Here is a very rare experimental barreled LB No4 lightweight action. Not sure how many were actually made but I've heard maybe 15-20. This appears to be the "9th" one produced. These were made in 1943 to compete with other submissions with the end result being the adoption of the British designed No5 Jungle Carbine.
Historical accounts say that the one piece stock design was not strong enough to endure battlefield conditions and was prone to breakage which ultimately led to its disqualification in trials. The stock had significant lightening cuts to reduce weight which weakened it!
One can see the difference of the innards of the receiver compared to a standard No4 and what was done to help reduce weight.
An interesting note, one can see that LB had engineered the hung trigger long before the Brits came out with the MK2!
In the "unlikely" event anyone ever run into parts, I would appreciate a heads up! Not expecting to find anything but extremely rare stuff can show up in the strangest of places.
Rear peep has been cut off and a "sight" groove filed in; this rear sight is easily replaced. The parts I really need are a stock and trigger guard and a front sight assembly, although the ears that were cut could be rebuilt.
It seems "Bubba" didn't like the foresight ears and the rear peep on the newly acquired "hunting rifle" and set about to do some personal modifications! I have a suspicion that the stock broke on a hunting trip and may have even ended up in the trash or wood stove, the trigger guard at that point was no longer attached to the rifle so more than likely it bore the same fate as the stock.
I know of a fellow with a complete rifle but understandably he is very reluctant to take it apart so a proper drawing can be made of the stock and trigger guard to start the process of a restoration. I don't blame him one bit as these in original condition are so valuable and extremely rare that one wouldn't risk the potential of losing or damaging any parts!
Anyhow enjoy the pictures. If you like odd Enfield's and you've never seen the inside of one of these actions it's neat to see the changes from the standard No4.
Historical accounts say that the one piece stock design was not strong enough to endure battlefield conditions and was prone to breakage which ultimately led to its disqualification in trials. The stock had significant lightening cuts to reduce weight which weakened it!
One can see the difference of the innards of the receiver compared to a standard No4 and what was done to help reduce weight.
An interesting note, one can see that LB had engineered the hung trigger long before the Brits came out with the MK2!
In the "unlikely" event anyone ever run into parts, I would appreciate a heads up! Not expecting to find anything but extremely rare stuff can show up in the strangest of places.
Rear peep has been cut off and a "sight" groove filed in; this rear sight is easily replaced. The parts I really need are a stock and trigger guard and a front sight assembly, although the ears that were cut could be rebuilt.
It seems "Bubba" didn't like the foresight ears and the rear peep on the newly acquired "hunting rifle" and set about to do some personal modifications! I have a suspicion that the stock broke on a hunting trip and may have even ended up in the trash or wood stove, the trigger guard at that point was no longer attached to the rifle so more than likely it bore the same fate as the stock.
I know of a fellow with a complete rifle but understandably he is very reluctant to take it apart so a proper drawing can be made of the stock and trigger guard to start the process of a restoration. I don't blame him one bit as these in original condition are so valuable and extremely rare that one wouldn't risk the potential of losing or damaging any parts!
Anyhow enjoy the pictures. If you like odd Enfield's and you've never seen the inside of one of these actions it's neat to see the changes from the standard No4.
