Longbranch Help

[garra]

I am new to collecting Enfields, and have a few questions and need some advise. What is special about the Longbranch as comparied to other No4 s. The reason I ask is that I have found 2 decent Mk 2s for about 300.00. I also found a 1943 Longbranch that has been sporterized for under 150.00. I did check it out yesterday, bore was bright, rifleing was a little weak and a .067 No/go gauge didn't GO. Barrel was bedded into new forestock. Front sight was loose. Looked like an original stock, but it had been refinished. Is it worth getting as a project?

I do know of 2 other No4 in area, (model unknown) but I didn't check them out very well as I was more interested in the No1 that I bought at the shop. Will have to drive over there again to gather more details.

Down to the point that I have to buy another storage safe or locker, keep finding all these mil surp that I want.

Information

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[madcratebuilder]

Your scrounging abilities well determine the cost of getting all the needed LB parts and furniture. For someone new to the No4 a restoration is not the best way to start. Buy one or two rifles and become familiar with all the different parts and variations, manufacturers. You never stop learning about the LE's.

[bradtx]

garra, I go along with madcratebuilder's advice. Pick up one of the Mk.2s and the Long Branch, presto, you've killed to birds with one stone and have a very good model to work with.

"What is special about the Longbranch as comparied to other No4 s." That involves a difficult and perhaps controversial answer. I'm lucky enough to have some excellant No.4s, original and rearsenals/FTRs from the all of the manufacturers except POF. Technically there's no difference. Subjectively I rate them nearly equal with my favorite subjective choice, Maltby.

Brad

[coppertales]

I have a 1942 Longbranch that has been carried alot and shot little. It has a 2 groove bore and is my best Enfield shooter....I thought I knew about Enfield Rifles until I got on the Great War forum. Those guys make me seem like a rookie......chris3