SPF - DCRA Long Branch Target Rifle No. 4 Mk. I* 7.62x55mm NATO

SOLD PENDING FUNDS

DCRA Long Branch Target Rifle No. 4 Mk. I* 7.62x55mm NATO

A lovely example of a Dominion of Canada Rifle Association (D.C.R.A.) rifle. In the late 1950s, Canada adopted the FN C1 and C2 as the standard rifle and LMG.  These were in 7.62x51mm NATO and competition shooters wanting to compete in service matches wanted service rifles in 7.72x51mm. Canadian Arsenals Ltd. at Long Branch converted rifles upon request. 

The rifle was made by Small Arms Limited at Long Branch, Ontario in 1944. The serial number 74L11xx is about 700 after the “Trade Pattern” sniper rifles were made. The butt and fore-end are Long Branch. Comes with M1907 sniper sling and extra sling swivel in front of magazine used by snipers and target shooters. 

This particular rifle belonged the Lieutenant Colonel J. T. Steele of Guelph, Ontario as shown on the butt disk that he had installed. He was a Bisley competitor and was also a President of the D.C.R.A.!

CONDITION: Excellent.

MODIFICATIONS FOR OR BY DCRA SHOOTER:

1. Converted from .303” to 7.62 NATO as one of the official DCRA conversions, DCRA number 625. These barrels did not have bayonet lugs.
2. Rear sight removed and Parker-Hale 5A sight off of an SMLE was fitted. This required drilling a hole in the left side of the body socket, as the sight used a screw there that was on the SMLE / No. 1 rifle, but not on the No. 4. Preseumbaly Lieut. Col. Steele was used to this sight on a No. 1 rifle and simply had this sight moved to this No. 4.
3. The wood was varnished, presumably to keep moisture from swelling, shrinking or warping the wood which would affect the accuracy.
4. Trigger modified to No. 4 Mk. 2 standard, apparently as the is now a cross bolt at the back of the fore-end. I have not dismantled it to verify this. Originally the trigger was hung on the trigger guard but as that was attached to the wooden sore-end, it was susceptible to subtle movement of the wood.
5. Butt plate was changed to a brass British one.
6. Brass butt disc from a No. 1 rifle was transferred to this No. 4. The nicest thing about this is that it tells us who the shooter was! 

PRICE: $1,600 SHIPPED ANYTHWERE IN CANADA - SOLD PENDING FUNDS

OR

Pick up in Richmond BC, at October VIACA Show near Sidney BC or at HACS Show in November (Sat. only)