long branch sniper ?

[paul87buick]

Just purchased this from gunbroker .British Enfield MK1 no 4 Long Branch 303 : Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker.com
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Information

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[paulseamus]

Looks like a good find that needs a fair amount of restoration.

Nice project rifle.

[jmoore]

Progress reports will be anticipated!

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

You have a silk purse hidden by a pork rind. There are a few positive things on your side. The remnant rear pad, 71L serial number and C405 number on the butt are absolute proof. You didn't win the lottery, but you did win a key to the secret clubhouse. Take a long read of the following article to understand what you have “Is my Lee Enfield sniper rifle a fake?” - Enfield-Rifles.com I would strongly recommend that you take this rifle as a long term project that cannot be rushed or compromised.

There is an extremely thin chance of ever finding that Canadian made telescope. You will however, find modern reproduction telescopes, pads, cheekrests and fittings to rebuild this rifle to its original glory. I think your next purchase is a complete good condition 71L Long Branch rifle in order to rob it of all the essential parts, with a few careful exceptions.

However, well done! And please make this your first stop for information and advice.

[rgg_7]

Once you get the rifle can you post pictures of the bolt serial number, rear pad, markings on barrel. Check barrel if 2 or 5 groove. Check butt stock for evidence of screw holes for cheek piece and if present, a measurement of the holes centre to centre. I'm very concerned about the serial number on the wrist....you can see horizon lines where the butt socket marking have been removed....no "LB" nor inspectors marking. The "71L" is engraved whereas the "0350" is stamped...never have seen this done on a Long Branch sniper.serial number always stamped. The scope marking on the butt is also a non standard...yours is marked "C-405" ...should be marked "405C" for a REL scope. Thread size on the pads would also confirm what you have. I'd get this checked out before a restoration....you don't want to put big dollars into something that's not genuine.

[Cold_Zero]

C- prefex is seen on 44 LB snipers.

[Badger]

Check the MKL for a correct 1945 Long Branch sniper, which will essentially look like this one...

1945 Enfield No.4 Mk1*(T) Long Branch Sniper Rifle (160 pic photo montage)

Regards,
Doug

[Simon]

I know my eyes are more "side light" than "full beam" these days but that serial number on the wrist sure as hell looks stamped to me????

I can also see an Inspectors mark at the side of the bolt in the shot showing the scope serial.

Cheers,

Simon.

[vintage hunter]

A couple of novice observations. Did Long Branch mill the receiver side wall where the front pad would be attached as H&H did? Don't see any signs of it on this one.
It doesn't look like the front pad area was prepared very well before soldering, patches of blueing showing through where the solder didn't take.
Discoloration around where front pad would be hint at it being epoxied in place while the holes were drilled.
You experts correct me if I'm wrong, cause I probably am.

[Maple_Leaf_Eh]

... The "71L" is engraved whereas the "0350" is stamped...never have seen this done on a Long Branch sniper.serial number always stamped.
....

There is mention in the literature that Long Branch had great difficulty drilling and tapping finished recievers. The solution was to assign a block of build block for rifles to be converted. (I don't know quite how they would select rifles for accuracy when they weren't finished.) Once converted, someone would individually apply the serial number.