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
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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
No.4 Mk2 ... :confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by Redhorse
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 ... :thup:
Regards,
Badger
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
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.
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.
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.Quote:
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.
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
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.
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.
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 ,
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.
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
I appreciate all the info gents.My hope is that is it a decent
shooter,if that is what I get I'll be happy.If it turns out to be
more,that's just a bonus.I also get 600 brass and bullets,dies
and anything left for 303.:super:.It sounds like we meet on sat.
Details on the rifle will be posted for more information.Hopefully
we can tee up the meet.Thanks Redhorse
The Long Branch came in the mail to day with all the included bits.
:D Here's the info off it.Left side of reciever No.4 Mk 1 *Long Branch
1943 ,on the band between stocks pieces 27L0156,that number is
on the bolt and the stock at the front behind the nose piece,there
are other marking there also but I can't make them out,I need a jewelers
glass for that.On the grip area behind the trigger guard is a C and some
more markings I can't make out yet.The rifle is in very good condition
with beauty bore.The wood is old and dark,smells like cosmoline.:lol:
but is in very good shape.I am very happy with this rifle.I will try and
get someone with a camera to get me a pic or two.Did I do OK?
Thanks Redhorse
PS On the rear buttstock is a B over a 55,on the forestock over the s/n
is a B over what looks like an 86 also under the serial number is a H no slash
over an N
Congratulations ....... :thup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Redhorse
It sounds to me like a proper 1943 Long Branch, with "all matching" receiver, bolt and wood set. I think the "C" under the grip you're referring to is most like the C Broad Arrow marking indicating Canadian Military ownership.
Are there any markings on the rear sight and what kind of sight is it?
Based upon your description and no pics, I think you did just fine. :dancingbanana:
Regards,
Badger
Hey Badger,The rear sight is a turn screw peepsight with
a P in a circle on the side and on the front left corner
lookng at it from the front is a smaller P in circle with
an F 9 and a capital B underneath it over the top of the P
.Thanks Redhorse
PS The rear handguard has 4 grooves in it on each side
it does not look like a former owner carved them as they
are to even/clean.Weird.
Many WWII Enfields and Long Branches had the grooved rear handguard...they're beautiful aren't they? That's a factory item, I was told rifles are found with and without them with no rhyme or reason. I've bought a few of them on ebay...they add something to an Enfield IMHO.Quote:
Originally Posted by Redhorse
Hey Cantom,Yes ,I like the look the grooves give the handguard.
I really like the rifle period.:D