Lee Enfield No4 Longbranch CANADIAN EH!

[shaunman79]

Hey guys I went to a gun show today and found this rifle, it was the last one on the table as I walked around the last isle I seen it sitting there from 10 feet away I picked it up and he said last one just sold 3 its canadian, I look over both shoulders and 2 guys are standing there waiting while I was giving it a look over I said ill take it! bolt matches mag does not has the original issued sling as far as I know everything matches what caught my eye was the nice blonde tiger stripe stock all I need now is a ww2 issue canadian pig sticker bayonet, One more for the wall pictures attached if you guys can tell me a bit more about it by the numbers etc thanks!.

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[conec]

Is the side of the receiver scrubbed clean? The pic fails to show where you'd expect it say Long Branch and a date of production... The electropencilled bolt is problematic too.

[Ridolpho]

Shaunman79: I'm no expert but I see the so-called "Ishapore screw" through the forend immediately in front of the magazine and a clear BSA "M47C" on the bolt handle which is hollowed as in a No. 5 handle. So some history behind this one- built in Canada, used in India (and elsewhere?), then sold commercially back North America from England as per the proof markings. The Longbranch serial number and small numbers beneath on the left cheek resemble those on my own Longbranch. So I'd be curious as to whether or not it was arsenal overhauled in India. Nice looking gun. Is the bore good and have you shot it yet?

Ridolpho

[lngstrt]

Nice looking rifle!

Looks like a '1954' above the M47C as well.

[Beerhunter]

does not has the original issued sling

There is actually no such thing. Slings were a separate item and you got issued what you got issued. However the webbing on that one looks a little suspect to me.

It has definitely been refurbished by some one and to such an extent its difficult to tell what it was originally. If it is a Longbranch it should be a Mk.1*. The Isshy screw suggests it has been on the Indian sub-continent. I agree that it look like it has had a replacement BSA built bolt which if done by/for the UK forces would have had the number stamped not engraved. The trigger guard looks like it was by Stevens-Savage and the foresight protector looks North American to me.

I agree that it has been civilian Proofed in Birmingham England. The crossed sceptres (they look like swords) near the muzzle contain the date code of when that was done.

[Buccaneer]

what caught my eye was the nice blonde tiger stripe stock all

The wood looks very nice but I wish people would not use those self adhesive lables. If they are left for any length of time they can be very hard to remove and then take the finish off when you do manage to get the damn thing off!!!!

[shaunman79]

Is the side of the receiver scrubbed clean? The pic fails to show where you'd expect it say Long Branch and a date of production... The electropencilled bolt is problematic too

Hi I dont know if it is worn off? It does not say ftr anywhere I did a total strip down and it does say LB on the right of the receiver and on the barrel, It looks like it has seen combat, here are some additional pics I took i can barely see longbranch 1944 the no4 and mk1 your guess is as good as mine maybe a factory refurb after the war?.

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[shaunman79]

Shaunman79: I'm no expert but I see the so-called "Ishapore screw" through the forend immediately in front of the magazine and a clear BSA "M47C" on the bolt handle which is hollowed as in a No. 5 handle. So some history behind this one- built in Canada, used in India (and elsewhere?), then sold commercially back North America from England as per the proof markings. The Longbranch serial number and small numbers beneath on the left cheek resemble those on my own Longbranch. So I'd be curious as to whether or not it was arsenal overhauled in India. Nice looking gun. Is the bore good and have you shot it yet?

Ridolpho

Hi i did a complete strip down yesterday, it is a LB it has the stamp on the right of the reciever under the wood and on the barrel I can make out longbranch above 1944 I cant see no4 mk above that? maybe rubbed off from constant use? would make sence if it was in ww2 then idia who knows where else, the lands and grooves are tight and is shiny gave it a good cleaning yesterday with varsol, then re-applied a fresh layer of gun grease all over it and on every part, I have noticed some S and F marked parts which would back your claim arsenal re-build, there is some marks on the stock too not sure what they say it looks like the wood has been refinished at some point? it is a LB stamped stock the main parts are LB stamped im happy!, the blonde wood is what cought my eye shes a keeper and my first lee enfield make me proud to be canadian holding this rifle and it was made in my home town Toronto Ontario Canada! love it cant wait to shoot it my range holds a rememberance day shoot every year maybe I can participate now.

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[shaunman79]

The wood looks very nice but I wish people would not use those self adhesive lables. If they are left for any length of time they can be very hard to remove and then take the finish off when you do manage to get the damn thing off!!!!

Sticker removed the rifle has been cleaned thoroughly and re-greased ready to go cant wait to shhot it the barrel is tight and shiny lookd good to me.

[shaunman79]

There is actually no such thing. Slings were a separate item and you got issued what you got issued. However the webbing on that one looks a little suspect to me.

It has definitely been refurbished by some one and to such an extent its difficult to tell what it was originally. If it is a Longbranch it should be a Mk.1*. The Isshy screw suggests it has been on the Indian sub-continent. I agree that it look like it has had a replacement BSA built bolt which if done by/for the UK forces would have had the number stamped not engraved. The trigger guard looks like it was by Stevens-Savage and the foresight protector looks North American to me.

I agree that it has been civilian Proofed in Birmingham England. The crossed sceptres (they look like swords) near the muzzle contain the date code of when that was done.

Hi here is a picture of the sling it looks old and is marked c with arrow some partsd are makred S and F the main parts are LB thank god! I can make out the letter T? left rear of the bolt hole small parts can be replaced as they come shes a keep my firts complete lee enfield and made in my home town too!.Attachment 36639Attachment 36640Attachment 36641Attachment 36642Attachment 36643Attachment 36644Attachment 36645Attachment 36646Attachment 36647