RCAF Survival Rifle
24L9740
The RCAF Survival rifle is the early production rifle likely initially developed by Small Arms Limited (Longbranch) prior to its re-designation as the Crown corporation Canadian Arsenals Limited. The resemblance to the EAL rifle is indicative of its relationship although this is not technically an EAL rifle.
The Canadian War Museum http://www.warmuseum.ca/collections/artifact/1052407/
It is believed that these rifles were developed towards the close of WW2 and were intended as survival rifles for RCAF bomber crews. Several key features help to identify the pre-EAL rifles. Key amongst these are the front sight protector hood and the military Lee-Enfield style butt. It is theorized that CAL continued to produce this variant after WW2 for the RCAF as observed examples have the CA logo adopted in August 1947. The descriptor for the rifle above (provided by the Canadian War Museum) also indicates the rifle in question bears the letter A in Letter C Canadian Arsenals mark on the barrel. As the Type A rifle seems to make an appearance in the Eatons 1948/49 Fall/Winter catalogue, it is likely that these rifles were no longer being produced after end-1947/early 1948. It is also possible that these rifles were actually the "EAL" contract for the RCAF that is often referred to.
In the following picture, four RCAF survival rifles (with magazine) can be seen at far left. Note the retention of the breech cover tie down loop on the front of the trigger/mag assembly and the front sight protector ears.
Key attributes of the RCAF survival rifle are as follows:
Markings. Serial numbers appear to be Long Branch based military style. Note the picture at right shows after market side scope mounting holes and is missing the extractor screw. Most small parts displayed Long Branch markings as well as a variety of inspector marks.
Butt. Equipped with a standard Lee-Enfield military butt that appears to have been modified/contoured to a sporter profile. The butt has been trimmed just in front of the tang inletting and affixed with the Jostam Anti-Flinch pad. A No.4Mk.1 rear sling swivel is inletted into the butt.
Fore stock. Appear to have been manufactured from existing Lee-Enfield No 4 series fore stocks. Lightening cuts are found in the stock and the tip is a rounded pattern which appears to have a block inserted into the front to form the tip, provide barrel support, and allow for swing swivel attachment. The tie strap (or tie plate) is present in these fore stocks. A No.4Mk.1 rear sling swivel is inletted into the fore stock.
Finish. Retains the "military" finish found on the military Lee-Enfield rifles. ie parkerizing
Rear sight. Rifles appear to have been equipped with the two position peep sight marked for 200 and 400 range however 3 of the 5 observed are equipped with what appears to be a Mk 3 rear sight - despite lacking the charging bridge (see header pic and pic top right).
Front Sight. A serrated front sight ramp inletted into the barrel. The sight includes protector "wings" as shown in the attached picture. No markings were observed on the "wings." The blade sight is of the same pattern as the Lee-Enfield No 4 series. Blade sights appear to have been trimmed to a smaller size and these narrowed sights appeared on the Type A and Type B rifles as well.
Magazine. Standard 10 round Long Branch Lee-Enfield magazine. The rifle retains the breech cover tie down loop.