Question on Long Branch #4 (T)

[Peter Laidler]

Bolt action. To save me saying it all over and over again, please believe me, but in my honest opinion, as a real life, old time, REAL Armourer of just a few years standing, that your rifle is as real and genuine and original as it gets. And, for what it's worth, in my heart of hearts and knowing how the REAL, out there system works, I wouldn't mind betting that many of those 'as they left the factory' rifles you yearn for have been made up to 'as they left the factory' spec. Not all of course but sometimes, I have to have my doubts..........

I wouldn't mind betting that in a few years time, people will be collecting 'as they left the factory' L1A1 rifles with ALL BSA or ALL Enfield made parts. Believe me, I used to see them................., factory fresh, still in the sealed air tight wrappers, a complete mix of BSA, Fazakerley and Enfield parts. I know I'm wasting my time as I repeat it time and time again

Call me sentimental or just mellowing as I get a bit older after having been and seen them all for many years, but I just think that these grand old ladies, especially that classic masterpiece, the No4T deserves more.................. But just reflect on the fact that while I was the snipers Armourer here at Warminster many moons ago and STILL see them coming through, I NEVER heard a sniper (I mean a REAL sniper as opposed to a good shot or just a collector - but the real McCoy.....) ask whether he could be issued with an 'as factory gate issue' sniper rifle. Nope......., they wanted one that the user on the last course had passed the course with.

I think we should leave concourse for car shows. Only my thoughts and I could be wrong