More desirable No4Mk1* S Sor LB

[Garandrew]

Which is more desirable? Savage, or Long Branch, both 1943, both minty?
Long Branch has a Cdn marked Savage band...

Information

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[enfield303t]

Buy Both.

[limpetmine]

Savage made 1.2 million, in round numbers, Long Branch 940,000, in round numbers. 1943 was the year of highest production for LB and I think Savage. In other words, more common than
other years. That being said, buy both.

[P-07ShortLee]

I always felt Long Branch had the best finish, and they are popular. Savage No.4's used to be cheap( and really common), now they are going way up (I think people like the markings).
Demand is fairly high for both in recent years.

No one seems as enthused (lately) with Maltby's and Fazakerley's. (both good too).

[tlvaughn]

Based on information I have accumulated from reference books and various forums, approx. 40% of the 1.2 million +/- No4's made by Savage were made in 1943 (this is by no means 100% accurate, it is just a bunch of numbers and spreadsheets I put together based on some assumptions ).

I am partial to Savage, and what makes the '43 interesting to me is the location of the date. The date can be found on the leftside buttsocket, the leftside receiver, or no date at all.

Like the others have stated, buy both if you have the funds.

[Garandrew]

http://i313.photobucket.com/albums/l...g?t=1290912788

[Garandrew]

My Savage is 1943..it has one ordnance bomb..I saw one my friend has that has ordnance bombs on the bolt, bayonet lug, and receiver. Mine has one, near the model designation, and a firing "P" proof on the bayonet lug..How many Savages were proofed with more than one bomb?
I like Savages too, but the other one I can get is exactly the same as the one I have now, where the LB had differences..rear sight, front protector, rear sling swivel..

[Bearclaw]

I own both and I personally think the LB is slightly better finished.
Savage is being restored from a sportized Parker Hale, which was FTR at F, Parker Hale has scrubed these marking nearly but still evident.

Myles

[limpetmine]

Your Long Branch looks to be refinished, perhaps an un marked FTR, which was not uncommon. Parked, perhaps bead blasted, with soft markings, the new backsight, and a steel butt plate are clues.
I'm partial to LB's, but Savages have a place on the rack, too.

[SpikeDD]

I agree with limpetmine.... Looks to clearly be a LongBranch FTR. Green/Grey park and late production safety, buttplate and rear sight. I have the same rifle, only it's a FTR on a Savage.