LongBranch 1955

[Lee Enfield]

Thanks for all the info guys...so it seems like since the bolt was scrubbed, the barrel receiver were new, there really were no parts to carry over from a 1941 rifle for this build....so it kinda remains a mystery why and whoever did this chose to use a early serial #......heck it's not even really a LB serial # given that it's 5 digits after the prefix L. Safe to say then it was more than likely not built by Canadian Arsenals?

I think that there is a misunderstanding here, while CAL manufactured the parts, the likelihood is that a rebuilt gun was accomplished at Depot level, ie) Montreal or Edmonton ect. rather than sending it back to CAL.

Also looking at your receiver serial number, the last "0" doesn't necessarily appear to be the same as the first one.

[stencollector]

To add to the anomaly, I have a 1956 dated rifle that also has the extra digit on the end of the serial number. Mine is 90L44220. The bolt is not scrubbed, nor is the receiver...the serial looks perfectly normal and is of the more conventional size for a LongBranch. It has a target swivel, and the barrel is above the bedding area so I assume it's center bedded.

I also have a 55 dated receiver with 30-06 uncontoured barrel blank, but it is very unconventional and was used as a test bed for ballistics testing. No serial numbers on that one.

[Lee Enfield]

To add to the anomaly, I have a 1956 dated rifle that also has the extra digit on the end of the serial number. Mine is 90L44220. The bolt is not scrubbed, nor is the receiver...the serial looks perfectly normal and is of the more conventional size for a LongBranch. It has a target swivel, and the barrel is above the bedding area so I assume it's center bedded.

I also have a 55 dated receiver with 30-06 uncontoured barrel blank, but it is very unconventional and was used as a test bed for ballistics testing. No serial numbers on that one.

Maybe that extra "0" is how the armourer accounted for the receiver, by "rebuilding" a rifle, and then getting rid of the "extra" gun with the same serial number...

"...well sir that serial number is close, but not actually the same..."

What is it PL is so fond of saying? along the lines of: "...the Old Boy network was similar to the Lend Lease program, the main difference being that the Old Boy network was bigger..."

[bros]

Warren in a conversation yesterday said the extra digit in the serial # in all probability was to ensure the person doing the build did not re-use a existing serial number.....makes total sense to me!!!

[stencollector]

Warren in a conversation yesterday said the extra digit in the serial # in all probability was to ensure the person doing the build did not re-use a existing serial number.....makes total sense to me!!!

I thought the same thing, only it does not explain why they would use such a random number. I would understand it if they were re-cycling an orphaned bolt, so they did not have the serial number of a rifle that could possibly be on DND inventory. But when stamping a brand new bolt and receiver, what would make a guy want to use a 90L serial number, or even put the L in the serial number in the first place?

[bros]

I thought the same thing, only it does not explain why they would use such a random number. I would understand it if they were re-cycling an orphaned bolt, so they did not have the serial number of a rifle that could possibly be on DND inventory. But when stamping a brand new bolt and receiver, what would make a guy want to use a 90L serial number, or even put the L in the serial number in the first place?

I hear you...or for that mater use a OL serial # based on first year production!!!!! Don't know, nor do I think we will ever find out the real answer!!!

[harry mac]

Was it possible at the time for units to purchase target rifles through official chanels? Could these rifles be ones that were purchased for things like regimental shooting teams?

[browningautorifle]

Was it possible at the time for units to purchase target rifles through official chanels? Could these rifles be ones that were purchased for things like regimental shooting teams?

I know DCRA provided a source for private purchase. I should think it would be possible for a unit too...

[harry mac]

It could be possible, then, that the extra serial number digit was to differentiate it from normal, service contract production. Just an idea, but it may be worth looking into.

[tiriaq]

Was it possible at the time for units to purchase target rifles through official chanels? Could these rifles be ones that were purchased for things like regimental shooting teams?

I knew a chap who purchased a brand new rifle direct from Montreal COD for target competition. $45. I think it was a 1950. That was in 1962.