Stupid Question

[Alan de Enfield]

besides he said a Longbranch.

My post was as much in response to the posts suggesting that 'sporterised' rifles were not made by the factories as to answer the OPs statement that 'all sporterised are after market then ?'

I cited the example of the Enfield built Enforcer using a 'used' Longbranch body as an example only.

But of course you are correct about the 'black-tip' on the forend.

Parker Hale made a range with features similar to the OPs description, and many certainly went across the pond.

[browningautorifle]

Parker Hale made a range with features similar to the OPs description, and many certainly went across the pond.

Of course at this point, I can't find one single pic of a sporter like he describes...after seeing dozens. We had them here done for Sears and Eaton's and other chain stores...Marshall Wells...

[Singer B]

Just a WAG, but does the rifle look like this one? I think the EAL rifle was made on a later dated action, but maybe it was an inspiration for a copy?

That is exactly how the rifle looks, including the rounded tip of the forestock. The only thing missing is that the rounded tip on the rifle in the shop is painted black.

---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:11 PM ----------

My post was as much in response to the posts suggesting that 'sporterised' rifles were not made by the factories as to answer the OPs statement that 'all sporterised are after market then ?'

I cited the example of the Enfield built Enforcer using a 'used' Longbranch body as an example only.

But of course you are correct about the 'black-tip' on the forend.

Parker Hale made a range with features similar to the OPs description, and many certainly went across the pond.

The rifle in the shop doesn't have the "Monte Carlo" stock as shown in the picture and there were no stampings on the receiver other than the Long Branch, No4 MkI and the 1942 date. If this was a rare type of Lee Enfield that I didn't know about, then I was going to scoop it up, but based upon everyone's input and research, I'm pretty sure I can spend that money on a better project.

[Daan Kemp]

Interesting how the 10 shot mag is always retained. Lots of expense to 'sporter' the rifle but not the magazine. Cut it off flush, remove one spring leaf, new floor plate; looks totally different.

[Alan de Enfield]

Interesting how the 10 shot mag is always retained. Lots of expense to 'sporter' the rifle but not the magazine. Cut it off flush, remove one spring leaf, new floor plate; looks totally different.

Apart from the 'base model' the Parker Hale ones were supplied with a 5-round magazine (shown in the old advert I posted earlier)

[NORTHOF60]

Interesting how the 10 shot mag is always retained. Lots of expense to 'sporter' the rifle but not the magazine. Cut it off flush, remove one spring leaf, new floor plate; looks totally different.

The option of a short or long magazine goes all the way back to the "Lee-Speed" sporters manufactured by L.S.A. Co. Ld. and B.S.A. Co.

Many sportsmen like the look of the short magazine, but use a long magazine for hunting.

[browningautorifle]

That is exactly how the rifle looks, including the rounded tip of the forestock. The only thing missing is that the rounded tip on the rifle in the shop is painted black.

That was one I couldn't find when I wanted. It was done for the survival packs in aircraft in the beginning and migrated to other things.

Interesting how the 10 shot mag is always retained

As projected by others, fives were very popular with some but I prefer the ten. I could always sell the fives at shows. They had one that was cut off and silver soldered and one made by a stamping that was round bottom.

[Daan Kemp]

but use a long magazine for hunting

You don't, usually, need a 10 shot magazine for hunting.

[ArizonaBeagle]

Seeing this thread reminded me that I have both, A Santa Fe sporter with a 5 rd magazine and a No. 4 MK2
that a friends father brought back from a trip to Europe a long time ago when you could do still do such things.

The No4 Mk2 has no markings on the butt socket and has an F53 on the barrel.
It has the usual proof marks for export but does not have any import stamp as it was brought in before they were required.

When the father died his widow threw out all the magazines for the rifles (Except this one. I don't think she could get it out.)
She then hid the guns under the bed for 15 years.

Later on our family bought most of the guns and I ended up with this No4 Mk2.

Side note: Many states only allow a 5 round magazine for hunting.

AZB

[NORTHOF60]

Originally Posted by NORTHOF60
but use a long magazine for hunting
You don't, usually, need a 10 shot magazine for hunting.

I agree, but easier to replace, if lost, damaged, or stolen.