I own a special variation or does somebody simply did a stock swap?Does that change the value of the rifle? Since this gun will be in the EE section soon what would be the price range?
Thanks.
 
eal

I had an early 3 digit serial number EAL and the rear stock on it didn't look like the later production ones either - the profile around the grip was a little off. The side of the receiver stamped with the serial number also appeared to have been polished prior to stamping unlike later models. All aside, it was indeed a true and correct EAL. Variation in manufacturing methods perhaps? I remember working for Ford and trying to get upper strut bearings for Ford Probes in the late 90's - every variation was dependant upon whatever they had on hand at the time of assembly - there must have been 10 different assemblied made up from bits and pieces. It was a real headache for the parts guy as well as the techs and customers.
 
E.A.L. Rifles

.
I have two EAL rifles. One is in the 17xx range and the other is in the 42xx range. Both have the correct pistol grip stock, and forestock with no lightening cut. Of the 20+ I have seen over the years, all have had the correct pistol grip stock.

These rifles still show up for repair at the Armourers. They are still being used up North. There is a NATO stock number for the EAL rifle.

When first made, these rifles had to conform to a specification that the Canadian Military wanted. While there are always very small dimensional differences in rifles due to manufacturing techniques, these are held within specified tolerances. While there is a difference between the EAL "Military" and "Civilian" versions, many of the "Civilian" rifles were purchased by the Military.

The rifle was originally intended to be a survival rifle for RCAF pilots flying in the far north (where big white furry things can eat you), many were issued to the Eskimos of the Artic Rangers.

As this rifle was manufactured in the late 1950s or early 1960s, replacement parts such as stocks are probably non-existant now. However, to keep a rifle functioning, the standard No.4 stock could be used. These are still in stock.

Why or how this might have happened is pure speculation. However, I have seen broken stocks from spills from snowmobiles, chewed up by dogs, falls, drops while being carried, burns from a campfire, and other occurances. I have even seen two stocks that were chewed on by porcupines.....probably to get the salt from sweaty hands. ( I was awakened one night while camping, by a porcupine gnawing on my spare truck tire.)

One thing you might do is to really examine the butt stock and forestock to see if there are any makers markings on them. Also, what wood is the butt stock made of? Does the wood on the forestock seem to be the same type of wood as the buttstock?

I have been shooting and collecting Lee-Enfields since the mid-1950s. Without actually seeing the rifle, it is difficult to give an accurated answer. I would say, based on the information you have given, that I would not put it in my collection as a representative specimen.

Alterations to a rifle certainly affect the value of that rifle.
.
 
Wheaty on this forum has a lot more information on the EAL than most of us put together. Find him and ask your question. But, I like the explanation about reconfiguring No.4 parts for repairs.
 
MY EAL is a civie. The forend has the lighening cuts but seems to have been grafted new wood so it is sold at the tip.

The receiver is mirror polished blue where the number is stamped. The OP's rifle sounds like mine. We should post pictures. Sounds like our guns are twins, separated at birth.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom