I Have a Long Branch Coming

[Redhorse]

I have a 1943 Long Branch coming from a gent it's a No. 4
Mk.II.Supposed to be in very good ++ condition.Anything I
should know or look for?It will be a meeting exchange so any
tips would be good.Thanks Red Horse

Information

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[Badger]

I have a 1943 Long Branch coming from a gent it's a No. 4
Mk.2.Supposed to be in very good ++ condition.Anything I
should know or look for?It will be a meeting exchange so any
tips would be good.Thanks Red Horse

No.4 Mk2 ...

Besides Long Branch, it should be marked No4 Mk1* on the side of the receiver. The serial number should have an L in it and make sure the bolt matches (no scrubbing) unless the price is fabulous.

Check for LB markings which may look more like capital B's ....

Look for C Broad Arrow markings on the wood ....

Post pics once you get her home and we'll be able to tell you more...

Good luck ...

Regards,
Badger

[Redhorse]

Hey Badger,The gent is Morpheus 32 on the CGN and he said
No.4 Mk 2,Could that be incorrect?I hope not,we have horse
traded before and he has been outstanding.Thanks Redhorse

[Claven2]

It could be a No.4MkI/3 which is essentially a No.4MkI* converted to No.4Mk2 pattern in the late 1940's or early 1950's.

[Badger]

Ok, I suspect that what he's referring to is a 1943 Long Branch No.4 Mk1* that has at some point gone through an FTR (Factory Thorough Rebuild/Repair), and has been post war converted.

From Jay Currah's excellent web site on the Enfield Rifle.

The Mk2 version of the No4 was approved in late 1947, this change addressed an accuracy problem discovered during the war. It was found that stock warpage, due to changing weather or climate conditions would adversely effect the trigger pull of the rifle. As in all previous Lee-Enfields the trigger was hung from the triggerguard and the triggerguard rested on the underside of the fore-end independent of the receiver. A modification that moved the anchor/pivot point of the trigger from the triggerguard to the receiver was used to correct this problem. In conducting this modification the fore-end was altered slightly to accommodate the addition of the mounting bosses to the receiver. The reinforcing strap and the center piece of wood was removed from the fore-end and a tie screw installed in its place. This screw readily identifies the Mk2 at a glance.

With this modification current issue No4 MkI and MkI* rifles could be retrofitted to the new design. This resulted in the No4 Mk1/2 (No4 MkI's altered to Mk2 configuration), No4 Mk1/3 (No4 MkI*'s altered to Mk2 configuration) and the No4 Mk2 (new manufactured).

Approved in late 1947, production continued until 1955. With these dates in mind, all No4 Mk2's were produced post-war from new billets making them free of any wartime economies. Many of these rifles were confined to storage until being released for surplus and can still be found in excellent repair.

So, if that's the case, then this isn't an "all correct" and "all original" 1943 No.4 Mk1* Long Branch and the price should be a lot less than an original, as it's essentially been rebuilt.

I don't know what you're paying for it, or whether you're expecting to buy a collectible rifle, or simply a shooter.

Hope this helps...

Regards,
Badger

[tiriaq]

A LB No. 4 Mk. I* that has gone through FTR in the UK and is now a No. 4 Mk. 1/3 is a legitimate variation, but it is likely going to command a lower price than an unaltered original rifle.

[Redhorse]

It was part of a deal.Not alot of money,but not dirt cheap either.
It will be a shooter and has been before but is in nice shape.I just
wanted a Long Branch,never had one before.Thanks gents,Redhorse


PS This rifle was in storage as Morpheus 32 said he cleaned
cosmoline off of it.

[A square 10]

it could in fact be a no4 mk1/2 , assuming it possible that an early LB mkI got sent in for FTR to mk2 status , the LB mkI is rarer as there were not so many made prior to changing to the mkI* ,
that might account for his insisting it to be a mk2[it would still be marked ..no4 mk1/2 ....FTR at FAZ tho]

eather way you will be happy with a longbranch from my point of view ,

[tiriaq]

With a '43 date, it is very unlikely that it was a Mk. I. A LB Mk. I FTR'd as a Mk. 1/2 would be a rather uncommon rifle as you point out. I've certainly never seen one.

[A square 10]

i agree 43 is too late for a mkI , i was thinking it might have been poorly dated since we didnt actually see the serial number , realising it was a stretch and yes fairly rare piece , i was sorta hoping he might have lucked into something very special we could all cogradulate him on :>} , but the conversion to a 2 is not all that common in my experience and would be a great rifle no matter what