Thanks for an educational video. About 30 years ago a buddy showed me a No 4 he'd bought that was in a chest like that. I want to say he'd been told it was a military match rifle. Again going off memory, it had an aftermarket aperture sight, perhaps Parker-Hale? Might have been a Lyman or Redfield too though, sorry. It was marked from some interior BC, again I want to say Kamloops or Vernon, but could be wrong there too. The box was dovetailed construction just like the one in the video. Cannot for the life of me recall whether the No. 4 was Long Branch or something else. Thanks for stirring up a bunch of memories this afternoon that otherwise would not have come to the surface.
Thank you. Wooden transit chests helpred to protect tifles during shipment and in storage. Most chests are for a number of rifles, say 8 or 10, for economy of construction effort. Single rifle No. 15 Mk. I wooden chests were made for the No. 4 (T) sniper rifles as they had somewhat delicate sniper scopes mated to them. Similar wooden chests for single rifles were made in Canada for the C No. 7 22-IN Mk. I training rifles in 1944-1946. These are similar to the sniper chests except that they are not as tall (no scope and no scope case to store), have wooden horseshoe shaped guards on the front, to protect the hasps, and have minor differences inside. Today of course, sniper rifles etc. often have a padded, metal or synthetic type case for protection.
Lovely Canadian example of an excellent rifle. I am fortunate enough to have a matching 1944 M47C (BSA Shirley plant). Glass was refurbished by Warren. During our Milsurp challenges, if I do my part, the rifle will strike a 12" plate at 400m. With Mk. VII ammo I just turn the elevation to 4 and I am on target. See you on the forums.
The No. 4 (T) are indeed well made rifles and I found that they spoiled me with regard to other WWII period sniper rifles. Of the roughtly 26,000 No. 4 (T) rifles made, only about 1,588 by the late Cline Law's estimates, were made by Canada. I have examples of most of the types and in my biased opinion, the Canadian made LONG BRANCH examples are even nicer that the British made examples in my opinion. The lack of German bombers overhead may have had something to do with that. ;-)
Outstanding ! - well researched, professional presentation, lean and to the point with great attention to detail, covered everything that needed covering. Instant sub here, will be back for sure, thank you.
I enjoyed the video, also when I was 11,or 12 one of our favorite trips was to the surplus stores on Yonge St. I remember stacks of these sniper rifles in the transit cases for $68.00, and the Mk4's in full wood were $19.00. Just goes to show how surplus of yesterday is now "gold"
Captain Stevens, I have a very unique Long Branch No 4 Mk1* made in 43. So far I can find no information on this rifle, nor can I find a picture of one the same. Do you know who I could talk to that would know about any experimental Long Branch rifles?
Great video. I was putting together a simple rifle from parts and I found a back sight marked with a C broadarrow and a maltese cross. I had no idea that it was for a No. 4 T.
Thank you for the compliment. I am restoring some other Long Branch sniper rifles and I would be very interested in the rear sight you have, and I could help you with your project. Please contact me at Seaforth72 at gmail com 0:06
@@CaptainStevens During my time as a set-up guy with Canadian Arsenal Ltd., in Longbranch, after doing an ERA RCN apprenticeship hitch and returning to Ontario we referred to that three leg arrow head pattern as the Crow's Foot or "pusser" mark.
@@brustar5152 Thank you for the feedback. "pusser" definitely sounds like Navy lingo. I think I heard it during my time in the Lower Decks on HMCS Gatineaqu. Yes, the "Broad Arrow" is also known as the "Crow's Foot". Interestingly it is also the crest emblem from my step-grandmother's family.
Staking was not a wholly consistent practice. Most No. 4 (T) had the pads staked, sometimes multiple times due to heavy use and repairs, but one does come across examples that never were staked. Likewise one occasionally finds a bracket with no rifle number, and sniper rifles with no "T" mark. It is a minefield for the uninitiated who are contemplating buying a No. 4 (T).
