1941 Long Branch Restoration

[CODFan]

Post 11 pic 2 is very clear. It was obviously loose at one time.

Got it. There is a small repair then on both sides. One (on the right) is more visible when looking down at the charging bridge.

[browningautorifle]

No big thing, I guess it was done all the time.

[Vincent]

If you have a question, chances are it has been answered before and the search function will find it in seconds.

Here it is from the horses mouth. Nothing to do with weak bodies. They were all MANUFACTURED by being pinned in place. Early on, they were screwed in place with two 'taper-lock' screws. During the 'in inspection' process at Field and Base workshop, you'd lever a screwdriver under the bridge and if you saw an oil squeeze or felt any looseness, you'd drill a small countersink along the base line on both sides and fill the countersink with weld. Simply as a means of retaining it for good.

I've done literally hundreds on No4's and 5's ......................

#4 charger guide attachment welded VS pinned

[Lee Enfield]

Thanks for the support. A couple more inspector/proof stamps ....

Attachment 57265

Very nice hardness test impressions.

I would like to see your bolt, why do you think it is a replacement?

[Lee Enfield]

It`s NOT unusual that you find Savage parts on a Long Branch, they were built just across the lake from one another !...............

Ummnnn that would seem to be a major oversimplification.

By road, Long Branch (Toronto) Ontario is 467 miles (to 474 miles) from Chicopee Falls Massachusetts. Chicopee Falls Mass. is also 258 miles from the port? of Oswego New York.

By air, (presumably the most direct route) non-stop to Springfield International it is 1hr and 35 minutes...presumably somewhat faster than it would have been in 1944...

[CODFan]

I would like to see your bolt, why do you think it is a replacement?

Font does not look correct. However the bolt head does look like an early LB one.

[Lee Enfield]

Font does not look correct. However the bolt head does look like an early LB one.

it's certainly been numbered somewhere along the way outside the factory.

My 1941 LB with original bolt looks identical to a BSA, maybe it's just the angle, but your bolt knob "lightening hole" looks odd...

[CODFan]

your bolt knob "lightening hole" looks odd...

I think it is just my poor picture taking skills

Purely speculation, however I believe based on comments and observations:

- The Rifle went through FTR.
- Charging Bridge was repaired.
- Suncorite was applied.
- Internal LB parts were maintained
- Bolt body was replaced and numbered to rifle. Bolt head was maintained.

Rationale: The consistent patina of the rifle when received and consistent “dirt” found in all parts makes me believe this rifle has been together for a while.

I may replace the front band (currently a thick LB one) and the front sight protector with early LB parts.

Everyone's input so far has been very helpful.

This thread has also been a good reference for me: https://www.milsurps.com/archive/index.php/t-21013.html

[Peter Laidler]

I haven't fololowed this in great detail but I would imagine that your rifle went to Britain and while there, or in some other Armourers shop somewhere in the known world an Armourer noticed that it had a loose charger guide, a sloppy trigger and bent foresight protectors. He replaced the trigger withthe next one out of his spare parts tray, welded the bridge charged back in place (probably on both sides this time.....) and snapped the foresight protector whole straightening it. Easy enough to do! Rifle sent back to Command workshop at next opportunity together with 100 others where it was re-finished. While there, bolt body replaced to correct something else and by coincidence a LB bolt head was fitted to

That is original so far as I am concerned. Not factory original, I accept. But to REVERT something to 'original' CANNOT be original surely............ Just my view as someone who sees 'original' restored cars occasionally. Nope, I don't understand it either!

[CODFan]

and then ironically, the following item was offered to me today ….