1941 Long Branch Forewood

[CODFan]

Looking for input on how you determine if the forewood is proper for a 1941 Long Branch No4 MkI? Any thoughts on the item below?

Thank you.

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Information

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[rgg_7]

The forend displayed is incorrect for a 1941 Long Branch. It should have a low cutout in the right side below the action rail. These are almost impossible to find in walnut and a few exist in birch. See the next thread down for correct detail.

[CODFan]

Got it. Thanks.

What appears to be a '41 cartouche in the pictures had me wondering.

So the wood and the waisted front sight protector are the items made of pure "unobtainium".

[Bear43]

Especially the wood, but yes. Those low wall fore-ends are incredibly hard to find.

[Bruce_in_Oz]

I was just going through the “wood-heap” yesterday to pull out a No4 fore-end for one of my projects. I went back and had another look just now.

There, looking a bit shabby, was a walnut fore-end with the relief for the cut-off.

At the front end it is marked;

Broad Arrow

H. M.
C903

And another broad arrow about an inch behind that.

Unfortunately, whilst still full-length and fitted with its end-cap, the barrel channel has been enlarged for a heavy target barrel (or utterly outrageous free-floating).

The relief cut for the rear handguard band has also been enlarged for some reason and thus there is a minor “chunk” missing from the top edge on both sides. I have a couple of old, busted walnut Mauser stocks that should be suitable donors for patching material.

Any ideas about that odd number?

[Surpmil]

The early forends I've seen all had the countersunk hole for the guard screw as well.

[CODFan]

So the wood and the waisted front sight protector are the items made of pure "unobtainium".

And then there is that auction sight .... Item number: 311122678855

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3111226788...torefresh=true

[Surpmil]

£216. and 21 hours to go; ye gods!

[CODFan]

So for comparison, what is the going rate for a complete 1941 Long Branch?

[stencollector]

I bought a bunch of LongBranch forestocks about a decade back, and about half of them had low cut forewood. The serial numbers stamped on them indicated right into 17LXXXX or so serial number wise.

I think I have a couple still left (not for sale so please don't ask). I'll check them for their serials and report.