Enfield rear upper handguard question

Jesus.C

Jesus.C

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
10   0   0
Location
Quebekistan
Hello guys. Im trying to find some information as to why some enfield no.4 have the rear upper hanguard groove. Ive always thought it was a longbranch distinctive feature but ive seen latetly many longbranch without it. Ive try to look up on the enfield sticker at the top of the milsurp forum and other google research but I have yet to find an answer. Thank you.
 
You will find No. 4 rifles from any of the manufacturers with or without the grooved handguards. War dated rifles were typically fitted with grooved handguards, and lots of war time photographs show this. Post war production, such as 1950's Long Branch or Fazarkerly (e.g. Irish Contract) were typically not fitted with grooved handguards. But, a handguard or any of the wood furniture may have been replaced in the decades since the 40's and 50's when these rifles were made. Original grooved handguards sell for a premium these days however.
 
I bet war economy to save labour and a step in production. Both original, my 1943 LB is not grooved and my 1944 is.
 
I don't know who made mine as the stampings are milled away for the scope mount, but it's not a Long Branch or a Savage and it has a groved upper handguard.
 
bogusiii said:
I bet war economy to save labour and a step in production. Both original, my 1943 LB is not grooved and my 1944 is.
Click to expand...

Well im in the same situation, my 1945 is grooved and my 1942 not groove. This just dosent make any sense to me. I would be incline to think that war model were fitted with regular one in order to save time.
 
I had a un-issued new in the grease 1942 Savage and still have a minty 1943 Long Branch with smooth handguards. Both types were used.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom