Enfield Sniper

[oger]

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/...psdapg7j1b.jpg

[Badger]

Oger...

To learn more about about how to handle pics, please read this thread in the Q&A - Help Forums, which also appears as a "sticky" thread at the top of every forum on the site.

How do I upload pictures to my posts for storage on milsurps.com? (click here)

If you still have problems in the future, email them to me at badger@milsurps.com and I'll resize them for you, then post them in the thread under your name

Regards,
Doug

[oger]

Does it look right for a Long Branch sniper? The word I got from the original owner grandson was that he shot it twice and managed to ding it up a little but someone put a sweaty hand on the scope and put it back in the case for 20 years, the scope didn't like it.

[lawrence_n]

From what I see thus far, it looks correct. Though prices are very much regional, here in Toronto and area (considering it's the home of Canadian Arsenals Ltd.), you'd have to pay anywhere from $6500. to $10,000. (CDN) for that. The minor corrosion on the scope wouldn't seriously detract from the value if the mechanicals work OK and the glass is clear. I didn't see if the leather scope covers were there and if not, that would also take a few dollars off the value. The "England" stamp on the wrist tells me that it did go overseas, but considering it was made in the last year of the war, it may never have been issued. I also didn't see the scope case in the pics and if it's not there, again it'll take some money off the value. In any case, it's a lovely find.

[Major Bob]

Oger,

What you have you lucky bugger ( no disrespect meant ) is the rarest of the rare : A Canadian Ww2 sniper rifle, one of only about 1200 made.

It is an incredible find.

It is a priceless rifle. Please, please take good care of the old warhorse. It probably killed many of our common ennemies in two wars ( WW2 and Korea ) .

Of course it is more meaningfull for us crazy Cannuks because it is a part of our short but meaningfull military gunmaking heritage and i am very happy that you have found it and posted the pictures out in the daylight for us all to see. It was a delight .

I am sure our members are all very happy for you also .

Good luck and Godspeed.

A Canadian

[Seaforth72]

The leather carrying handles are very fragile after 70 years. Once broken they cannot be repaired, only left as is or replaced, and replacements never look just right. I suggest that you never lift the chest by these handles, especially when it is full, but rather, pick up the chest by the wooden body.

[Seaforth72]

Collectors usually prefer "matching as converted" sniper equipment i.e. the first scope and bracket assigned to a rifle are still with it. This set appears to be "Matching, in-service" rather than "Matching, as converted". The scope and its case were originally assigned to another rifle in the same series 71L0____ and the last three numbers have been painted over inside the lid of the C No 8 MK I case. The original scope number has been cancelled out XXXX on the wrist and a new number stamped on. The change does appear to have been done in military service. The chest is Canadian.

Well worth picking up and yes, as a Canadian collector I would be very interested in repatriating it. :-)

[CODFan]

Were the 71L sniper series produced on 1945 dated receivers?

[rgg_7]

71L is a 1944 Long Branch serial number. The side wall of the rifle shown is dated 1945 ...just doesn't add up. The transit chest is Canadian ( 4 hole hinges and correct double sewn leather straps). Just my observation and comment.

[Lee Enfield]

Were the 71L sniper series produced on 1945 dated receivers?

yes 71L block snipers were built on 1944 and 1945 dated receivers.

71L is a 1944 Long Branch serial number. The side wall of the rifle shown is dated 1945 ...just doesn't add up. ...snip....

Mr. RGG, I really have to take exception to your repeated incorrect "pronouncements" regarding Long Branch sniping rifles.

you're harshing my mellow...