Long Branch serial number listing

[Caio]

Thanks Limpetmine,
I'll take a photo of ring receiver double checking if first digit is "8" or "6" as well.
Awaiting your feedback

[limpetmine]

I don't see any 1945's in the 68,000 series of rifles.
In the 1945 we have some interesting stuff going on:

1945 3L60XX
1945 11L0620
1945 71L0030
1945 71L0643
1945 81L3375
1944 81L3666
1945 82L9164

[Caio]

Thanks for your great feedback.
In fact I'm interested in this rifle... so I'll make asap some photos in order to verify the serial number ( digits shape ) as well see barrel year date marking.
I have posted the same question also in a Italy forum, if somebody could help.
Let's see... keep in touch
Ciao

[Caio]

Today I have taken some photos.
Rifle come from military surplus and as per tag evidence.
I have assessed several No4 through the years and often when are phosphate means have been submitted to FTR… but this is quite strange, bacause:
- Barrel is marked ‘45 same than receiver.
- Barrel is nice and shine, has 5 sharp grooves and verified by go-no go gauge, stop at 7.64mm ( muzzle )
- Stock has same serial number ( also fonts are the same )
- Bolt has the same serial number and don’t looks milled away… is cleaned (shined) but this a requirement from fire arms control bureau.
- The only anomaly is the number “6” on receiver ring, that is not well aligned… like added later… but below surface looks not milled/filed away.
So if somebody has a theory that could explain why rifle that looks not manipulate by gunsmith has at least 6th months difference between the “well know on literature” concerning the mass production serial number sequence.

[Caio]

Hi... any feedback?

[Lance]

Greetings Caio

Best guess on your rifle is that in the '50's a rifle of the same s/n was sent in for repair and the receiver was found with a serious defect. A replacement receiver and barrel were obtained from stores and given the original rifle's s/n. Was the replacement receiver already fitted with the barrel or by chance a '45 dated barrel was added from existing stores is unknown. It is a unique rifle, enjoy her.

[Caio]

Dear Lance,
Thanks for your feedback.
I’m support your thesis… in fact those are 50’s rifles because has a green finishing. Come’s from Italy Navy surplus… and still has huge amount of stitched cosmoline… Let see how the “boy” shoot… I’ll post some photos too.
Thanks to all.. have a great time

[kensingtonman]

LB 1942 18L3376 no4 mk1*

I have this rifle in my possession, and I am looking for information about it. Please can you send me anything you have. This rifle has all matching numbers on the bolt, receiver and wood, however there is no number on the magazine. I have managed to locate a bayonet (pig sticker), a sling, a cleaning kit and some live rounds from 1942 so not a bad collection. It also has the markings WR62385 which I believe refers to the Witwatersrand Rifle Regiment in South America, More information can be found here
Witwatersrand Rifles Regiment - Wikipedia

[berkmberk1]

1943 LB No 4 Mk 1. Sn 36L30xx All matching incl mag. Mk2 rear sight. Steel butt plate. Not marked as having been refurbished. Finish ~97%+. While not mint/unissued, it looks like it wasn't used much.

[303short]

Hi
Do you know anything about a shortened no4 mk1 Canadian style 303 , looks similar to a jungle carbine and has a serial number starting with AU**OL , has all military markings, just trying to confirm if these exsisted or someone has shortened it ?

thanks in advance