Long Branch Buttplate

[h.letourneau]

My new 1943 Long Branch No4 has a steel buttplate and there is no trap door to gain access to the buttstock bolt or cleaning kit. Is it correct for a Long Branch?
On the small tab on top of the same buttplate there is a number (1318).
It doesn't match the gun serial number.Rack number? Unit?????
Thanks for the help.
Hugues.

 

[Steppenwolf]

I had a 1942 Maltby No.4Mk.I, no star, rifle with a butt plate like that. From what I recall it was an English idea to save time and resources.

 

[cantom]

My new 1943 Long Branch No4 has a steel buttplate and there is no trap door to gain access to the buttstock bolt or cleaning kit. Is it correct for a Long Branch?
On the small tab on top of the same buttplate there is a number (1318).
It doesn't match the gun serial number.Rack number? Unit?????
Thanks for the help.
Hugues.

No original Long Branch I've ever seen had a solid buttplate. I have seen a couple of sportered rifles with solid plates.

Fortunately, real LB plates are not hard to find. Just hope the wood hasn't been altered.

 

[h.letourneau]

The wood has been left unharmed; LB and C broad arrow at wrist and at the end of the forearm.
I'll try to find an original one.

 

[bobfortier]

TradeEx has some. And they have nice No 9 blade bayonet.....

 

[h.letourneau]

Thanks for the info.