Thank you. A slo-o-o-w start, but many more topics to be covered and as you know, making videos is a learning process. I have worked in museums, archives and national historic sites for over 46 years, with military service on the side, and have lots of information to share. :-)
@@CaptainStevens To be honest , your presentation detail and style as well as the subject matter I find very engaging . So I do hope you continue and slow is absolutely expected when putting forward quality info. Very keen to see more on the various Canadian Sniper Rifles, depending on what you can get your hands on and want to do! Thanks again.
Very excellent and complete video Colin! Beautiful rifle and accessories. I am happy that you have finally got your channel up and running. I know you have an incredible amount of items to go through. My biggest joy is that there is so much you can add to the Canadian side of things.I am a subscriber and am looking forward to your next video. By the way, very good presentation Sir.
Original No. 4 (T) sniper rifles are out there, but they are getting to be expensive. They usually sell quickly if they are reasonably priced. The old advice applies "Buy the book, then buy the gun." There are many pitfalls. Even the best books have some errors and the current article in the Canadian Firearms Journal (NFA) has some errors. When a No. 4 (T) comes up for sale, it is at a gun show perhaps, online or at an auction, and you may not have the reference books with you or have time to go and look things up. In other words if you want a real No. 4 (T), 1. Do your homework 2. Save up your money. All matching serial numbers are best, but mismatched sets are also real and occasionally we can find and match-up a mismatched serial numbered scope/bracket, rifle etc. There are many replica scopes, and FAKE scopes out there (fake in that they have fake s/n and war time year marked) and I am seeing these now, sometime on original No. 4 (T) rifles, being sold as all original. The seller does not always realize that the scope is a fake. As well some people are adding FAKE numbers stamped to original No. 4 (T) rifle and original scope sets, so as to "make them match" and thus command a higher price. Just ask a vintage muscle car collector what they think of altered/forged serial numbers to make engines match the chassis, something that is definitely frowned upon! I can recommend the FORGOTTEN WEAPONS series of videos on RUclips and above all, books by Ian Skennerton, Peter Laidler and the late Charles R. Stratton and Clive Law are very good.
I sent you an email using your contact on your website and never received a reply. I found a scope less T rifle and matched scope with mount in the case. I was hoping since you had a list it might get back to its original rifle.
Sorry I missed it. No email show from oddone13. I do try to respond to all such requests as it helps to build up the database. So far, with over 3,000 No. 4 (T) serial numbers gathered, I have been able to find over 24 matches and sometimes the owners have worked out win-win deals to reunite serialed components such as rifles scopes. Please resend to seaforth72 at gmail
I discovered that the email reply feature on my web site was not working. My apologies. Thaty has been removed as a way to contact me is seaforth72 at gmail com
Where would the S/N of the scope be marked onto the rifle? (Given that scope should be matched with the rifle...) British do on the upper tang of the wood, Canadian did the same, or they never did?
I have several ww2 era rifles…. Mosin nagant, 98k, arisaka, carcano, 03/a3, long branch… of all my BOLT guns., I prefer the long branch ..Now my Garand… that’s a whole other class of fun😊
Great vid. My 1942, 2 grove is under 1 moa since I put a scope on a B square mount. This was 30 years ago. My only complaint is that when firing it off-hand with a lace on cheek piece of leather, the recoil tends to push the butt down under my armpit. Easily managed on the range, less so when you're still hunting.
303 favorite old time canada moose getter first loads had 70 grains of black powder before cordite came along . Compressed a lot to the point they put the charge in before they necked the case down never heard of anything else like it .
If you are referring to the calibre, it is marked on the box and usually on the base of the cartridge. If still puzzled, you can email me photos at seaforth72 at gmail com or take a sample to a local gun show. Generally speaking, the calibre is the diameter to the bullet (not the casing), often combined with the length of the casing e.g. 7.62x54 mm. Ideally find ammo with box as there were at least two DIFFERENT .303 calibres produced. These No. 4 rifles use .303 British not .303 Savage.
