Canadian Longbranch No. 4 MK1* Low Round Count Value

[JJHNSN]

New to the forum and looking for some advice. I'm considering purchasing a Canadian Longbranch No 4 MK1* which the seller (a shop specializing in mil surp) claims was acquired "from the factory" by an Enfield collector who bought a case of them. The shop owner picked up one and got it in the original mummy wrap. ... parts are nice and tight. Claims only 200 rounds down the barrel which is night and bright.

The asking price for it is $600, shipped. Is that a good/fair/reasonable price, assuming conditions above are correct? I have no reason not to believe the seller. I tried guaging it by looking on Gunbroker, but what kind of a mess trying to find a "matching" copy of this particular Enfield.

Here are photos:















---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:57 AM ----------

Hopeful to hear back from experts on this as soon as possible...have a deal lined up but unsure. Thank you for your patience.

Information

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[Patrick Chadwick]

That does indeed look like a "low-mileage" No.4 Mk1*. And it has been through FTR = Factory Thorough Repair, i.e. totally overhauled and "as good as new".

I don't know your market, but over here, at least, the prices for No.4 Mk2s in that condition are now past 600 euros, with the result that Mk.1s, which are usually well-used and about half the price, are also increasing in value. It is certainly the best-looking Mk1 that I have ever seen - in fact, I will go so far as to say that a Mk1 in that condition is very much rarer than a No.2 in the same condition... and in a couple of years you may regret not buying it now (assuming, of course, that it has no hidden defects).

[JJHNSN]

The seller is offering it to me for $600 shipped, to my house, since I have a C&R and I'm feeling like it is an opportunity I would regret not taking him up on.

[breakeyp]

The rifle was rebuilt and restocked in 1948 at Fazackerly in England. Is the gun supposed to be one of 20 from the "factory?" Which factory" The factories do not sell to civilians. The dealer's story is highly suspect. The gun is okay but not worth it in my opinion. I have some like it, so it is not a thing I have to have. Can you get that price the day after you buy it?

[JJHNSN]

"Can you get that price the day after you buy it?"

Sorry, come again? I'm not following that comment.

The dealer purchased it from a gentleman who purchased a case of them. Are you saying that the rifle was made in Canada and refurbished in England? Sorry, I'm new to this.

[breakeyp]

The point was can you get your money back if you have to sell it? I have seen things where a guy bought a gun for a large amount of money and later could not recoup his money when selling. Case in point, commemorative guns currently advertised in magazine. The set on tables for sale at figures lower than what the original buyer paid.

Some will say don't bother about price, if you pay too much it will be okay if you keep it long enough for the prices to rise. This attitude does not account for inflation and present value theory of money.

[JJHNSN]

The point was can you get your money back if you have to sell it? I have seen things where a guy bought a gun for a large amount of money and later could not recoup his money when selling. Case in point, commemorative guns currently advertised in magazine. The set on tables for sale at figures lower than what the original buyer paid.

Some will say don't bother about price, if you pay too much it will be okay if you keep it long enough for the prices to rise. This attitude does not account for inflation and present value theory of money.

Thank you for explaining what you meant, makes a lot of sense.

---------- Post added at 08:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:00 AM ----------

That's not a bad thing in this case. You can find another and you don't need to jump too hard or fast. They're around, you'll know the good one when you see it. Yes, buy a shooter for now that may be a little worn and older looking to get past the fever...then watch for the cherry. It also gives you time to learn about them.

And I told myself if I want an Enfield I don't have to spend $600 to find a nice shooter grade. It's not like I'm going to buy it because I'm a "high end" collector, I was just interested in having nice one for fun and enjoyment. Your advice is spot-on what I arrived at when I fought the urge.

[BruceHMX]

That is correct. It was made in Canada then probably used by British forces. After the war these rifles had seen very hard use so they went through what is referred to as a FTR (Factory Through Repair) When this was done the guns were basically brought back to new standards. Stock, barrel replacement, refinishing, etc etc. This was done at the British Arsenal Fazakerly. I would look for a few things like stock markings if any? The stock looks as though it has been scrubbed of markings and refinished. Also check for import markings from a large distributor such as Century Arms (CAI or CIA markings) or Interarms (IAC). It still looks like a nice rifle. All of this stuff is bringing crazy money now. If it were me and I was waiting for a one of a kind Enfield to keep and retain it's value I would wait for a non FTR example but then again that's me. If your looking for a nice shooter, looks great than you may have found it. Just me .02 mind you. Oh and I also doubt the case of rifle story and always remember you are paying for the rifle not the story unless he has some sort of documentation.

[JJHNSN]

Thanks @BruceHMX, I appreciate it.

So is $600 too much to pay for this rifle?
How much would a "non-FTR example" cost?

I'm just trying to get a fix on a reasonable price?

Thanks for your time.

[BruceHMX]

Check with the seller on the things I mentioned. Then get back to all of us with what he tells you. Nice Enfield's non FTR'ed can be found for the same price as that one. I like a lot of these folks collect them but also shoot on occasion. As a shooter you would probably not go wrong. But the FTR would turn me off. I also look at re-sale value as other's have already mentioned.