1941 Long Branch

[spinecracker]

I sat down last night and looked at what is needed to get this rifle back together. Here goes -

Mk.1 micrometer rear sight, Long Branch-stamped
Sling swivels, front and rear, Long Branch-stamped
Front sight protector, Long Branch-stamped, worn with bluing, with correct fixing screw/pin
No.4 Mk.1 forend, with low right hand wall for cut-off, with correct Long Branch/Canadian stamps
No.4 Mk.1 buttstock (any length), with correct Long Branch/Canadian stamps
Buttplate, complete, (steel?), ), with correct Long Branch/Canadian stamps
No.4 Mk.1 front and rear hand guards, Long Branch-stamped

I know some bits are reasonably easy to get, and others are like rocking horse poo, but I shall see what I can find (any help given by forum members would be greatly appreciated). Because of the wear and patina on the rifle, I do not think that having any of these replacement pieces in a pristine condition would work - dents and scrapes are a bonus lol (just so long I don't need to bust out the Dremel). I can save the metal fittings off of the wood and reuse them, so that is a bonus. I have been given varying opinions regarding whether the rear sight can be repaired adequately or not - it may be worth a try - it is not going to get any less buggered up lol. I'm wondering if I have bitten off more than I can chew lol.

[spinecracker]

Did spot this fore-end, with the lower right-hand wall, but it is stamped with S.L. (William Sykes Ltd.) and is probably not walnut lol. I don't think there was much chance of something like this ending up on a 1941 Long Branch, but someone else might be interested.

On a different note, and I am sorry if this has been asked before, but does anyone know what the "B" in a circle would denote on a No.4 (no, it isn't on the rifle, I just stumbled onto it on ebay while looking for parts)? I assume it is a maker's mark, but I can't find any reference to it.

[Surpmil]

I am inclined to think that this rifle, apart from light bubba'ing has not been tampered with or refurbished at any time. If someone can repair the rear sight, I would be VERY interested in knowing a price. As I said, if I can get this rifle restored, then I would be happy. If not, then someone gets a project gun lol.

Much worse ones than this have been restored. Cut down barrels for example, have had two or three inches grafted on (smoothbore). Your tasks are simple here.

If you don't want it, someone else will be glad to take it on.

Go and visit some of the large parts houses in the US and explain what you're trying to do and ask berry, berry nicely if they'll let you look through their stock of stocks.

[spinecracker]

Which ones would you suggest, Surpmil? As you can probably tell, I'm a total newbie at this kind of thing lol

[Edward Horton]

spinecracker

I don't know if you noticed but it looks like your fore stock was regulated by Fultons. Your trigger guard bushing was removed and the wood around the bushing has been cone shaped.

Your fore stock.



A fore stock that belongs to RJW NZ that was regulated by Fultons.



And a unmodified fore stock.



And a fore stock with a hare trigger

[jmoore]

Don't know of any of the larger houses off-hand that will let you "in back", but Brian Dick would be the first on my list of people to contact. (BDL Ltd- top left of this page!)

[spinecracker]

I have some business I want to send Brian's way anyway, so this will work out - thanks

[jmoore]

I'm glad you have decided to restore it yourself! It's a worthy project.

[spinecracker]

As soon as I run into a road block I can't get past, then it will be auction time lol. If I can get it back to correct configuration, then who knows? I've already had a couple of very polite offers.

[John R.]

Mine is as issued and has a HINGED LB marked front band.Milled LB marked lower band.Grooved rear handguard and the front handguard has a slot to accomodate the hinge on the front band.
Front sight protector is WASP WAISTED and LB and C/|\ marked.
Mag is the early 'drawn' type as I see NO evidence of welding or other 'monkeying abaht'.Buttplate is of the"pot metal"(mazak/Zamak ??) variety and the rear swivel is a 3 piece milled setup.Trigger is grooved,locking bolt is of the MkI variety,Spring is milled,cocking piece is a "button style" MkI rear sight is a MkI milled(a la Singer)Forend is relieved on the right as would be correct IF you were going to install a magazine cutoff.ALL furniture is C/|\ and LB marked.Next to my "T" this is my favourite rifle.

I would DEFINITELY put the time and money into acquiring the correct parts and putting that old beauty back to rights.

Cheers,

JR