My restored Long Branch

[daveboy]

Here are a few detailed photos of my "new" Long Branch.
I know very little about Enfields, as I mostly collect American milsurps.
However, I ran into a great deal on this rifle. A previous owner had carved his initials into both sides of the buttstock, and carved a design into the lower part of the stock.
He had also cut away part of the lower handguard. So, a new handguard, and some careful, but judicious sanding, along with stripping, staining, and BLO, the wood was once again good.
Some fine oil, and bronze wool removed the surface rust and leaves me with a pretty nice looking No. 4. I fired a few rounds today and I have a horizontal stringing issue.
Vertically, at nearly a hundred yards, all my rounds were within an inch or so.
Horizontally, they were separated by about 18 inches.
Now, that may just be trigger control because the Enfield trigger is nothing like what I am used to. But, assuming it is not me, is there any common reason for horizontal stringing in these rifles? I really like this rifle, just gotta get a little better shooting it.Attachment 109107Attachment 109108Attachment 109109Attachment 109110Attachment 109111Attachment 109112Attachment 109113Attachment 109114Attachment 109115Attachment 109116

[Singer B]

Very nice!!! Now I want one.

[daveboy]

Thanks. I got a great deal on this one, so it was hard to pass up.

[smle addict]

Nice purchase and very good-looking rifle. You mentioned you are familiar with US milsurps, but not so much with Enfields. I would have to guess your vertical stringing is caused by improper stock bedding. Now I don't mean for you to slop a bunch of acraglas or other bedding compound into the stock. Attached below is a quick link to Peter Laidler's on line tutorials regarding the proper set up of a No4 forend.

http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...0correctly.pdf

If the barrel is not supported from the stock (at the muzzle), the barrel will produce stringing like you are experiencing. Also, if the trigger guard collar is too long or short, wild groups like this will occur as well. Also, if the front of the handguard is pressing down on the barrel (at the muzzle) you'll get weird groupings too. Read the article carefully, and take your time on the work.

Good luck

[Bindi2]

Put the sling hooks to the outside.

[daveboy]

Thanks. An article like that is exactly what I was looking for.

[browningautorifle]

Vertically, at nearly a hundred yards, all my rounds were within an inch or so.
Horizontally, they were separated by about 18 inches.

Lateral spread usually indicates an elbow position change. Before undertaking a personality change for the rifle, maybe a sandbag on the shooting bench or a two point sling and sandbag...and prone position.

Rifle looks very good now...

[daveboy]

Lateral spread usually indicates an elbow position change. Before undertaking a personality change for the rifle, maybe a sandbag on the shooting bench or a two point sling and sandbag...and prone position.

Rifle looks very good now...

Thanks! I think you are probably correct. The foreend appears to be the one that probably came with the rifle, so I'd have to assume that if it isn't damaged, or cut up, then it is probably bedded pretty close to accurately. I know my trigger control was horrible during this short shooting session. I was standing, using a rest, and that trigger pull is totally unlike what I am used to. I think the Enfield is a great design, but that trigger.....

[browningautorifle]

I was standing,

K, that'll do it. You simply MUST rest using shot bags or sand bag and perhaps even take a second man along to prove the rifle. Make sure you have reliable ammo. The triggers are two stage and do some dry firing first to get accustomed...

[daveboy]

K, that'll do it. You simply MUST rest using shot bags or sand bag and perhaps even take a second man along to prove the rifle. Make sure you have reliable ammo. The triggers are two stage and do some dry firing first to get accustomed...

Oh, I'm used to a two-stage trigger, but more in line with a Mauser, or a Springfield. That Enfield trigger is a different animal.