Possible lend lease

[browningautorifle]

I have to say, I pretty much agree with EdG...

[Bob Seijas]

Sporterizing LL rifles in various ways was very common when they were imported, there were even articles in gun magazines on how to do it. The guns were in wonderful condition, they were cheap, and they had no collector value (ha ha) with those British proof abominations. Even Griffin & Howe offered to sporterize your M1 and add a scope plus a custom fit wood cheek piece.

[browningautorifle]

I have the articles here still on how to get rid of the wood weight and move the gas back a bit. Scope it so you had a bit of accuracy and a recoil to tame the unmanageable recoil...

[Bob K]

Would you guys say that this a lend lease, or is the jury still out on the matter of it being proofed on the front of the barrel instead of behind the op-rod? What do you guys think its worth in the current state?

[browningautorifle]

The later exports were proofed on the front of the barrel. Earlier ones were done under the op rod.

[Bob Seijas]

Don't recall ever seeing one on the SIDE of the front of the barrel, only on top. A transition between the barrel date area and the later top front type?

[browningautorifle]

I've never seen them marked at the front, just heard about it. We don't get so many of them here.

[Bob K]

So, are we calling this a lend lease or is it a run of the mill rifle that was proofed for export?

[browningautorifle]

The serial number alone put it in the LL group.

[Joe W]

I too agree with EdG, especially his comment "Personally, I would not try to fix the rifle. Admittedly that damage will decrease the value when it comes time to sell the rifle. Unfortunately, there are too many guys who would not hesitate to destroy this original rifle for its parts and congratulate themselves for doing so. Such a shame "

As to your question " So, are we calling this a lend lease or is it a run of the mill rifle that was proofed for export? ". I had hoped Bob Seijas was still following this thread and would answer this question. As it appears he is not currently following the thread, I will tell you what Bob replied to a question I asked some time back. It was his opinion and "undocumented theory", that the rifles with the British proofs in the date area, behind the op-rod, are LL for sure. Those marked between the rings of the gas cylinder might also be LL, but there's no guarantee unless the rifle screams originality on its own.
To me, it sure looks to be a LL, but how can you know for sure. Bottom line, does it really matter considering the receiver. It's greatest value, like it or not, is in it's parts.