LONGBRANCH N04MK1 1941

[bros]

This is actually a continuation of an old thread I posted awhile ago about my Longbranch 1941. On the left side of the receiver it is etched as follows .....................
/51 0L_ _ _ _ No4MK1/2(F) FTR. Underneath the /51 there is a sizeable C-broad arrow stamp, does this mean it saw Canadian service after the FTR? If you go to "What's your Lee Enfield Holy Grail" on the 09-18-2016 JimbobRVA has a post involving also a 1941 No4MK1/2 F(FTR) that Brian Dick did some work to...there is a thumbnail picture of the etchings on the receiver but there is no C-broadarrow stamp. Any thoughts??????
My barrel is cut and the stock has been sporterized so I've got my work cut out.....the barrel is stamped F49 so I will be looking for a similar year Faz barrel. I guess a beech wood stock is what i should be looking for? Rear sight has been replaced during the FTR as well as it is F stamped.
Final question.....the bolt is etched with the same serial # as the gun but not stamped as the normal case so I'm assuming the bolt was replaced during the FTR, would this be what is called a forced match?
I think it is a fairly rare Longbranch and worth the time and $ to put it back to a respectable state. Too bad we have a border between us Brian, I'd send it down to you for the make-over...it seems just too complicated now!!!
I'd love to post pictures but it's a bit out of my computer skills. I'm certainly not knowledgeable in the field of Enfields so hopefully my questions don't seem too boring for the experts....thanks for your input

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[limpetmine]

You have a rare rifle. I have one as well. I did an analysis the number of 1941 LB's made, the number of /2's and /3's made, and did a percentage adjustment of how many of each model and make could be expected to have been converted. It's all loosey goosey, but it's all I've got. Based on the numbers made, I speculate that less than 1,000-1,200 Long Branch /2's made. It's been a few years since I did that, so my memory may be off. I'll try to find that work I did.

So to your rifle. Since it was a rebarrel, you can find a donor rifle of the correct make and year, (hopefully a non metal cut sporter) to make yours right. The /2 wood will be some easier to find. It's out there, you have to hunt every gun show.

I'd spend the time and money to get it restored. It's a rare piece.

[Peter Laidler]

But surely, the mere fact that it is a FTR Mk1/2 makes it almost certain that it will NEVER ever be 'factory' again............. By replacing the barrel to make it look something like factory is just fakery..... or no? Or am I missing the point somewhere along the line?

[Strangely Brown]

But surely, the mere fact that it is a FTR Mk1/2 makes it almost certain that it will NEVER ever be 'factory' again............. By replacing the barrel to make it look something like factory is just fakery..... or no? Or am I missing the point somewhere along the line?

I totally agree with Peter on this, some things are what they are!

[Flying10uk]

bros, you say that the barrel has been cut and does this mean that you have a non original foresight with no bayonet lugs on the muzzle? Is your main motivation of replacing the barrel so that you can fit a standard foresight, have a standard length barrel and have bayonet lugs?

[browningautorifle]

I'd love to post pictures but it's a bit out of my computer skills.

If you send me pics I'll post them. Check PMs for my Email addy...

[bros]

I certainly understand your point Peter and couldn't agree with you more!!!
I will replace the barrel as it has been cut behind the front sight so when they did the original FTR in 51 maybe they only used barrels manufactured by Faz....., same with the wood it has been chopped.... is it possible at that time period during the FTR maybe only beech was used???? That's all I'm trying to accomplish or am I completely wrong?
I will try to get some pictures sent to Browningauto rifle.

But surely, the mere fact that it is a FTR Mk1/2 makes it almost certain that it will NEVER ever be 'factory' again............. By replacing the barrel to make it look something like factory is just fakery..... or no? Or am I missing the point somewhere along the line?

[Peter Laidler]

The FTR programme was achieved, where possible by using existing components removed gauged to new specification and reused. If not to new standard, then the spec was to be within 80% of new. Quite how they calculated this 80% norm with some components is anyones guess. But components such as trigger guards and fore-ends were modified to suit. So generally speaking, used woodwork would be the norm. Fabricated trigger guards were not re-used but other fabricated/cheapened stuff certainly was

[bros]

Thanks to clarify that Peter!! I get the picture, used parts had to be met within a certain spec then more less a free-for-all as far as who manufactured the parts whether the repairs were done within a FTR program or merely an armorer repairing rifles behind the front lines!!! I though things would be more specific within a FTR repair program.

[limpetmine]

Replace the barrel with the same marked barrel. And correct wood. Yes, it'd be a restoration, and a better looking one than the condition it's in now. But, as I said, not at the cost of tearing down a complete, good rifle. Use a bubba'd rifle to do that. No, I'd not call that fakery at all. The forestock would not match, as these were serialed to the rifle. It would be what it is. A restoration.

But surely, the mere fact that it is a FTR Mk1/2 makes it almost certain that it will NEVER ever be 'factory' again............. By replacing the barrel to make it look something like factory is just fakery..... or no? Or am I missing the point somewhere along the line?