RCAF Rifles - WW2 and beyond??

[cigar_man]

It looks like we are gathering interest here on RCAF rifles that where issued during WW2 and Post-War era.

WW2
U.S. M-1917
SMLE No1 Mk III
Long Branch No4 Mk I*

Post-War era
EAL








Interesting enough, these same style of numbers and RCAF stamps are showing up on different rifles and in some cases, the exact same numbers??

No4 Mk I*'s seem to be all stamped 7B 466 along with RCAF (Broad Arrow)

U.S. M-1917's seem to be all stamped 7B 355 along with RCAF (Broad Arrow)

SMLE No1 MK III's - buttstock disk stamped RCAF



First one;

1943 Long Branch No4 MkI*

Serial# 41L****

Left side of buttstock;

RCAF 7B-466




From a previous thread;

Potashminer posted,

So, perhaps a coincidence? I have what is left of a M1917 stock - has been sawed off, etc. but stampings remain fairly clear on the butt:

On left side of butt stock, RCAF stamp with arrow above, then 7B 355. No "dash" between the "B" and the "3" like in Post #15 above. Also RCAF and number / letter stampings not neatly in a row like Post #15

On right side is fairly clear "C around Broad Arrow". Stock is definitely for an M1917, not a P14. From this stock, I took it as evidence that M1917's were used, probably by guards, at RCAF bases in Canada. Post #15 above also suggests that No. 4's were also used.

canuk also posted,
Very interesting! I also have a 1943 LB #4 with the same rack number (not struck as nicely however)

Here is another Long Branch No4 MkI* 1950 from;

Joe Salter's web site!!

Description:
An excellent example of a relatively scarce Canadian Long Branch. Sn 93L7547 was built by a Canadian arsenal in 1950. This example remains in excellent condition both metal and wood. This rifle shows a clear,crisp RCAF broad arrow stamping on the left of the butt and 7B-466. The rear site is the correct CMK 3. The bore rates as bright excellent. The wood shows its' original arsenal finish as does the metal. A scarce RCAF issue rifle.

https: //joesalter.ca/products/long-branch-1950-rcaf-issue-rifle


Article on a U.S. M-1917 RCAF Issue

https: //www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=35966

Canadian use of the M-1917

https: //www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=34602

 

[bros]

Here is one that I came upon a few years ago. Exact same markings as the the one in the original post. Sorry about the pictures.....nevertheless was still happy to see I still had them on my phone. Never thought I would be posting them here but had I known, the quality would have been a lot better and I certainly would have taken more. I did not purchase this rifle so further info is most unlikely.

I don't recall what year this Long Branch was manufactured in. Certainly a RCAF rifle! Front and rear bands were chromed as well as the bayonet (No4 MK11 marked)....possible parade rifle? Sadly the bolt # was scrubbed or this is a replacement bolt!

Any info appreciated.

 

[XRCD011]

Great pics of the rifles and stampings. Goes to show that there are two words to always avoid using Never and Always

 

[cigar_man]

 

[Old Ranger]

My uncle who served as a fitter with 135 (F) Squadron stationed at Terrace BC mentioned more than once taking small arms training with a 3006 Enfield. (P17 or whatever the correct identification would have been?)

 

[cigar_man]

Winchester Model 1917 Enfield Rifle RCAF Marked with Bayonet





Description:
Serial #4378, .30-06, 26" barrel with a very good, bright bore that has some mild freckling within the grooves. This rifle has an 8-17 dated, “W" marked barrel and has retained about 70-75% of the original blue finish, which has turned to a dull gray patina on the muzzle, as well as on other exposed edges and surfaces. The safety and bolt components are Eddystone which have contact wear and finish loss consistent with the rest of the gun, as well as an inventory number stamped onto the right side of the receiver at the rear sight protector: “787". Some further silvering and fading occurs on the “947" marked bolt handle as well. The “W" marked walnut stock and handguard are in very good condition with numerous minor handling marks and blemishes in the added dark brown military oil finish. A crisp “C (Broad Arrow)" stamp is present on the right side of the butt, and the remnants of a red painted band is present just behind the nosecap. The red bands were added by Canadian armorers to denote .30-06 chambering, rather than .303. Most of these US-built rifles were issued to the RCAF. Included with the rifle is a Remington marked, Model 1917 bayonet with original “JEWELL" marked scabbard. The bayonet measures 21 3/4" overall, with a 16 3/4" straight, single-edged blade with single, stopped fullers. The ricasso markings are crisp and clear, and the blade has a dull pewter gray patina with thin freckling throughout. The guard is rack numbered: “5171"; and has a crisp “(Broad Arrow) / RCAF" stamp on the reverse grip panel. This a great looking rifle, built for WW1, and subsequently used by Canada during WW2. The rifle rates fine condition overall, and comes with a very hard-to-find RCAF marked, US bayonet. FFL or C&R

Curio/Relic: Yes
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1917
Serial Number: 4378
Caliber Info: .30-06
Gauge Info: .30- 06

https: //www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/winchester-rifles---military/winchester-model-1917-enfield-rifle-rcaf-marked-with-bayonet.cfm?gun_id=101470462

 

[canuck]

Thanks for starting this thread C man, I was thinking of doing the same.

