New Long Branch 1941...

[Alan de Enfield]

What is the significance of the holes through the lower band? Something to do with Indian service?

I believe that the holes were used for the sight on a grenade launcher.

a) Maybe its been a grenade launcher and has been re-furbed - whats the barrel internals like ?
or
b) Maybe it has been re-built using parts from a grenade launching rifle ?

[spinecracker]

I won't have an idea until it is in my hands, and even then...

Madcratebuilder has me worried about the seller (TG International). I went out on a limb with this one, but at least they have a 3-day inspection period, and all I would lose out on would be shipping both ways (about $50), unless anyone else has had dealings with TGI and has other impressions. With all costs together, the rifle will end up costing about $425 to get into my hands (oh, how I need to sort out my C&R license), and I would think that is a reasonable price for a 1941 Long Branch, unless it is totally trashed.

[Alan de Enfield]

Madcratebuilder has me worried about the seller (TG International). I went out on a limb with this one, but at least they have a 3-day inspection period, .

Not saying this is a 'bad one' but TGI's reputation is appalling (cannot use the correct adjective on a public forum).
They have been selling dozens of Khyber Pass rifles as originals but needed 'to be checked by a gunsmith', several members on another forum have been badly, badly burnt by them.
After some serious letter writing and threats, naming names etc they now do put in their ads 'display - non shooter only' 'possible Khyber Pass copies'

No apologies issued tho'.

Here are a couple of pics of what they have been selling (No1's, No4's and No5's):

[spinecracker]

Well, I'm pooping myself now....I'm pretty sure that the Long Branch is not a Kyber Pass copy, but I wonder what will (not might) be wrong with it.

[Surpmil]

Oh ye of little faith...

[spinecracker]

I have faith and trust in God, but not in people lol

My choices are these -

1. Decline to pay for the item (the email they sent me says that if an item isn't paid for within 21 days, then it is relisted), and deal with the negative feedback and possible non-payor warning.
2. Pay for the item, look at it at the FFL, then decide whether to keep it or send it back, then have to haggle for a refund (may end up costing $50 for shipping and a relisting fee).

I am awaiting more photos from a forum member that may help in my decision.

[spinecracker]

I believe that the holes were used for the sight on a grenade launcher.

a) Maybe its been a grenade launcher and has been re-furbed - whats the barrel internals like ?
or
b) Maybe it has been re-built using parts from a grenade launching rifle ?

Sorry Alan, I missed your question. I have no idea about the condition of the barrel, beyond the fact it is the original barrel and is described as "shiny" (a lot of bloody use, that is)

I will be phoning my credit cards info to the seller as soon as they let me know their biusiness hours, then will sit back in dread and anticipation. I am hoping for a nice surprise, but expecting a turd. I am consoling myself to the fact that it is a rare Lee Enfield.

Two questions:

How exactly would would a grenade launcher be fitted to one of these rifles that would necessitate the drilling of holes in the lower band?

And any idea of exactly what the "50" mark on the buttsocket may mean, and what country may have used such a marking?

[Alan de Enfield]

If you are a pessimist you will never be disapointed !!!

[spinecracker]

Alan, I consider myself a realist with pessimistic leanings and a twist of optimism on the side when dealing with dodgy companies lol. I was initially elated to have located a 1941 Long Branch, but my glee nose-dived when I read your, and other poeople's, revelations regarding the seller (who is still getting bids on those awful Khyber Pass copies on GB - the mind boggles).

Let us say I am hoping for the best and praying to be spared the worst, which I believe is a common way to feel when buying via an online auction lol. The worst that can happen is that I send it back and lose $75 (shipping and a Brady check), and learn a valuable lesson.

[bradtx]

spinecracker, No idea what that '50' represents, but suspect it is a maintenance/inspection stamp. The Mk.II cocking piece came online early in England and probably nearly as soon in N. America.

I don't feel it's 100% original as it shows hints of maintenance, but it looks on the whole to be a good example, worthy of inspection at the least.

Brad