Couple of Milsurps (Longbranch Enfield & Mosin 91-30)

[Doug S]

I picked up a couple of Milsurps to decorate my "Man Cave". One is a nice 1942 Mosin Nagant 91-30 that came with accessories, and the second is a 1944 Long Branch, No4 Mk1*. I plan to use them as part of a milsurp arrangement, along with my Rock-Ola M1 Carbine (and hopefully other additions in the future), some military helmets/other things, as well as, some historical photographs on the wall showing the firearms in action.

Anyway, the Long Branch doesn't have a lot of markings on it,other than a variety of letters. It does have the serial number on the rear band, on the back of the bolt handle, and on the bottom of the magazine. Long Branch and date on left side of receiver. In addition, it has an S in a box on the buttstock, which I assume indicates Savage. It also has an N on another location on the buttstock. The front barrel band has a circle with some numbers in it. There is a crown on the bolt head. I also noticed an "F", and an "M" in different areas of the bolt. The rear, upper hand guard is also grooved which I've read is earlier than 1944. Also under the wood are some letters, and the number 43. I'm assuming that the 43 is the date of the barrel. Is it possible for a 1944 Long Branch to have a 43 dated barrel, as it came from the factory, or does the 43 date indicate a replacement. I assume the gun is a parts gun, but I really have no experience with Enfields, so I'm unsure. Thanks for any help.

 

[DougW]

Your Long Branch is not a parts gun. Your rifle is typical for a 1944 production date. Long Branch and Savage shared parts, Long Branch getting all the rest of the parts from Savage in late 44 early 45. The letters can be marked by subcontract manufacturers, and the rifle could contain British parts. A pic would sure help, along with the first part of the s/n. It would be XXLXXXX for a Long Branch.

 

[Doug S]

Hi Doug,

I really do appreciate the response, and the info. I've just gotten into milsurp rifles recently, and have a lot to learn. The serial # is 60L24XX. Any idea of when in 1944 the gun was manufactured? I haven't got around to taking a picture yet, but I will take one soon. I forgot to mention in my other post, that the gun has what looks to be a well worn, brass? colored buttplate.

 

[DougW]

Doug, according to Stratton's book the '44 serial number range started at 58L, and ended at 84L. Figure yours was a Jan/Feb manufacture. I cant wait to see the pic too.

 

[Doug S]

Hi DougW,

I appreciate the info very much. The gun is a beater, but for some I'm unable to post pictures to this forum. It's coming up as an error. Nevertheless, I've been surfing around the Milsurp forums, and it seems that the gun is a refurb, with parts from a number of manufacturers. It's a little rough around the edges, but I like milsurps that look like they've seen some of history.

Here is a link. http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=3360