A nice thought. Canada is slow to anger but has a good track record. Canadians are remembered in the Netherlands as much of that country was liberated by Canadians in 1945. I went to the last big veterans' parade there in 2005 and the Dutch people were fantastic. I highly recommend that Canadians visit the Netherlands, showing that you are a Canadian (e.g. flag patch). Canadians should also visit Juno Beach, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel. Sadly the history of these places are not being taught about in our schools today.
Great video but this guy never answers any emails you send to him about a 4T found. Only if you have something he wants to buy. Sad. Typical Canadian behaviour. A one way street.
I do try to answer any questions about the No. 4 (T) rifles, and am sorry if I missed your email. Feel free to try again seaforth72 at gmail com Messages could have ended up in Spam folder, which I need to check more often.
I discovered that the email reply feature on my web site was not working. My apologies. Thaty has been removed as a way to contact me. The best way is seaforth72 at gmail com
Very informative and helpful,, thanks for taking the time to do this video,,
Thanks for an educational video. About 30 years ago a buddy showed me a No 4 he'd bought that was in a chest like that. I want to say he'd been told it was a military match rifle. Again going off memory, it had an aftermarket aperture sight, perhaps Parker-Hale? Might have been a Lyman or Redfield too though, sorry. It was marked from some interior BC, again I want to say Kamloops or Vernon, but could be wrong there too. The box was dovetailed construction just like the one in the video. Cannot for the life of me recall whether the No. 4 was Long Branch or something else. Thanks for stirring up a bunch of memories this afternoon that otherwise would not have come to the surface.
Thank you. Wooden transit chests helpred to protect tifles during shipment and in storage. Most chests are for a number of rifles, say 8 or 10, for economy of construction effort. Single rifle No. 15 Mk. I wooden chests were made for the No. 4 (T) sniper rifles as they had somewhat delicate sniper scopes mated to them. Similar wooden chests for single rifles were made in Canada for the C No. 7 22-IN Mk. I training rifles in 1944-1946. These are similar to the sniper chests except that they are not as tall (no scope and no scope case to store), have wooden horseshoe shaped guards on the front, to protect the hasps, and have minor differences inside. Today of course, sniper rifles etc. often have a padded, metal or synthetic type case for protection.
Lovely Canadian example of an excellent rifle. I am fortunate enough to have a matching 1944 M47C (BSA Shirley plant). Glass was refurbished by Warren. During our Milsurp challenges, if I do my part, the rifle will strike a 12" plate at 400m. With Mk. VII ammo I just turn the elevation to 4 and I am on target. See you on the forums.
The No. 4 (T) are indeed well made rifles and I found that they spoiled me with regard to other WWII period sniper rifles. Of the roughtly 26,000 No. 4 (T) rifles made, only about 1,588 by the late Cline Law's estimates, were made by Canada. I have examples of most of the types and in my biased opinion, the Canadian made LONG BRANCH examples are even nicer that the British made examples in my opinion. The lack of German bombers overhead may have had something to do with that. ;-)
Looking forward to more videos!
Outstanding ! - well researched, professional presentation, lean and to the point with great attention to detail, covered everything that needed covering. Instant sub here, will be back for sure, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
A very informative video, thank you so much!
Many more videos to come. 🙂
I enjoyed the video, also when I was 11,or 12 one of our favorite trips was to the surplus stores on Yonge St. I remember stacks of these sniper rifles in the transit cases for $68.00, and the Mk4's in full wood were $19.00. Just goes to show how surplus of yesterday is now "gold"
Nice work Captain
Captain Stevens, I have a very unique Long Branch No 4 Mk1* made in 43. So far I can find no information on this rifle, nor can I find a picture of one the same. Do you know who I could talk to that would know about any experimental Long Branch rifles?
Yes, I would be happy to assist you in identifying it. Email: seaforth72
At gmail.com
Did it end up being something cool?
@@CaptainStevens I never saw this reply, I will take some pictures and send them
@@dangdo1458 I don't know yet, but I finally saw another one at the Kamloops gun show today.
