Came into a snipped Enfield #4 -- need advice

[Guest mattgawarecki]

Hey guys,

 

A few weeks ago I came into two .303 Enfield #4 rifles that are both in need of some TLC. One I haven't yet taken enough time to identify yet, other than the fact that it's an FTR MK1/2. I think it's going to be the easier of the two to clean up, considering it seems to have most of the original parts and the barrel is in good condition.

 

The other one, however, is a different story. I've identified it as a 1944 Long Branch. The front sight blade appears to be missing and has been replaced with a more "sporter"-style apparatus, the rear sight has been replaced with an aftermarket Williams peep sight, and the rifle has a good deal of crud overall on the inside and the outside. I'm pretty sure it's been cut down an inch or so, because it lacks the slight taper you normally see on the #4 barrel. I haven't gotten to go through the full cleaning routine, but I've got some Kroil and JB's bore cleaner on order from Brownell's. The stock -- also not original -- had a crack in it that looks like it had been glued/epoxied, too.

 

I think by the time I get it cleaned up it should be okay to shoot, but I'm at a loss as to which direction I should go with it. I plan on taking the cleaner of the two rifles and restoring it to its former glory, but because of what I mentioned with the barrel on the Long Branch, it will probably just end up as a casual shooter. Kinda makes me a little sad, as I'm under the impression Long Branches are a little more rare than other manufacturers. I just want to make it look its best, the closer to original the better. Would anyone be up to giving me some guidance, or am I pretty much asking for something impossible? Definitely open to all forms of discussion.

[Guest Halfling]

I have a 1944 No.4 MK1 (not Longbranch) that I am currently reworking. It belonged to my Dad and he used it for deer hunting. It has a sporterized forestock (with a crack) and the original butt stock. I have plans to refinish the stocks and I have a used replacement forestock on order. Another option I was considering was to use the Enfield Monte Carlo Sporter stock set. When I get home tonight I'll post some of the pics I have.

[Guest Halfling]

Here's a few pics.

 

[Jonnin]

sounds like it has been ruined of all value.  I would make a custom rifle out of it, if it shoots straight after a cleaning and seems to be in good contion for action / barrel.

 

You could sorta restore it but it would just be mismatched parts on a cut up gun -- semi authentic looking but of no value and probably not as easy to make accurate in scrap/spare original wood.   I think it could be done if you can find a stock, the other parts are out there. 

 

 

Might convert the caliber, 303 is a bit hard to work with IMHO.

Edited February 12, 2013 by Jonnin

[dlm37015]

if the barrel is bad make it a 25 epps great cartidge

[peejman]

I'd do what you suggested.  Return the one to original as best as possible and make a toy of some sort out of the other one. 

[Guest mattgawarecki]

Nice pictures, Halfling! You said you're currently re-working it -- I can only imagine what it will look like once complete. I'd show pictures of the two rifles I've been talking about, but unfortunately they're in pieces right now, so not much to look at. My Brownell's order should be in tomorrow so I should be able to get them both cleaned up pretty soon as far as the bare essentials go. The FTR rifle has a Monte Carlo fiberglass sporter stock on it, so I think I'm going to transplant it onto the Long Branch while I try to find a full set of wood in good condition for the restoration project.

 

dlm37015 -- I'll check into .25 Epps. Is that .303/25 by a different name? I'm having trouble Googling for it at the moment.

[Dienamic]

You could "scout" the bad one.  XS sights makes an excellent scout mount for the enfield.  Makes it a cheaper version of the Ruger Gunsite.  Youre already most of the way there with the aftermarket peep and front blade.  My .02.