C.A.L. PresentaTION RIFLES
Built prior or concurrently to the EALs (1945-1949 time frame), Canadian Arsenals seems to have produced several civilian sporter rifles which used the experimental light-weight receivers which were ultimately not adopted by the military.
It is believed that these sporters were intended as higher end presentation rifles gifted to key people or dignitaries etc. The design of these rifles seems to offer a hint as to the evolution of the RCAF survival rifles to the commercially available EAL rifles. Effectively, they are the "missing link."
While there are minor differences among those observed, there are several common features. The rifles have chequered one piece stocks and triggers mounted on the body rather than a separate butt and trigger mounted on the trigger guard. Observed butts have a capped pistol grip and cheek swell as well as a recoil pad. The recoil pads observed seem to be of various patterns however several are noted to be affixed with a black pad which is very similar to the Jostam Anti-flinch pad found on the RCAF and EAL rifle lines. Fore stocks are observed to have a "Schnabel" tip. Similar to the Type A rifles, these rifles have been noted to have lightening cuts in various places.
These rifles appear to be equipped with a similar, albeit different, front sight to those found on the Type A and Type B rifle. Rear sights were as per the service lee-enfield/RCAF survival rifles although some have also been observed with the two position 200/400 battle sight per the EAL Type A/B. For the latter observed examples, the rear charger bridge was removed.
Some rifles have been observed with serial numbers which commence with the pre-fix "J" while others appear devoid of serial number markings. A rifle which lacked a serial number was also observed with what appeared to be the early Canadian Arsenals stamping on the knox.
At the following link, two such rifles are detailed which are held in a private collection. Per the description, "The owner's family was friends with Lieutenant Colonel Jolley who headed up Small Arms Limited at Long Branch.
A letter sent by CAL has been observed regarding the repair for a presentation rifle owned by Brigadier A. Theriault CBE. Thibaudeau was seconded to the Department of Munitions and Supply. In the letter, reference is made to the the manufacturing by CAL (Small Arms Division) of "commercial sporting rifles" and the the use of the "new 200/400" sight.