I would be happy to help. Please send some photos, serial number and information to: seaforth72 at gmail.com
Excellent video and fantastic specimen sir! Love that maltese cross
Excellent!! Love these little tidbits of history!
Great video. I was putting together a simple rifle from parts and I found a back sight marked with a C broadarrow and a maltese cross. I had no idea that it was for a No. 4 T.
Thank you for the compliment. I am restoring some other Long Branch sniper rifles and I would be very interested in the rear sight you have, and I could help you with your project. Please contact me at Seaforth72 at gmail com 0:06
@@CaptainStevens During my time as a set-up guy with Canadian Arsenal Ltd., in Longbranch, after doing an ERA RCN apprenticeship hitch and returning to Ontario we referred to that three leg arrow head pattern as the Crow's Foot or "pusser" mark.
@@brustar5152 Thank you for the feedback. "pusser" definitely sounds like Navy lingo. I think I heard it during my time in the Lower Decks on HMCS Gatineaqu. Yes, the "Broad Arrow" is also known as the "Crow's Foot". Interestingly it is also the crest emblem from my step-grandmother's family.
Excellent video...thanks for sharing!
Riflechair - Thank you. I am just following in the footsteps of the pioneers on RUclips like yourself . ;-)
Good job Colin. Why are the pad screws not staked?
Staking was not a wholly consistent practice. Most No. 4 (T) had the pads staked, sometimes multiple times due to heavy use and repairs, but one does come across examples that never were staked. Likewise one occasionally finds a bracket with no rifle number, and sniper rifles with no "T" mark. It is a minefield for the uninitiated who are contemplating buying a No. 4 (T).
Thank you for posting this I really enjoyed it, I hope to see more videos from you in the future
Thank you. A slo-o-o-w start, but many more topics to be covered and as you know, making videos is a learning process. I have worked in museums, archives and national historic sites for over 46 years, with military service on the side, and have lots of information to share. :-)
@@CaptainStevens To be honest , your presentation detail and style as well as the subject matter I find very engaging . So I do hope you continue and slow is absolutely expected when putting forward quality info.
Very keen to see more on the various Canadian Sniper Rifles, depending on what you can get your hands on and want to do!
Thanks again.
Very excellent and complete video Colin! Beautiful rifle and accessories. I am happy that you have finally got your channel up and running. I know you have an incredible amount of items to go through. My biggest joy is that there is so much you can add to the Canadian side of things.I am a subscriber and am looking forward to your next video. By the way, very good presentation Sir.
Thank you James. You were an inspiration, being on RUclips long before me.🙂
Thanks Colin! Merry Christmas by the way. I am longing so much to get my own channel fired up again soon.
i have a no4 mk 1 i wish i had the original stock on it, mine got sportsterized but i still love it
Lee Enfield .303 Mk.4 and the 30-06 probably the best rifles used by the allies in WWII. both proven records.
Number 4 was the .303" and the Mark IV was a .22 cal training rifle. ;-) They are often confused unless one is familiar with the numbering system. ;-)
Excellent video. Just stumbled across your channel and I am very glad I did! Looking forward to seeing your future efforts.
Thank you. Many more videos are planned.
Just finished a replica build, put a lot of ❤ into it. But still...hopefully one day to optain an original.
Original No. 4 (T) sniper rifles are out there, but they are getting to be expensive. They usually sell quickly if they are reasonably priced. The old advice applies "Buy the book, then buy the gun." There are many pitfalls. Even the best books have some errors and the current article in the Canadian Firearms Journal (NFA) has some errors. When a No. 4 (T) comes up for sale, it is at a gun show perhaps, online or at an auction, and you may not have the reference books with you or have time to go and look things up. In other words if you want a real No. 4 (T), 1. Do your homework 2. Save up your money. All matching serial numbers are best, but mismatched sets are also real and occasionally we can find and match-up a mismatched serial numbered scope/bracket, rifle etc. There are many replica scopes, and FAKE scopes out there (fake in that they have fake s/n and war time year marked) and I am seeing these now, sometime on original No. 4 (T) rifles, being sold as all original. The seller does not always realize that the scope is a fake. As well some people are adding FAKE numbers stamped to original No. 4 (T) rifle and original scope sets, so as to "make them match" and thus command a higher price. Just ask a vintage muscle car collector what they think of altered/forged serial numbers to make engines match the chassis, something that is definitely frowned upon! I can recommend the FORGOTTEN WEAPONS series of videos on RUclips and above all, books by Ian Skennerton, Peter Laidler and the late Charles R. Stratton and Clive Law are very good.
