Odd shortened No.4

This showed up for sale here recently. There was a minor flurry of interest in such "tankers" some years ago which fortunately didn't last.

What make this one a bit interesting is the configuration of the receiver and the apparent bayonet lugs on the shortened barrel; which could be just a bored sleeve made from the end of a standard barrel and soldered on.

On the other hand, the photos seem to be arranged not to give too much away, and the seller is uncommunicative so no further info on markings etc.

Possibly something put together by someone at Long Branch from odds and ends; something we know happened fairly often.

Someone's project. I doubt it was done at Long Branch. Most likely in a home workshop.

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Originally Posted by tiriaq

Someone's project. I doubt it was done at Long Branch. Most likely in a home workshop.

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800 yard Mk.II backsight??

Go for it...

Shortening the barrel requires a different elevation marked rear sight. AKA the No5.
This rifle shows more than a little foresight and knowledge in what was required and how to do it.

Someone with better skills than Bubba built this rifle and it deserves a deeper dive to see if any further info can be found.

Backsight is for a No. 5.
It would be interesting to dismantle the rifle to see how it was done.
With a lathe, it is no big deal to sleeve a salvaged muzzle section onto a barrel to get the front sight and bayonet lugs. Cut the barrel, bore out the cutoff muzzle, turn down new muzzle area. Could be sweated in place, or Loctite sleeve and bearing bonding agent used. A careful inspection of the muzzle would be in order.

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Originally Posted by Sapper740

Someone with better skills than Bubba

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I don't think it's really genius. Just an idea. It's possible it still won't shoot a flock of barns.

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Originally Posted by tiriaq

With a lathe, it is no big deal to sleeve a salvaged muzzle section onto a barrel to get the front sight and bayonet lugs. Cut the barrel, bore out the cutoff muzzle, turn down new muzzle area. Could be sweated in place, or Loctite sleeve and bearing bonding agent used. A careful inspection of the muzzle would be in order.

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Exactly. This isn't a Longbranch rifle, just one of the short rush made years back...using a nice set of wood. I did a #1 Mk3 rifle in '97. Turned out great. It's out there.

Turns out it was sold at Switzers earlier this year. The receiver is not Long Branch.

As far as parts like the sight are concerned, presumably a left-over from the abortive Long Branch No.5 project, which some people insist never happened! :rolleyes:

Plenty of stuff was "lunchboxed" out of Long Branch in days of yore, or made up as presentations and retirement gifts etc. There have been posts about this on CGN from people who lived nearby etc.

Whoever put it together was indeed quite clever. The lithium grease smears are odd, but someone getting a bit old and shaky? ;)

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Is there any reason to believe that the sight had anything to do with Long Branch?