I have, as well as the LB #4, a very nice #s matching SMLE with an RCAF roundel - I have no reason to believe the roundel was added after the gun was sold out of service so, likely was used by the RCAF as well?

At one time, I also had a nice Winchester Model of 1917 which was stamped very similar to the Gunsinternational one that you've posted (why I sold it, I have no idea ) Unfortunately, I didn't save the detail pics of it.

 

[XRCD011]

Now we just need to see some RCAF marked Garands and BARs. Totally awesome pictures everyone is posting and thanks for doing so guys.

 

[36 hamon]

I have 2 a minty No4 Mk1* and a P-14 both are electric pencilled RCAF and as u can see the P-14 also has 7B/34 pencilled as well the No 4 is a post war DCRA 7.62 conversion contract number 614 with the most C A stamps ive ever see on it lol the P-14 is a real minty example but i have it apart right now

 

[cigar_man]

More pictures courtesy of jtaylor.

 

[Potashminer]

I do not think that rear sight on the Long Branch (Post #9) is "minty"?? I think it is a windage adjustable Parker Hale sight, no? Perhaps a Parker Hale - PH4, maybe with a PH 59 eyepiece?

 

[cigar_man]

I do not think that rear sight on the Long Branch (Post #9) is "minty"?? I think it is a windage adjustable Parker Hale sight, no? Perhaps a Parker Hale - PH4, maybe with a PH 59 eyepiece?

(Post# 9) That whole rifle is a Canadian Arsenals rework to .308 for DCRA competition. (Contract number 614)

Its former life was a RCAF No4 Mk I* .303, as it still maintains it's original marking on the receiver from war time.

No longer considered RCAF original!

 

[36 hamon]

Yes it is a parker hale sight when i bought the rifle it had a 5c sight on it which the old owner wanted he did not know it had the RCAF marking as it was covered by the sight i installed the sight you see so you still see the RCAF marking its not as minty as the rifle for sure but as it is a 7.62 target rifle it should have a target sight .the pics do not do the rifle justice ..oh and as an aside the bolt which matches is the early is the early type with the hole in the knob like a No 5 Mk1 its an early 42 12 L sn range overall one of my favorites of my target No 4s and 3s

 

[Sharps '74]

A buddy told me that he was issued a Garand while serving with the RCAF in Europe.

 

[cigar_man]

A buddy told me that he was issued a Garand while serving with the RCAF in Europe.

Yes, Garand's, M1 Carbines and I have also been told, Bren Guns for Base and Airfield perimeter defence.

Canadian Army - RCAF manuals have been printed and if I remember correctly, the Museum at Base Borden has them.

There used to be some hard core manual collectors on the Maple Leaf Up website.

 

[Ganderite]

I recall our base (1964) had #4s, Brens, Sterlings and Stens (and Hi Powers). I don't recall seeing "RCAF" stamped on them, but it is not the kind of thing I would have been looking for.

 

[Mike Webb]

Here's an RCAF marked 1903 Springfield. First one I've ever seen. 1918 production, excellent shape

 

[slug]

My Pattern 14 has the RCAF stamp.

 

[XRCD011]

I recall out base (1964) had #4s, Brens, Sterlings and Stens (and Hi Powers). I don't recall seeing "RCAF" stamped on them, but it is not the kind of thing I would have been looking for.

Just a small nit picky thing but lets call the Made in Canada C1 SMG by the right name C1 SMG, Canada never had "sterlings". As a group we live for all correct markings, serial numbers and stamps being 100% accurate so getting a name correct is no biggie.

 

[purple]

Just a small nit picky thing but lets call the Made in Canada C1 SMG by the right name C1 SMG, Canada never had "sterlings". As a group we live for all correct markings, serial numbers and stamps being 100% accurate so getting a name correct is no biggie.

My SMG at the Armoured Corps School in 1965 was s/n 0S7185. My rifle s/n was 7L2612. This is my self-check against Alzheimers. I always thought it peculiar that the SMG could be fitted with a bayonet.