Enfield #4 (no.7) .22 trainer

Klondiker

Klondiker

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
89   0   0
Location
Alberta for now, back to the Yukon someday
I stumbled across a Long Branch trainer in .22 the other day but I'm not sure it's completely original.

The receiver is marked -
22"
Long Branch
1944
The serial number on the wrist is 0L1### (only x's because I can't remember).

I have other .303's and on all of them serial number is also stamped on the bolt, but this trainer doesn't have one. Did the .22's have the bolt numbered as well?

The bands are marked LB, and the forestock has the large broadarrow in C, but I believe the the underside of the buttstock near the wrist was marked with an A in C (Canadian Arsenals perhaps?). Also, the mag is stamped with the large 22.

Is there any way to tell if this could be a civilian rebuild (a fake)? What tell tale signs should I be looking for?

Any help would be appreciated as I'd like to have some more knowledge before I commit to this rifle.

Thanks
 
Yes, that's all quite legit.

The bolt should have the same serial number on the rear face as on the receiver. No s/n is better than a non matching one.

Has the receiver serial number area been scrubbed and the area a bit roughened and flattened? Many are like that and it does affect the value a bit.

If the serial numbers are original (and 0L###X is completely correct for a 44) and the area has not been scrubbed, then it's more desirable.

Is the wood very nice, as in almost perfect? Very nice bluing?

Value $800-$1200 or so.

Klondiker said:
I stumbled across a Long Branch trainer in .22 the other day but I'm not sure it's completely original.

The receiver is marked -
22"
Long Branch
1944
The serial number on the wrist is 0L1### (only x's because I can't remember).

I have other .303's and on all of them serial number is also stamped on the bolt, but this trainer doesn't have one. Did the .22's have the bolt numbered as well?

The bands are marked LB, and the forestock has the large broadarrow in C, but I believe the the underside of the buttstock near the wrist was marked with an A in C (Canadian Arsenals perhaps?). Also, the mag is stamped with the large 22.

Is there any way to tell if this could be a civilian rebuild (a fake)? What tell tale signs should I be looking for?

Any help would be appreciated as I'd like to have some more knowledge before I commit to this rifle.

Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I beleive the serial number on the wrist is original. It didn't look like it had been buffed down and re-stamped. Also I was told the rifle came with a transit chest but it wasn`t numbered to this rifle.

Yes, the wood was almost perfect and the blueing was great. It appears it either wasn`t used much or it was very well taken care of.
 
Klondiker said:
Is there any way to tell if this could be a civilian rebuild (a fake)? What tell tale signs should I be looking for?

Any help would be appreciated as I'd like to have some more knowledge before I commit to this rifle.

Thanks
Click to expand...

For comparison, here's a 1944 C No.7 .22 Caliber Lee-Enfield Training Rifle (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=2134 in the Knowledge Library, accompanied by a 123 pic virtual tour and an excellent article by Advisory Panel Member "Stencollector" about these old girls.

If it's "all correct" (not an armourer put-together) and complete, a 44 could be worth up to $1500. It depends a lot on law of supply and demand, plus who is looking and interested on any given day.

Check it carefully against the Knowledge Library entry, once you have it in your hands.

Hope this helps ... :)

Doug
 
The serial number at least falls into the proper range for that year. A decent close up photo of the serial number area will tell the tale.

Many post factory assembled rifles suffered from poor assembly, especially with non-indexed barrels.

Way more fakes than real ones out there. My information was that only a very small number were released, somewhere in the 300 to 500 range along with a few individual rifles through rifle clubs or RCMP stocks.
 
Last edited:
Klondiker said:
Thanks for the replies fellas. I hope to get back and take another look in the next day or two assuming it's still available.

But out of curiosity,with reference to cantom's comment, why would a non-numbered bolt be better than a different serial numbered bolt?
Click to expand...

It's only 50% wrong instead of 100% wrong...;)
 
Speaking of No. 7's, going through the storage room the other day and I found this!

DSCF1111.jpg


Man I was good (Check the date lol), I mean man those things shoot straight! Thats prone with a sling...
 
check the barrel to insure it is original . this is the most faked part. ensure it is not a sleeved No 4 barrel stub. or a No4 barrel with a .22 barrel liner. remove the top wood if possible and inspect for LB marking
 
When I built my CNo7 from parts about 33 yrs ago the only correct part that I couldn't locate was the front sight block. I had to use one from a No4 with the clearances for the bayo lugs on the barrel. My solution for indexing the front sight block was to drill and tap it from the bottom with a set screw against the bottom of the barrel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom