No4 Mk1* Restoration Questions

Ya'll probably get this alot, I want to restore my 1943 Long Branch No4 Mk1* back to as close as original configuration as I can. Obviously as you can tell in these pics, it's been Sporterized. What all do I need besides a new Forend Stock, the Upper and Lower Guards, and the Butt Plate? And which butt plate, steel or brass? Any help for this n00b is appreciated!

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...100_0207-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...100_0208-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...100_0209-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...355957_n-1.jpg

I believe that Canadian (Long Branch) butt plates were brass; at least the one on my 1942 MkI* is brass. The British began using a zinc alloy called Zamak during the war.

Unfortunately that rifle has had the barrel cut back in length by about 40mm or so. I think that this example would be non viable for restoration to original condition as you have no complete original parts salvageable save the action (incl trigger etc), bolt and mag. That rifle could be used as is, or provide parts for another build, but you would spend far more than it would be worth to get that back up to scratch.
Just my opinion...

There seems to be several items of Longbranch furniture and butt plates on e-bay lately.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tbonesmith

Unfortunately that rifle has had the barrel cut back in length by about 40mm or so. I think that this example would be non viable for restoration to original condition as you have no complete original parts salvageable save the action (incl trigger etc), bolt and mag. That rifle could be used as is, or provide parts for another build, but you would spend far more than it would be worth to get that back up to scratch.
Just my opinion...

---

Wow I never knew that! I thank you sir for the very informative answer, I'll just go ahead and use it for what I was going to, feral hog and white tail deer hunting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by big_blue79

Wow I never knew that! I thank you sir for the very informative answer, I'll just go ahead and use it for what I was going to, feral hog and white tail deer hunting.

---

I face the same situation with a Savage bu Bubba. Cost prohibitive restoration but I am keeping an eye out for a barrel and gathering the reat of the parts just in case. Your rifle will make a good hog/ deer rifle as is. Enjoy either way.

Yep, the barrel is 23 1/4" it's supposed to be 25" correct?