1944 Enfield No.4 Mk1*(T) Long Branch TP Sniper Rifle

1944 Enfield No.4 Mk1*(T) Long Branch TP Sniper Rifle Serial # 74L0318
c/w matching  Telescopic, Sighting C No.32, Mk.I(TP) (Trade Pattern) Scope
Serial # 4392S (Mfg by Lyman-Alaskan)

Caliber: ....................... .303 in.
Rifling & Twist: ............. 5 Groove, Enfield, Left Hand
Barrel Length: .............. 25.2 in. (640mm)
Overall Length: ............ 44.5 in. (1130mm)
Weight: ....................... 10 lb. 5oz. (4.7kg)
Magazine Capacity: ....... 10 rounds
Converted: ................... Long Branch
Scope: ......................... Telescopic, Sighting C No.32, Mk.I(TP) Scope Serial # 4392S
Qty Mfg ........................ 350

Source: ..... Without Warning by Clive LAW - ISBN: 1-894581-16-4
Source: ..... The British Sniper by Ian Skennerton (1983) - ISBN: 0949749036
Source: ..... The Lee Enfield by Ian Skennerton (2007) - ISBN: 9780949749826
Source: ...... An Armorer's Perspective: .303 No.4(T) Sniper Rifle by Peter Laidler & Ian Skennerton (1993) - ISBN: 0949749176

Copyrighted material reproduced here with the gracious written permission of Clive Law ....

(start of extract) ....... The Lyman Alaskan sight was introduced into Canadian service as an interim measure. Contrary to other reports it has been established that 350 of these were purchased and provided with mounts manufactured by SAL (Small Arms Limited). ...... In May, 1943 SAL shipped two No.4 rifles to Colonel McAvity of National Defence Headquarters. McAvity was the head of the Directorate of Vehicles and Arms (DVA). These were No.4 Mk.I models and one, serial number 32L3126, was equipped with a Lyman Alaskan scope while the second, s/n 32L4243, sported a Weaver 330 telescope.

These rifles were provided on loan only and Col. McAvity was advised that they were to be returned. The rifles underwent trials and these results were telegrammed to Canada and stated "We consider Alaskan best choice. It has tapered posts with cross-wire and luminosity ahead of (No.)32. In theses tests we were able to distinguish targets 15 to 20 minutes later in the evening than with the 32." Until REL could supply No.32 telescopic sights, or until such time that an improved sight came into production, attention was directed to the United States for the possible supply of commercially manufactured scopes. The US had previously indicated that they could release 200 Weaver 330 or Lyman Alaskan scopes per month. The Canadian Army had determined that the No.32 mount could, by use of two bushings, be suitably adapted. The Canadian Army had an outstanding order with Long Branch for 441 sets of sniper equipment (rifle, scope chest, etc.). However, after receiving 91 of these, they agreed to give up the rest of the sights and mounts to the British Army who had a demonstrably greater need. This left Canada with a shortfall of 350 telescopic scopes and mounts. They chose to proceed with an order (contract number 2-199149, dated 2 December 1943) for 350 Lyman Alaskan scopes but rather than use the No.32 mounts with bushings decided to order new style of mount then under development by SAL. Part of the rationalization was that the delivery schedules for either type was similar. It would be March 1944 before approval was obtained for the scope purchase but Lyman Gunsight Corporation was unable to provide definite delivery dates, in fact an army memo, written in frustration, claims that "we still have no definite assurance that they are ever going to supply us with the sights." Based on this it was suggested that SAL hold up on the manufacture of the mounts until Lyman could guarantee delivery dates.

Lyman's delay was caused by two factors outside of its control. The first was that Lyman , which had already advised Canada prior to the contract, could not obtain their glass from their normal source (Lyman procured 'sets' of lenses from Bausch & Lomb) and had to shop around for glass. Suitable lenses were finally obtained from Plummer & Kershaw, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The second reason concerned the type of graticule to be incorporated into the sights. Canada did not want the cross-hair type of graticule preferring instead a tapered post with cross-wire. To produce these Lyman utilized No.12 sewing needles and they were unable to locate sufficient quantities of the required needles in the US. Finally, the Canadian Department of Munitions & Supply located a small quantity of needles in the UK. Lyman started production but warned that Canada had to be prepared to accept the standard cross-hair reticule if sufficient needles to complete the contract were not procured quickly.

Within a month Lyman advised the Department of Munitions & Supply that a quantity of scopes had been completed and that they were contemplating an immediate delivery. An army memorandum, dated 10 May 1944 outlined that the formal contract should show 350 each; Lyman Alaskan 2 1/2x telescopic sight, No.8 Mk.I cases converted to carry the Lyman sight (these were later designated Case, No. 18, Mk.I), SAL mounts, No.4(T) rifles and No.15 Mk.I chests. The model designation was "Telescopic, Sighting C No.32, Mk.I(TP)" with the TP representing Trade Pattern.

The sights were marked and numbered in the commercial range and the military designation was not shown. The approximate range of serial numbers is believed to be between 4340S and 4690S. The range is based upon observation only as no records have survived. It is the author's belief that these were originally mounted on a block of No.4(T) rifles numbered from 74L0001 to 74L0350. Most of the scopes also display the British "Broad Arrow" Ordnance mark. This may have been applied at Lyman on their own initiative when they saw the order was for the Canadian army - however this is purely speculative. The contract between the Department of Munitions and Supply and the Lyman Gunsight Corp., did not call for any special markings to be applied.