1941 Long Branch No.4 Mk.1 - how many grooves in barrel?

I was looking at some old posts on another forum, and I got a little confused (VERY easy to do).

My question -

On a 1941 Long Branch No.4 Mk.1 with a 1942 barrel (original and correct for the rifle and with matching serial number), should I expect to see 5 grooves or 2? Which would be typical for this period?

I assume that the 1942 dated barrel was fitted because receiver production outstripped barrel production in 1941, and they were using up the unbarreled 1941 receivers in 1942.

On an aside, any idea when the Mk.2 cocking piece would have been introduced at Long Branch ( such as early or late 1942)?

I'm thinking five groove, but I'll have to dig out the "3L" and see what's on it. I don't remember it being a 2 groove.

Well, the "3L" has a two groove barrel. There's been a couple or three other "0L" and "1L" rifles show up over the past year on this forum, so maybe you can hunt the owners down (besides yourself). Haven't you had a couple?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spinecracker

I was looking at some old posts on another forum, and I got a little confused (VERY easy to do).

My question -

On a 1941 Long Branch No.4 Mk.1 with a 1942 barrel (original and correct for the rifle and with matching serial number), should I expect to see 5 grooves or 2? Which would be typical for this period?

I assume that the 1942 dated barrel was fitted because receiver production outstripped barrel production in 1941, and they were using up the unbarreled 1941 receivers in 1942.

On an aside, any idea when the Mk.2 cocking piece would have been introduced at Long Branch ( such as early or late 1942)?

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Most 1942 dated LB barrels on 1941 MkI actions are 2 groove, but not all.

When I asked this question @7 years ago, I was contacted by other owners who confirmed:
Long Branch 1941 dated MkI actions & barrels are found in both 5 & 2 groove.
Long Branch 1942 dated barrels on 1941 dated MkI actions can be either 5 or 2 groove.

I can confirm that:
5 groove barrels are found during every year of LB production from 1941-45, 49-51 & 56
2 groove barrels have been observed dated 41-45, & a single '50 reported(presumably a "left over"??)
6 groove C.Mk6 barrels dated 1949,50,58

Wow, talk about an informative answer - most kind :)

Well, it looks like I am going to be forced to do a restoration of the 1941 Long Branch I picked up earlier this year. Due to an unfortunate accident the forend is toast and, as it needs to be replaced (it cannot be salvaged - I tried), I might as well try to put the rifle back to its original configuration as close as I can. I will post pics as I go along. I have already located a replacement forend and some small LB parts that have a very similar patina and wear, but I know I will have a fight trying to get the early cocking piece and LB milled rear sight. As for the Zamak (mazak??) buttplate, who knows???


Edit - got leads on a milled LB Mk.1 rear sight (or 2) and most of the woodwork. Not bad for 2 days of searching lol. Only major parts left would be the early cocking piece (may have a lead) and the correct buttplate (no idea). The small parts (i.e. bands, trigger guard, etc) will be sourced from Springfield Sporters, Numrich or the like.

Quick question - what should the underside of a correct magazine for a 1941 Long Branch look like? Solid/seam/etc?