New 1941 Longbranch No4 MKI and questions

[spinecracker]

Thinking back, the person selling the Long Branch, in-between giving me some attitude, did state that the magazine alone was worth $100 - funny, but I didn't see any gold-plating...(then again, there was much bluing left either...)

[Surpmil]

Go on 'Cracker, stop being so Scottish and buy the damn thing. Much more haggling and he'll tell you to push off for good!

If you want an Enforcer just build one up. Heaven knows - and so do we - that there are enough CR1470 barrels around the UK, and the rest is easy and relatively cheap, except perhaps the Pecar scope, which will take a little searching.

BTW Enforcer experts, did the police chop the scopes and woodwork too, or just the barrelled actions?

[spinecracker]

From my limited research on the matter, it would appear that some police forces destroyed the entire rifle, some destroyed just the barreled receiver, and some sold the rifle to the public - or any mixture of the 3 options, depending on circumstances and time period.

Surpmil, I already have an Enforcer that was issued to a British police force, but I might have an opportunity to buy another that is only 4 numbers different in serial number, and was issued to the same police force in Derbyshire on the same date (serial numbers and dates all confirmed by Alan de Enfield - that guy knows his stuff).

PS. I'm not Scottish - more's the pity :P

[Brian Dick]

I think Surpmil was using the term "Scottish" as a figure of speech. It could also be applied to other ethnic groups around the world but wasn't it two Scotsmen who invented copper wire by fighting over a penny, (pence)? And yes, I'm of Scottish descent!

[spinecracker]

Brian, I have nothing but respect for the Scottish - amazing people and ridiculously brave (maybe it has something to do with wearing kilts with nothing underneath in a country full of groin-high thistles??). We Brits also use the term "welching" or "welshing" for someone who reneges on a deal, but it is hardly nice to the Welsh people. and then there are the Irish jokes. With all the insulting of the indigenuous people inhabiting the United Kingdom, I am surprised that we have time for our favourite pastime - insulting the French.

Back to topic (kind of) - I had a bout of insomnia last night, so I am tired and grumpy - I hope the seller does not give me any grief, otherwise he may end up with the Long Branch shoved where the sun don't shine (which I believe is Bognor Regis on a sunday). Lucky for him that the front sight protector is missing lol

[spinecracker]

Well, I got it. Barrel is a 2 groove, dated 1942. The only part I see that is not Long Branch-marked is the foresight. This rifle, judging by the condition of the rifle and the filth under the wood, has not been refurbished, but that is for you to decide - I'm too pooped! I will start a new thread about this rifle and will post pics tomorrow or Tuesday.

[Surpmil]

Well now that we've all paid our respects to the Scots...as someone of paternal Scots descent, I think I can safely say that I admire the good qualities without being blind to the bad ones. It was Burns who wrote "Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation", and he didn't mean the English. You wish you were Scottish, but St. George's flag is your avatar? I wish UK residents would get over this devolution nonsense and remember that united you stand a chance and divided you fall in Brussels' lap like over-ripe fruit. But I digress...

Spinecracker, I was pulling your leg old chap. Never an easy thing on internet forums I know.

Glad you got the rifle and look forward to the photos.

[spinecracker]

Surpmil, St. George could well have been French, and the stories of the dragon-saying may be French - now doesn't that put the cat almongst the pigeons! Besides, I was pulling your leg back, mate The only chip I have on my shoulder is made of potato and has been fried...

As for Brussels, you should look up the comments of MEP Daniel Hannan on, I think, the Daily Telegraph blogs. Last year, he ripped Gordon Brown a new one in front of the European parliament (it is on youtube), and it wasn't before time! This is as close to politics I will discuss on this website lol.