Restored 1943 Longbranch

[santino34]

Hi guys, I'm new here and this is only my second post. I would like to share some pics of one of my favorite rifles and maybe get some more info on it. It is a 1943 Long Branch. I bought it several years ago at a gun show because it was like nothing I had in my collection. It was my first Enfield. It was covered in strips of burlap (camo) and appeared to be a sporterized gun that someone tried to make to look like a sniper rifle. When I got it home and removed the camo, I found that it had no front or rear sights and a low budget scope mounted on what appears to be a very well made custom mount. "NZ" appears to have been scratched into the top front end of the receiver just under the front part of the mount. The furniture was in very good shape, but obviously modified and had friction tape on it. I also noticed that it lacked the bayo lugs on the end of the barrel. I posted pics of it on another forum and asked some questions, but it was severly trashed for not being "original". I shot it some and put it away. This is what it used to look like.




A few years later I found an SMLE surplus stock set for sale online and ordered it. I also ordered a front sight and a stacking swivel and band. I also bought a better scope and installed a cheek pad. Now I know that it is still not original (especially with the Garand sling), but I think I got it as close as I can. I have since shot it some more at 100 yards and it is very accurate. Here is what it looks like now. What do you guys make of the scope mount and the LACK of bayo lugs?







Here is a shot of what my small collection holds now.


Later guys.

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.

[Stevo]

Good job, it looks way better than when you got it.

Judging by the original shape of the handguard and fore-end, it may have been one of the Sante Fe "Commando" commercial sporters. They took No4s and reshaped the wood and added a faux No5 front sight and flash hider unit. That would explain the missing bayonet lugs as well.

The scope mount is almost certainly home made. It does appear very solid, though.

[santino34]

Thanks for the response. Would the rifle be marked "Santa Fe Arms" someplace if it was one of their conversions? I ask because there is nothing like that on the rifle.
Also, does anyone make a reproduction of the screw on wooden cheek pads like the ones used on the sniper version? Thanks again.

[farmritch]

Interesting , I also have a L/B with no bayonet lugs
Mine I've had since 1976 and was not a bubba job.
I have talked with many of the experts over the years ( you've read some of thier books) but no one has a clue.
I've heard maybe the lugs were ground off , but after measuring with a mic on 15 other #4's I find the size of the one with no lugs to be .015 larger than one with lugs.
The barrel stamps match the serial number for dating correctly.
Another odd one is when it was sold from service the BNP stamp was put on the barrel end , which tells me it was in who's ever service it was always that way.
Also has a slightly re worked rear sight ( orig type though)
She's 66+ years old now and I wish she could speak


farmritch

[santino34]

Farmritch, I dont think my lugs were ground off either. Unfortunately, I didnt examine the barrel well enough before installing the new wood to notice any stamps. I do know however, that the numbers on the receiver, bolt and magazine all match.

[No4Mk1(T)]

Interesting , I also have a L/B with no bayonet lugs
Mine I've had since 1976 and was not a bubba job.
I have talked with many of the experts over the years ( you've read some of thier books) but no one has a clue.
I've heard maybe the lugs were ground off , but after measuring with a mic on 15 other #4's I find the size of the one with no lugs to be .015 larger than one with lugs.
The barrel stamps match the serial number for dating correctly.
Another odd one is when it was sold from service the BNP stamp was put on the barrel end , which tells me it was in who's ever service it was always that way.
Also has a slightly re worked rear sight ( orig type though)
She's 66+ years old now and I wish she could speak


farmritch

Do you have a few photos?

[bearhunter]

It may have one of the match barrels the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association sold for awhile. I had a 7.62 Nato conversion rifle done up by the DCRA and a matching 303 Brit done by them as well, neither had bayonet lugs.

bearhunter

[Swede]

It's too bad those other sites can't be as helpful as this one.