1944 Long Branch on the way

[spinecracker]

Well, it is my birthday tomorrow (getting used to all the jokes about needing a walker and a guide dog for the decrepit) and I have a 1944 Long Branch on the way, should be here by Friday. I got it on Gunbroker, so I really will not have a full idea of what I have let myself in for until I rip open the box and head to the range - if it is as good as it looks (I really, REALLY bugged the seller for information) then I will be very happy, but if it is a turkey then I will just put it down to experience. These are the photos I have so far, will send more when it turns up, and I have promised the prior owner a range report.

Information

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[Badger]

Happy Birthday old fella ...

I'm 62, so I get to say that kind of stuff now ...

Nice birthday present ....

From those pics, she looks just fine to me ....

Regards,
Badger

[rondog]

Congrats! Looks like a nice one! I just learned something...I thought "longbranch" was a nickname of some kind, or the name of a saloon on an old TV show. I certainly didn't know the rifles were actually stamped with that on them!

[Badger]

I just learned something...I thought "longbranch" was a nickname of some kind, or the name of a saloon on an old TV show. I certainly didn't know the rifles were actually stamped with that on them!

Long Branch is a suburb of old Toronto, Canada, where the Long Branch production facilities were located.

Thanks to mrclark, here's a really nice historical picture tour of the facility and its employees …

mrclark's Long Branch Factory Picture Gallery (click here)

Regards,
Badger

[spinecracker]

My goal is a 1941 Long Branch and/or Savage (just gotta love the bolt release catch versus the bolt release slot that is prone to wear and damage). I know that the bolt release slot was introduced in 1942 for Savage and Long Branch No.4 Mk.1*s (and that is why they have the *), but was there a period in 1942 when the bolt release catch was still being installed (ok, the simple version of the question is this - do 1942 No.4 Mk.1s from Savage or Long Branch exist?)

[Badger]

My goal is a 1941 Long Branch and/or Savage (just gotta love the bolt release catch versus the bolt release slot that is prone to wear and damage). I know that the bolt release slot was introduced in 1942 for Savage and Long Branch No.4 Mk.1*s (and that is why they have the *), but was there a period in 1942 when the bolt release catch was still being installed (ok, the simple version of the question is this - do 1942 No.4 Mk.1s from Savage or Long Branch exist?)

There's examples complete with photo pictorials of both 1941 and 1942 Long Branch rifles in the Knowledge Libraries.

With thanks to member RNWMP, check out the entry in the Canada - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)

1942/43/44 RCMP No.4 Mk1* Long Branch Rifles (click here) .....

..… also ….

With thanks to Advisory Panel member Lance, check out the entry in the Canada - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here)

1941 No.4 Mk1 Long Branch Rifle (click here) .....

Lance mentions under Collector's Comments and Feedback #5 ...

5. To show another variation that occurred during the manufacture of this rifle, here's a pic of my No.4 Mk1 Long Branch that was thrown into production in the first quarter of '42. Note both Mk I and Mk I* bolt release mechanisms. .......... (Feedback by "Lance")


Pic courtesy of "Lance"
(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Badger

[spinecracker]

Oh, boy - both types of bolt release mechanism? That is my new Holy Grail, although my chances of finding one are non-existent, and I probably couldn't afford it if one did turn up (not allowed to sell my children, apparently - my wife would get annoyed).

[limpetmine]

Badger, and Lance-IIRC your Long Branch with both types of bolt releases is a 1941, is it not? I've been looking for proof of a 1942 dated Mk1, and have yet to find one.
Spinecracker, 1941's are not as rare as you might think. They pop up fairly often on the auction sites. The last one set a high water mark (that I've seen). The one you want is a LB No. 4 Mk1/2. Now, THAT'S a rare bird!

[bradtx]

Spinecracker, Looks to be a Canadian Arsenals (Long Branch succesor)rearsenal. These are splendid rifles and you can look at the barrel date to see when it was performed, if the barrel were changed that is.

Brad

[spinecracker]

Spinecracker, Looks to be a Canadian Arsenals (Long Branch succesor)rearsenal. These are splendid rifles and you can look at the barrel date to see when it was performed, if the barrel were changed that is.

Brad

Well, it did turn up on Friday, but I got knocked for six by H1N1 flu (I was supposed to go to hospital, but I'm too sick for that lol), and I only now have enough strength to even type. The rifle does appear to be a Canadian Arsenals rearsenal, and all the parts that I have been able to view have the LB marking. I will look at the barrel date when I have enough strength to use a screwdriver The butt plate is mazak alloy (well, it is grey, so I assume it is Mazak) but it has been parkerized - would this be normal on a Canadian Arsenals rearsenal? I also noted that the bolt action is a little stiff on closing, so should I consider getting the rifle headspace checked?