I sent you an email using your contact on your website and never received a reply. I found a scope less T rifle and matched scope with mount in the case. I was hoping since you had a list it might get back to its original rifle.
Sorry I missed it. No email show from oddone13. I do try to respond to all such requests as it helps to build up the database. So far, with over 3,000 No. 4 (T) serial numbers gathered, I have been able to find over 24 matches and sometimes the owners have worked out win-win deals to reunite serialed components such as rifles scopes. Please resend to seaforth72 at gmail
I discovered that the email reply feature on my web site was not working. My apologies. Thaty has been removed as a way to contact me is seaforth72 at gmail com
Where would the S/N of the scope be marked onto the rifle? (Given that scope should be matched with the rifle...) British do on the upper tang of the wood, Canadian did the same, or they never did?
Canada marked the scope serial number in the same location as the British, on top of the butt, just below the cocking piece.
I have several ww2 era rifles…. Mosin nagant, 98k, arisaka, carcano, 03/a3, long branch… of all my BOLT guns., I prefer the long branch ..Now my Garand… that’s a whole other class of fun😊
True. The M1 Garand is in a different class. I am OK with that as it was invented by John Garand who was born in Canada. ;-)
Agreed, and did you know that Mr. Garand was born in Canada? ;-)
Great vid. My 1942, 2 grove is under 1 moa since I put a scope on a B square mount. This was 30 years ago.
My only complaint is that when firing it off-hand with a lace on cheek piece of leather, the recoil tends to push the butt down under my armpit.
Easily managed on the range, less so when you're still hunting.
303 favorite old time canada moose getter first loads had 70 grains of black powder before cordite came along . Compressed a lot to the point they put the charge in before they necked the case down never heard of anything else like it .
Very cool !
which range is that
Port Coquitlam & District Hunting and Fishing Club in British Columbia, Canada. Sadly we are limited to 200 m.
Id love the chance to fire a 303
@@CaptainStevens
How to measure ammunition
If you are referring to the calibre, it is marked on the box and usually on the base of the cartridge. If still puzzled, you can email me photos at seaforth72 at gmail com or take a sample to a local gun show. Generally speaking, the calibre is the diameter to the bullet (not the casing), often combined with the length of the casing e.g. 7.62x54 mm. Ideally find ammo with box as there were at least two DIFFERENT .303 calibres produced. These No. 4 rifles use .303 British not .303 Savage.
Nobody messes with Canada! :)
A nice thought. Canada is slow to anger but has a good track record. Canadians are remembered in the Netherlands as much of that country was liberated by Canadians in 1945. I went to the last big veterans' parade there in 2005 and the Dutch people were fantastic. I highly recommend that Canadians visit the Netherlands, showing that you are a Canadian (e.g. flag patch). Canadians should also visit Juno Beach, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge and Beaumont Hamel. Sadly the history of these places are not being taught about in our schools today.
Promo'SM
Great video but this guy never answers any emails you send to him about a 4T found. Only if you have something he wants to buy. Sad. Typical Canadian behaviour. A one way street.
I do try to answer any questions about the No. 4 (T) rifles, and am sorry if I missed your email. Feel free to try again seaforth72 at gmail com Messages could have ended up in Spam folder, which I need to check more often.
I discovered that the email reply feature on my web site was not working. My apologies. Thaty has been removed as a way to contact me. The best way is seaforth72 at gmail com