New here, a couple of true unicorns is what I believe that I have!

[Seaforth72]

J-5550-16's photos of his two very unusual Long Branch rifles. Both have one piece stocks and lightened bodies. The J-5550 serial number range was used for the experimental Long Branch lightweight rifles. They were not adopted an the UK went with the No. 5 Mk. I ("Jungle Carbine"). Both rifles have triggers hung from the body (similar concept to the British No. 4 Mk. 2 rifles), one-piece stocks and are in civilian sporter configuration and both have a Schnabel bump on the front of the fore-end.

Top rifle is serial number J-5550-16 with bolt # 14. This has a mid-war type "L" two-position back sight.
The bottom rifle has no serial number and has a target back sight.

TOP RIFLE - J-5550-16


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BOTTOM RIFLE - NO SERIAL NUMBER

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I have also posted these photos on my web site at https://captainstevens.com/military/...branch-rifles/ There are further comments there and I shall update it as we learn more about these two interesting rifles.

For photos of Small Arms Limited at Long Branch (Lee Enfields, Sten Guns, Shoulder stocks for Inglis No. 1 pistols and experimental.) and Inglis also in Toronto (Pistols - Browning High Power No. 1 and No. 2, aircraft Browning Machine Guns .303 Mk. II etc.) production facilities, staff and products during World War II, I highly recommend Gary Blakeley's albums at https://www.flickr.com/photos/gblake...57626289261917
Jolley shows up I believe in quite a few photos. He is thin man with glasses and a moustache. He is show quite often escorting VIPs around the factory e.g. McNaughton, Chinese officers and Princess Alice, wife of the Governor General.

One of the photos shows a very similar rifle. "PHOTO NO.1 FOLIO NO. 14 EXPERIMENTAL WING C.A.C. SPECIAL STIVER MODEL 303 CALIBRE" so my present thought is that the two rifles shown here are part of that group.

I do not know what STIVER MODEL is at this time https://www.flickr.com/photos/gblake...7626289261917/

[Lee Enfield]

A few quick comments:

1. the top rifle butt stock is contoured with the "standard production" "sporter Butt" pattern used on the C.No67 MkI telescope equipped rifles.
2. the bottom rifle has a "sporter butt" as used on some of the trials snipers.
3. the sporter with the Lyman sight has the Canadian War Assets disposal stamp on the top of the knox form.
4. a similar rifle was on display at the "Long Branch" site several years ago. It had the CWA logo on the side of the receiver. That one has an un-checkered stock.
5. the "SPECIAL STIVER MODEL" is a No1Mk3 action fitted with a No4 contour barrel with the lugs removed and a ramp added. Probably a use for the obsolescent rifle to be used as a hunting rifle.

[j5550-16]

I believe the unknown stamp that seaforth72 was asking about is that CWA stamp. Although on that rifle the front where the J5550 would be seems to be almost polished where maybe the # was removed. Just saying, it's quite shiny compared to the barrel , and the other rifle where the colours match.

Andy

[j5550-16]

A few quick comments:

1. the top rifle butt stock is contoured with the "standard production" "sporter Butt" pattern used on the C.No67 MkI telescope equipped rifles.
2. the bottom rifle has a "sporter butt" as used on some of the trials snipers.
3. the sporter with the Lyman sight has the Canadian War Assets disposal stamp on the top of the knox form.
4. a similar rifle was on display at the "Long Branch" site several years ago. It had the CWA logo on the side of the receiver. That one has an un-checkered stock.
5. the "SPECIAL STIVER MODEL" is a No1Mk3 action fitted with a No4 contour barrel with the lugs removed and a ramp added. Probably a use for the obsolescent rifle to be used as a hunting rifle.

You will have to forgive me, where I don't have extensive knowledge about Lee Enfield's. So I don't know about the butt pads, they wre different. Unfortunately they are compacted, from sitting on them for decades. Now, here's the kicker. I want to shoot these rifles, and often if possible. Target only. Replacing the butt pads would be a must if that's going to happen. I'm going to assume these things are going to be beasts to shoot. Obviously I'll have to put slings on.

[rgg_7]

The "Stiver Model 303" is an interesting piece. The photo is undated and titled "Experimental Wing CAC" - any history on this company? Post war?

The rifle is a No1 action barreled with a No4 profile which is heavier than the No1. It maintains a 2 piece stock which is a custom design. The drop in the butt stock and the Parker Hale 5A sight indicates it's set up for target shooting maybe hunting. Does not appear to be military. Anybody have one of these? Have any more history?

Ron (Canada)

[browningautorifle]

Replacing the butt pads would be a must if that's going to happen.

You'll never find one lying loose I think. They went hard because they're actually real rubber. You'd have to buy a couple of EAL rifles and pilfer the buttpads and that's an expensive project. I replaced a pad on a Churchill with something by Pachmayr but you'll be removing the value with everything you do to them. Rifles this valuable or scarce aren't meant to be out banging away...imagine through no fault of your own a ring appears in a previously perfect barrel? Now what?

Of course if they have nothing more than sentimental value to you then bang away...

[rgg_7]

J 5550 rifles. Is it possible to get the following pictures from each rifle:

1. Right side of the butt stock
2. Left side of the butt stock
3. Right side of the receiver with the bolt in place
4. Top of each bolt handle clearly showing serial number or lack there of.
5. Grip cap from the underside.

Also can you tell us:

1. If the butt pads are marked "Hawkins" or "Jostam". Colour of each?
2. What is barrel length of each?
3. Is grip cap black nylon?

Ron (Canada)

[j5550-16]

I'll try to get those photos, and answer the questions. I'm currently on vacation, and the rifles are in a friends safe. Hopefully I can get over to them sometime next week. I do recognize the name hawking, I know one butt pad is red and the other is black. Yes the grip caps appear to be black nylon. I do know that the un numbered bolt has a larger hole milled in the end. Otherwise it's going to be a week or so until I can answer the questions and get more pictures and information.

Andy

[bros]

Keep the original recoil pads.....if replacing them for purposes of shooting buy some off the shelf and use the original holes in the butt to attach them......"KEEP IT ORIGINAL". Do not alter anything in the butt to attach them. My two cents worth!!!!!QUOTE=j5550-16;435308]I'll try to get those photos, and answer the questions. I'm currently on vacation, and the rifles are in a friends safe. Hopefully I can get over to them sometime next week. I do recognize the name hawking, I know one butt pad is red and the other is black. Yes the grip rhcaps appear to be black nylon. I do know that the un numbered bolt has a larger hole milled in the end. Otherwise it's going to be a week or so until I can answer the questions and get more pictures and information.

Andy[/QUOTE]

[ArizonaBeagle]

`My suggestion for what it's worth is......Do not do anything to the buttpads especially removal or replacement
You have unique rifles there and if you are bent on shooting them any way may I suggest a simple slip on buttpad.
There is no damage to the existing rifle and no pain (as such) to the shooter.
Even though the butt pads may be flattened by long term storage that is still the way they were built
and it adds to the history of these unique rifles.

AZB