1949 C No.4 Mk1* Long Branch Rifle

You can view the page at https://www.milsurps.com/content.php...g-Branch-Rifle

Interesting, because I have a circle "C" marked .303 No.4 Mk.I (no star) because it is built on a 1943 "B" marked BSA receiver which also exhibits a BSA Mk.I rear sight. The Bolt is a renumbered (to the rifle) Longbranch part. The Barrel is a 1954 Fazackerly, the fore end is walnut, and probably original BSA with a low cut right side at receiver. Fore end is numbered to receiver which is WOOO1! Butt is beech from a No.4 Mk.2 with brass butt plate. Hand guards are walnut and the rear one is grooved. There is a strip of white tape on left side butt on which is written, "L. F. Richmond W0001". The name is also written on the right side butt in indelible felt tip.

The fore end has been shimmed at the barrel reenforce for target shooting. The circle "C" mark appears on the left side butt socket under the serial number, and on the fore end under the serial number. Both have been very neatly "X'd" out. What does that mean? How does a rifle become officially no longer a target rifle, or does this signify that DCRA no longer owned the rifle? There is no "5G" mark on receiver.

I have been trying to pin down the history of this rifle since it was acquired fifteen years ago. The purchase price was really low because the dealer stated it was "just a parts rifle".

Wombat

These comments sections in the MKL are not designed for interactive feedback, only comments about the articles. In the case of this type of library item, I think you'll have better luck getting an answer by posting your question in the Lee Enfield Collectors Forum (click here).

Regards,
Doug