Which Enfield To Look For?

mmattockx

mmattockx

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
102   0   0
Location
Done with sheeple
I recently inherited a bubba'd No.4 Mk.1 and it is making me think about finding an unmolested Enfield for the safe. I also have an M-48 Yugo Mauser, so I seem to be slowly building towards having a collection of WWII era bolt action service rifles...

Which brings up the question - is there a quintessentially Canadian Enfield I should be looking for? I like the action and sights on my sporter and wouldn't mind having the same on the milsurp version as well. Any reasons to look for something other than another No.4 Mk.1 or Mk.II?

Thanks,
Mark
 
"...a quintessentially Canadian Enfield... "

No.4 Mk1* manufactured at Long Branch during WWII. For historical interest it is nice to think that your rifle may have been used in combat by a Canadian soldier. (You could extend that to post-war production up to 1951 because they were used in the Korean War, too, but WWII is the big deal.)

There are a few No.4 Mk1s around that were made at Long Branch and that's just as good for collecting, but the modification that is indicated by the * came in early in the war and most Long Branch production was No.4Mk1*. Some Canadian troops would have gotten their hands on rifles made elsewhere but most would have been equipped with Canadian made rifles, and Long Branch was the only Canadian factory. A Savage factory in the U.S. made them, too, and sometimes the Canadian and U.S. factories supplied each other with batches of components so if you find some Savage parts on your Long Branch it is still probably authentic enough.


Depending how bubba sporterised your Enfield, it may be possible to restore it to as issued. Basically, if the metal parts weren't drilled, ground or chopped, you can replace the wooden stock parts and various fittings.
 
Last edited:
TheTooner said:
"...a quintessentially Canadian Enfield... "

No.4 Mk1* manufactured at Long Branch during WWII.


Depending how bubba sporterised your Enfield, it may be possible to restore it to as issued. Basically, if the metal parts weren't drilled, ground or chopped, you can replace the woodend stock parts and various fittings.
Click to expand...

Like he said! :)

I sort of got started in a similar way, Mark. Got one sporterized No1Mk3. Then all hell broke loose, in a way. Eventually got a LongBranch (I refurbed it), and a few more Enfields, then got into Mosin Nagants a little bit. It's difficult to stop once you've started.

Let me rephrase, it's impossible to stop. :D

Lou
 
Previous poster is right on re: the Longbranch. I also support the idea of a restoration - I just finished my first complete rebuild from parts and it is a hugely satisfying thing to do. As a bonus, if you shop smart your cost is about 60% of what you would spend at a dealer on getting a (often pretty beat up ) similar model. All that would make it sweeter would be a tax write off for preserving Empire/Dominion/Commonwealth Heritage :)
 
took me a while to find a longbranch, several years. In that time looking I found and bought some nice savages, and a few Brit builds. Got a nice little cross section of No1 rifles as well. :D
 
louthepou said:
Like he said! :)

I sort of got started in a similar way, Mark. Got one sporterized No1Mk3. Then all hell broke loose, in a way. Eventually got a LongBranch (I refurbed it), and a few more Enfields, then got into Mosin Nagants a little bit. It's difficult to stop once you've started.

Let me rephrase, it's impossible to stop. :D

Lou
Click to expand...



I have to agree with Lou on the impossible to stop statement. I started refurbing Enfields back in the mid 70's, been doing them every chance I get. The wood and metal bits are sometimes hard to find, but it is worth it to restore these rifles to their former glory.
 
Thanks for the info, guys. I figured there would be one model that would have more significance to Canadians. Unfortunately, mine has had the barrel cut off even with the front sight, so it is out for restoring. It was my ex father in law's hunting rifle for many years and I took it to keep it in the family and pass it on to my kids when the time comes, so I would like to leave it as is because of family history.

I will just buy another to fill the milsurp void! And yes, it does seem to be an addiction that I can't shake. Or maybe I just don't want to?

I will have a look at those on the P&S site. Some day I expect to be buying an M1 Garand from them, maybe I should double up and save some shipping costs.:D

Mark
 
while the Long Branch No.4 is truly the quintessential Canadian milsurp, there are a few other choices. The SMLE aka No.1 mkIII*was the the commonwealth's primary battle rifle going into the war in 1939. There are a few with Candian ownership markings out there, but they're far harder to find than No.4s. Another Canadian WWII rifle is the US M1917 which was a part of the Lend-Lease program before the US entered the war, and many of them served in Homeguard, Naval and RCAF units also marked with Canadian ownership markings.
 
Try a few as mentioned, a no1MkIII* 1917 SMLE wit the C broad arrow or a M1917 (P-17) with the C broad arrow in the stock and the receiver. Then the infamous Long Branch from 1941 to 1950. You will need one from each year……

But you will need to find a long tom No1mk1 Lee Enfield. RCR marked would be nice, ex boar war…


Sweet
 
Pblatzz said:
Try a few as mentioned, a no1MkIII* 1917 SMLE wit the C broad arrow or a M1917 (P-17) with the C broad arrow in the stock and the receiver. Then the infamous Long Branch from 1941 to 1950. You will need one from each year……

But you will need to find a long tom No1mk1 Lee Enfield. RCR marked would be nice, ex boar war…


Sweet
Click to expand...

He's already stated that he's focusing on WII so that leaves the mkI out. Funny thing about the C^ SMLEs is that all that I have heard of tend to be in that 1917 BSAco batch, mine included. Anyone have/ seen any different? Also the M1917s, mine is a late 1918 Winchester with RCAF markings, what does anyone else have?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom