Info Requested DCRA 1945 LB No4 MkI* in .303

[capt14k]

I picked up what I believe is a DCRA Rifle that is still in .303. It is a 1945 Long Branch No4 MkI* it has the Parker Hale PH-5C rear Diopter sight. The receiver band and bolt numbers were changed to a much later Long Branch Serial 27Lxxxx. There is no other serials. The barrel has a 44 on it under the wood and Arrow inside of a U both outside the wood and inside the wood on top. There seems to be a hardness test at the rear of the receiver under the bolt. Underside of the stock has a Maple leaf with B over 32 above it. Rear sling swivel has been removed. Quick disconnect sling attachment has been added to center band and swivel sling attachment by the magazine. Has what I believe is the original sling with hook that goes on to the connector piece on center band. Any information would be appreciated.

Information

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[newcastle]

I thought that the DCRA rifles by definition were the 7.62 x 51mm conversions.

[Brian Dick]

DCRA = Dominion of Canada Rifle Association.

No.4 rifles used in service rifle competition were standard .303 caliber until the introduction of the C1 SLR in Canadian service. The issue ammo for service rifle matches became the 7.62 NATO and the program for conversion of standard rifles to 7.62 was implemented at CAL in 1963 if memory serves. Please correct me if I'm wrong on the date. Members sent their rifles in to CAL, they were tested for cracks and serviceability, converted and proofed.

[Daan Kemp]

Interesting the hype about the strength of LE actions, then you have them officially converted to 7.62 NATO and used with no problems.

[Bindi2]

Interesting the hype about the strength of LE actions, then you have them officially converted to 7.62 NATO and used with no problems.

yes they were used but only proofed to use 144gn Nato round nothing ELSE.

[Lee Enfield]

yes they were used but only proofed to use 144gn Nato round nothing ELSE.

In 1963, there was nothing else.

[tiriaq]

Well, .308 Winchester was introduced in 1952.

capt14k - your rifle is a No. 4 set up for target shooting under the auspices of the DCRA or a PRA (Provincial Rifle Association). 27LXXXX may have been written off, and the 1945 receiver is a replacement. The barrel may have been made in 1944. If you dismantle it, you may find evidence of the bedding being tweaked, etc., to enhance its performance. Depending on the circumstances, competitors may have been issued a rifle by their units, purchased a rifle from the gov't, or bought one on the surplus market. In 1962, a brand new Long Branch could be purchased for $45 direct from the COD. Rifles used in competition tended to get worked over, and it is not unusual for them to be a bit less than strictly as issued. Your rifle has a two point sling, a standard configuration for competition.
The were two classes of competition - SR(a) and SR(b). "A" was service conditions, issue iron sights, the course of fire not being too different from that still shot at Connaught during the National Service Conditions Championship. "B" was all deliberate slow fire single shot prone, fired back to 900y. The rifles used for TR competition now are purpose built target rifles; Lee Enfields disappeared decades ago.

[Bindi2]

In 1963, there was nothing else.

Correct but way short of current 308 max loads in use now. The Brits have clamped down on them being used above the proofed for load for range shooting. I think that is wise. I have had to explain this a few times to shooters who other wise.