Stupid Question

[Alan de Enfield]

There were 4 models (that I know of) that were based on No4 actions that had 'shortened / sporterised' wood work and were all manufactured by the original factories, these are the :

L39A1 (Military issue 'target rifle')
L42A1 (Replacement for the No4T)
Envoy (Civilian version of the L39)
Enforcer (Police issued version of the L42)

The Enforcers were manufactured by Parker Hale / Enfield and used a variety of Actions, both new and used, including Long Branch (pictured) when The Enfield factory ran out of their own actions.

The Police Enforcer used the Parker Hale 2-piece scope mounting system where the rear mount used the original rear sight mountings, but the front mounting used two holes drilled into the receiver ring.

HOWEVER they are all in calibre 7.62 NATO and not 303, BUT they are all 'factory made' 'sportered' Lee Enfields.

The 'sportered versions' of the No4 with front sight ramps are not to my knowledge factory manufactured as non were made using anything but the normal front sights, but maybe with a 'tube & ring sight' to replace the blade.

Examples of my Enforcer & L42A1

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.

[bcd8238]

Just a WAG, but does the rifle look like this one? I think the EAL rifle was made on a later dated action, but maybe it was an inspiration for a copy?

[browningautorifle]

There were 4 models (that I know of) that were based on No4 actions that had 'shortened / sporterised' wood work and were all manufactured by the original factories

Those don't have a black painted forestock... I doubt those would have found their way to a shop like this one, besides he said no top wood...

the EAL rifle

Would have been my only guess.

Here's an example of the black front but not the one I wanted.

[Alan de Enfield]

besides he said a Longbranch.

My post was as much in response to the posts suggesting that 'sporterised' rifles were not made by the factories as to answer the OPs statement that 'all sporterised are after market then ?'

I cited the example of the Enfield built Enforcer using a 'used' Longbranch body as an example only.

But of course you are correct about the 'black-tip' on the forend.

Parker Hale made a range with features similar to the OPs description, and many certainly went across the pond.

[browningautorifle]

Parker Hale made a range with features similar to the OPs description, and many certainly went across the pond.

Of course at this point, I can't find one single pic of a sporter like he describes...after seeing dozens. We had them here done for Sears and Eaton's and other chain stores...Marshall Wells...

[Singer B]

Just a WAG, but does the rifle look like this one? I think the EAL rifle was made on a later dated action, but maybe it was an inspiration for a copy?

That is exactly how the rifle looks, including the rounded tip of the forestock. The only thing missing is that the rounded tip on the rifle in the shop is painted black.

---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ----------

My post was as much in response to the posts suggesting that 'sporterised' rifles were not made by the factories as to answer the OPs statement that 'all sporterised are after market then ?'

I cited the example of the Enfield built Enforcer using a 'used' Longbranch body as an example only.

But of course you are correct about the 'black-tip' on the forend.

Parker Hale made a range with features similar to the OPs description, and many certainly went across the pond.

The rifle in the shop doesn't have the "Monte Carlo" stock as shown in the picture and there were no stampings on the receiver other than the Long Branch, No4 MkI and the 1942 date. If this was a rare type of Lee Enfield that I didn't know about, then I was going to scoop it up, but based upon everyone's input and research, I'm pretty sure I can spend that money on a better project.