Tough One, Long Branch #4 mk1*

joe n

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Way out of my league here, looking at an absolutely beautiful and stunning LB dated 1944. I can see no evidence of serial numbers on the receiver or handle, rifle is 2 groove barrel and looks immaculate. I have never seen an unissued Enfield, but I don't think this one was ever issued.
Can anyone give me any details on this? Why no serial numbers? It has not been scrubbed, finish looks original tot eh best of my knowledge. Thanks so much for any insight.
Joe
 
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Hello. I can see in your body pic that the serial has been scrubbed - see the discolouration strip? The stock is from a No.7 .22 service rifle. Bolt not shown but could be a NOS unnumbered bolt or scrubbed. To my knowledge all rifles refurbished post war were serialled to replace a serialled
damaged rifle. I'm quite sure that on this site somebody will tell you its a one-off or something similar rather than a made up specimen - I can hardly wait to see who it will be. Nice looking piece though. JOHN
 
John just out of curiosity...what makes this stock a No7 .22? I'm of coarse talking about the fore stock.

Hello. I can see in your body pic that the serial has been scrubbed - see the discolouration strip? The stock is from a No.7 .22 service rifle. Bolt not shown but could be a NOS unnumbered bolt or scrubbed. To my knowledge all rifles refurbished post war were serialled to replace a serialled
damaged rifle. I'm quite sure that on this site somebody will tell you its a one-off or something similar rather than a made up specimen - I can hardly wait to see who it will be. Nice looking piece though. JOHN
 
What does kB mean on a fore-stock? Pardon my ignorance. Also having this in hand I am having a difficult time seeing that the numbers have been scrubbed. I can’t disagree because maybe photography picks up something better than my naked eye. I really appreciate all the input gentlemen. Thanks
Joe
 
What does kB mean on a fore-stock? Pardon my ignorance. Also having this in hand I am having a difficult time seeing that the numbers have been scrubbed. I can’t disagree because maybe photography picks up something better than my naked eye. I really appreciate all the input gentlemen. Thanks
Joe

I would also like to knwo this, I have seen this marking on quite a few Long Branch rifles and always thought it was just a contractor or inspector marking. Nothing in Skennertons book on it that I could find.
 
I also thought scrubbed as soon as I saw the different colour on the buttsocket area. Have seen lots like it, mainly Cno7 bodies that the military removed the s/n from.

There is always the chance that it's a lunchbucket special of some flavour. I suspect it will be hard to get a definitive answer on it.

Nice set of walnut on that rifle!

BTW, the CFC FIN sticker ceased having any validity when the registry went bye bye.
 
I support the observations already made - it is a refinished parts rifle that happens to look nice. And it looked like that when the LGR was active and the PO dutifully complied with the law.

It is very easy to slip into a self-reinforcing argument of accepting what-if propositions, trying to rationalize inconsistencies. The country was at war! They didn't have time or spare brain power to think what collectors a half-a-century later might worry about. Rifle production was needed to kill the enemy. Standardized processes were highly desirable and strictly upheld. Deviation was not going to be tolerated, because it meant one less rifle for the troops and wasted effort on the home front.
 
This is excellent information gentlemen thank you very much ! Plan to shoot it in service rifle.
 
More for interest sake the original owner had documentation from where he acquired this in 1960.
Was bought from Greys Gunsmithing Calgary. The owner Don Grey was a Army armour from Currie Barracks in Calgary. If any of the old dogs remember this man was just a tad before my time . Like I said it’s more for interest , And I think it will be great for service rifle so I do not have to shoot why other L B’s.
 
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