Unsporterizing Long Branch No. 4 Mk 2 to target style

[Bigwagon]

I collect old target shooting sights and accessories and many years ago I picked up a nice AJ Parker TZ 4/77 micrometer sight that has been looking for a home ever since. I've seen plenty of stock and bubba'ed No. 4s over the years since, but the right combination of price and condition never came along until last week when I found this Long Branch FTR'ed Mk. 2 at my local Cabelas of all places, for under $150 out the door. The aftermarket magazine was a major bummer but since the overall condition was decent, I decided to go for it. It has been minimally butchered, with the only detraction to the metal being a couple of holes for a rear sight on the barrel. Otherwise just the typical stripping and chopping of the stock. It has BNP proof marks but no importer marks which is a small bonus I guess.

I'm not going to fully restore this to military configuration. I'd actually like to put a forestock and hand guard similar to the Enfield Envoys/L39A1s if I can find those parts along with a barrel band and front sight protector. Any suggestions for sources or other ideas?

Here are a few photos.

Information

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[55recce]

My recommendation would be to de sporterize back to full wood military configuration. The skinny barrel and bayonet lug looks strange in a L39 type stock. I did the same myself and was not happy in the long term with the result.

You also have a nice Long Branch which would be worth returning to full wood.

[Bigwagon]

Fair point about the skinny barrel. It will probably come down to what I can find for the right price. I'm also trying to avoid ending up spending $500 restoring a $400 rifle! But I'm not in a big hurry so I will keep scouring guns shows and online and hopefully find one or the other set of wood. In the meantime I need to get to the range.

[browningautorifle]

I'd change mags to a military mag too. Those promags can be a problem...sometimes.

[30Three]

It's actually a No4 Mk1/3. Converted to the hung trigger at Fazakerly in 1951. Looks like a good condition rifle. Worth getting the full wood set if you can. (in my opinion).
The L39 has cut down No4 wood, I believe the Envoy is similar style to the No8 trainer. But with the draws intact for the recoil pads. (The No8 has a different trigger system and different internal wood arrangement)

[Frederick303]

A full set of No 4 MK II wood (including matching buttstock) should be around 85 dollars in nice shape, that is what I see them for around here in PA. then all you need is the bands, which should be another 20 bucks. Add in a mag and front sight cover for another 40 you should be able to do the entire thing for 150 or so, if you find the right guy with all the parts, a bit less.

[nijalninja]

Honestly it is all up to you, but what helps me make decisions on what to do with rifles is looking at how much of it is original. If your action, barrel, and bolt all match then I would pursue a full-wood restoration, maybe with some accurising techniques under the surface. Whereas if bits and pieces were mismatched, then I would look at more interesting ideas, such as an L39 look-alike, OR I would consider my current and future needs to see if this rifle could satisfy any, such as a rifle for hunting in a particular area or something, and if I could not come to a decision after that I would just hold onto it for a fun knock-around (Though I would not do that with as nice a looking rifle as that).

[Patrick Chadwick]

I don't think you need a full wood set, The butt appears to be an armorer-repaired walnut original. Keep it, and just look for a walnut front end.

---------- Post added at 12:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:51 PM ----------

I'd change mags to a military mag too.

Agreed, that mag looks ghastly!

[fjruple]

The Latest SARCO ad in Firearm News has all of the parts that you need.

--fjruple

[Brian Dick]

There aren't too many walnut Mk.2 forends about unless you find a Pakistani one. They were made of Turkish walnut. British Mk.2 forends will be beech like the cut original.