Canadian Ranger Rifles, 2007

I have often wondered if I might have had awful luck, but I must say, the only failure I have ever had with a Mk3 was one broken extractor spring. I pack a Mk3 now, 1911 vintage. I live in bear country, so it gets loaded and unloaded constantly, sometimes several times a day in the Summer. I have never had to shoot a bear, but I have complete confidence in the Mk.3 should the need arise. The problem with the SAVAGE bolthead guide channel cracking seems to be quite common. I bought my first SAVAGE from a small dealer about a decade ago. I didn't have it long when the rail sheared. A friend bought one, too, and a small chip cracked out of his at the front of the slot. Just enough that the bolthead flips up if you work the bolt too fast. When I brought this to the dealer's attention, he inspected his remaining rifles. He found that most of them exhibited at least some chipping of the release slot, and a few had whole pieces chipped out. He sent me the MALTBY for free, to replace the broken SAVAGE. He also sent another BRIT action to replace my friend's rifle. Since my SAVAGE action was B.E.R., I experimented a bit with it. A LIGHT tap with a small hammer was enough to break the entire guide rail off! The whole rail snapped away in one piece! This would seem to indicate an over hardened acton, similar to the EDDYSTONE P14. As I stated before, I have observed only a few LB rifles with chipped slots, despite seeing many more LB than SAVAGE rifles. These SAVAGE rifles were in original condition, with all Savage and LB wood and metal. They didn't show really hard use, either. The fact that these rifles could be brittle should be considered, when handloading for them. My experience soured me on SAVAGE No.4's so badly, that I no longer want to shoot them.

It has been my experience that after working with hundreds of No.4 Longbranch as well as the Mk.2 rifles over many years that, with very rare exceptions ,safety failures have been the result of inadequate training, abuse and negligence. The principle cause of failure is a broken or bent safety spring resulting from the incorrect practice of applying the safety with the bolt open. This practice also may result in the scoring of the bolt as well as deformation or fracture of the safety.

I had to reply to this one sorry.
The No4Mk2 does have some nice features that the CNo4Mk1* does not however it certainly is not a better rifle. I have owned many of both models, all great reliable rifles however the one I still own is a CNo4Mk1*.

With regards to Ranger rifles and their condition...
If a rifle requires maintenance or replacement the onus is on the Ranger to report it to his or her section commander.

The section commander will report to the 2 I/C or the Patrol Comander.

From there the weapon with be shipped to the armourers for repair or replacement.

Try to remember that most of these weapons have seen a considerable amount of ammunition and at times questionable levels or care, cleaning or maintenance in a 60 year window.

The bottom line is - Will the rifle reliable cycle ammunition to take down a charging, dangerous or otherwise nuisance black bear accurately within 20m? This is what I train my rangers to do.

This is the only time a Ranger will ever truly require the weapon as a self defense mechanism. If the Ranger is a shooter of competative nature then he or she needs to speak up and get the rifle replaced. Not all Rangers are interested in shooting - period. They seek the out door wilderness experience. The rifle is assigned simply because its part of the kit. Thats an entirely different story that I won't get into here.

If the Patrol command structure is dissengaged and frankly lethargic towards the material effectiveness of their Ranger's gear then the 2 I/C and the P/C need a flogging. These are the Patrols that cannot recruit or retain good Rangers.

I supplied about 50 Mk.1 sights to a troop some years ago, so I know there are a number out there with the Mk.1 sight. Almost cleaned the "shed" (tm) out...I think!!! :-)##

The Rangers here often prance around with their bolts open, safety on. I told them that this was NOT good for their rifles, and was told "who the #%$* do yo think you are?" But this isn't the problem with the safety, it was play in the pinned joint, where the lever joins the shaft. One of the Rangers spoke out about his rifle being unsuitable for target shooting, and it was replaced. He told me that he shouldn't have complained about the first one! One Ranger had a really rusty rifle, and I asked her if it was issued in that condition. She proudly said"No, I just don't clean it! They were made to be abused! Haven't cleaned it since I got it!" Maybe we should just by the Rangers CARCANOS, and forget about the L.E. altogether. Or else give the L.E. to Rangers that really show an interest in shooting, and wooden drill rifles to the ones that don't.

That is a Patrol with a complete command absence and does not reflect 4 CRPG. I would very much like to know which Patrol you are referring to by pm if that is possible K31. I can guaratee complete anonymity.

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Originally Posted by Riflechair

That is a Patrol with a complete command absence and does not reflect 4 CRPG. I would very much like to know which Patrol you are referring to by pm if that is possible K31. I can guaratee complete anonymity.

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What he said. If our Det. MWO or one of the Sgt.s saw us show up with a rusty rifle, a thorough a$$ kicking would ensue.

I have seen many Ranger issue rifles that were badly rusted. Not unusual for ones to be brought to me before an inspection to have the scab rust wirewheeled off. The rifles were basically considered write-offs when issued, replacements being issued as necessary. It is amazing how rapidly a brand new Long Branch can be ruined by neglect and abuse.

AMEN! I'm certain that some of the CNo.4 Mk1* rifles were new in the grease when they were issued up here, now they look like something from that Afghan weapons cache!

Can you imagine what would have happened to the C1 rifles, had they been given to the Rangers?