SMLE Rifle 5 Long Branch #4 Mk 1* on receiver

[ssj]

good evening fellow oppressed gun enjoying gentlemen. I saw an older post on Long Branch No 5 rifles and saw quotes that none were made.

I recently got two #5 rifles

1. A 303, looks like new, with the No 4 LB receiver and no wrist band mark.
2. A 7.62, looks like new, with a grooved but unmarked receiver and an Ishapore wrist band mark dated 1968. 800 meter rear sight, with RFI on the flat.

??? is is possible Ishapore was making No 5 rifles from older parts?

Is anyone else out there making Mutts from parts? these sure seem like good quality weapons...

appreciate any thoughts or schooling.

GC

I'd think they are very probably mutts.

First one, some american companies made their own no5s, sometimes called "tank carbines", not genuine. Some ppl privately shortened a no4 barrel and made a gun using no5 parts, a bush gun, not un-common here in NZ. A real no5 Ive only ever heard of as British made, so a No5 mk1 and not a no5 mk1*.

Second one, if its an Ishapore I'd think it was a no1 mk3* receiver and not off a no4 receiver so I have no idea what you have got. Some of the american companies put 7.62mm barrels on their "tank carbines" as well I think.

So, if you upload some pics that would be most helpful.