303 mk1 no 4 longbranch how do you read the mfg marks?

Answer 1

The serial number is the key. Production started in late 1941, with a little more than 7,000 rifles being made. The starting number was 0L1, and with each successive rifle the serial number would increase by one, up to 9,999 at which time the 0 would roll to 1. When this digit got to 9, it increased to 10. So, the first years production range was from 0L0 to 1Lxxxx, 1942 serial number range was 02L1xxx to 25Lxxxx, (the L signifies L for Long Branch). plus or minus a few numbers. The survey of the actual range is still a work in progress. 1943 was the highest production year, of around 350,000 rifles. The serial number range is around 25Lxxxx to 56Lxxxx. 1944 range 57Lxxxx to 81Lxxxx , around 250,000 rifles made 1945 range 83Lxxxx to 90Lxxxx 1949 range 91Lxxxx 1950 range 91Lxxxx to 96Lxxxx There are some serial number oddities, which can not be explained at this time. Long Branch made close to 900,000 rifles. The left receiver side is stamped Long Branch, with the rifle model number, and the year of production. The serial number is stamped on the receiver heel. Often the rifle serial number is found stamped on the bottom, upper forestock. This appears to be a post war item, as many war production rifles do not exibit this trait. There are numerous subcontractor Makers' Marks all over the wood and minor parts. There good reference books that have this information listed.