Number 4, MK1 Longbranch

[Panhandle Dan]

Folks, I just purchased a gunsmith special No 4, MK1. I have never delved into the Enfields before. Questions: Concerning Bolts, (the gunsmith special I bought didn't come with one), does the No 3, MK 1 bolt work interchangeable with the No 4 and etc? Also, the same with the magazines, do they interchange with one another? I know I should of spent more money and not have to fiddle with working on one, but it is something I enjoy and have done to Krags, 1903s, K98Ks, T38s, and Carcanos. But, their parts seem easier to figure out and interchange quite readily. With the Enfield it seems more confusing with parts. Many sites I go to state parts do interchange, others state they do not and etc...Thanks in advance.

Dan

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

The bolts are different and so are the mags. The mags can be altered but I wouldn't bother, there's lots of #4 mags available.

[Brian Dick]

I have lots of Long Branch No.4 bolt parts here but one would need to be fitted properly. You can't just slap one in and head to the range. Well, I suppose you could but there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

[UNPROFOR1994]

If it is a Longbranch it can't be a No. 4 MK I, it should be a No. 4 MK I* normally. Longbranch and Savage only made the No. 4 MK I* if I am not mistaking.
And just like "Brian Dick" said, you just can't put any bolt in the rifle. You have to properly check the headspace of a lee enfield.

[Ridolpho]

Actually Unprofor both Savage and longbranch did start with No. 4 Mk I but switched to the simplified body pretty quick. A Longbranch "no star" is high on my wish list although I do have a Savage. And DEB, if you're interested, there's a small publication (Lee Enfield Parts Catalogue, S.A.I.S. No. 23) that lists interchangeable parts between No. 1 and No. 4 rifles on page 24.

Ridolpho

[UNPROFOR1994]

Actually Unprofor both Savage and longbranch did start with No. 4 Mk I but switched to the simplified body pretty quick. A Longbranch "no star" is high on my wish list although I do have a Savage. And DEB, if you're interested, there's a small publication (Lee Enfield Parts Catalogue, S.A.I.S. No. 23) that lists interchangeable parts between No. 1 and No. 4 rifles on page 24.

Ridolpho

Thanks for the information, off course I am interested! I didn't know they started with No. 4 rifle, I have never seen one. I have a Longbranch and a Savage, both are No. MK I* rifles.

[Panhandle Dan]

Thanks to all of you and your very helpful answers. I did know one must headspace correctly, just was curious about the bolt bodies between these differing models. I had never even been curious about the Enfield, until I had the chance to purchase this one. As it was only $50, I felt it would be a good time to do some Smithing and learning about an old War Horse, while I am working on it. It is in pretty horrible shape, rusty, although not pitted to bad, pretty decent rifling, spider webs, wood needs work but it is missing the bolt and magazine. Just was an old Barn gun. Sometimes one can find these old war horses here in Texas, especially now as the old timers are going.

Again appreciate it.

Dan

[Surpmil]

Thanks for the information, off course I am interested! I didn't know they started with No. 4 rifle, I have never seen one. I have a Longbranch and a Savage, both are No. MK I* rifles.

They're easy to spot if they retain the 'button' cocking piece and early forend with relief for that abandoned magazine cutoff. Early ones had hinged upper bands and the MkI "waisted" foresight protector. All features copied from the trials rifles which were use to guide the early production at LB. SN will be less than 10,000 or so: "OL----"

[browningautorifle]

He asked if the #3 Mk 1 bolt and the #4 Mk 1 bolt and mag are the same...He means the SMLE and the #4...?

[Brian Dick]

As BAR said above, the SMLE and No.4 bolt bodies do not interchange. The cocking pieces, strikers and springs can be interchanged but must only be done as a complete assembly.