1942 Long Branch Training Rifle

[Longcolt44]

Mosins and their cousins are at the front of my collection followed by Enfield service rifles and revolvers. I recently ran in to a rare and unique model. A 1943 Long Branch Training Rifle, the Enfield rifle model made in Canada.

Before I go any further I need to thank our Canadian member Sonny who put me on the right path to getting the history and some missing parts for this rifle. I also need to thank Allan and Sharon Kerr of The Canadian Militaria Preservation Society for their help in the research and parts for this rifle. Please check out their website at, http://canadianmilitaria.pastperfectonline.com.

This is not your Enfield Long Branch rifle in .303 caliber. This Long Branch Training Rifle was produced at the Long Branch Arsenal near Toronto, Canada in 1943-44. They were used for preliminary rifle training of all ground forces training. There was only one model and they were marked either 1943 or 1944 depending on the production year with about 4000 training rifles manufactured. Patterned after the SMLE service rifle they used a SMLE bolt body and was a close replica of the SMLE service rifle. I did not have a caliber as such. This trainer was attached to a target stand with the front of the unit no further than ¼' from the target. When the trigger was activated it released two needles, ( they used phonograph needles ), that struck the paper target. A perfect score would be the top needle 180 degrees above the bottom needle. Any “shot” that was to the right or left of 180 degrees resulted in a lower score. Not only does the shooter strive to be accurate he needs to have the rifle butt against shoulder with correct pressure or it will not fire. This rifle is missing the additional butt plate for this action but it is in the works coming from Allan Kerr.

One unusual thing about this rifle is its weight, eight and 1/2 lbs. Almost the same as my real Long Branch Enfield. Taking it apart solved this riddle. The stock bed is lined with lead to match the actual weight the real rifle itself.

The British had a similar rifle, the Swift Rifle. It worked on the same principal but as usual they made eight models making small improvements as they went along.

1943 Canadian Training Rifle phamplet.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer 3.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer 2.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer 10.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer 11.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer 12.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer 18.jpg

1943 Canadian Longbranch trainer 15.jpg

[Lotema]

Wow, that's a really interesting trainer. Do you know off hand how much pressure on the butt was needed in order to fire the rifle? Very interesting approach to training.

[redspoon]

I agree, that is one interesting trainer. Very cool rifle, nice job tracking that one down LC.

[Longcolt44]

Wow, that's a really interesting trainer. Do you know off hand how much pressure on the butt was needed in order to fire the rifle? Very interesting approach to training.

I don't know and may not until I get the correct parts. Next time I talk to Allan I will ask, I am sure he knows.

[Rongo]

WOW! That is a neat find!!!!

[Junk Yard Dog]

[Sonny]

Not many of those around,good for you.

[bunkysdad]

Good find here Chuck. Your collection is really growing.

[Fledge]

Now that is cool! Thanks for sharing. A worthy addition to your collection.

[entropy]

I like the buttplate feature. We all know what happens when one fires a .303-class rifle without the buttplate frimly planted.....

Very interesting rifle, never knew it exsisted. Thanks for posting it, LongColt!

[swoop85]

Very cool for sure. Always thought they were a neat item.

I have one for sale if anyone is looking pm me .

[capt14k]

Glad I found this post. Very interesting indeed.

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