Question on Long Branch #4 (T)

[boltaction]

Thank you! Myself, I don't see a problem with it, and I shouldn't have used the word "problem" in my previous post. I really like the rifle, and it's in really nice shape. It's been a working rifle, and is original as it left service. I'm just concerned with potential "complaints" about it if I drop dead and my wife goes to sell it. Personally, unforeseen financial disaster or hardship necessity in the future notwithstanding, I don't ever plan on selling it and hope to will it to one of my two kids....... If my work life ever allows again, I hope to take it out to the range and test it out. The turrets on the scope turn freely, but there is a bit of corrosion here and there--I am going to send the scope to Warren for a checkover.

I should clarify as well that I don't "yearn" for a "as it left the factory" rifle, although if one showed up at a local garage sale I sure wouldn't complain! I like mint things as much as the next person, but some of my favorite rifles are the ones which have clearly seen service somewhere. I've got a large number of Rosses which were issued and have the knocks of use, and one of my favorite SMLE's is not my mint matched ones, but one which has a nice smooth patina, someone's initials "dinged" into the wood with a bullet nose, and an old scar on the forewood that looks like it got hit with a shell splinter or something. It's like those folks on the eternal search for a mint, all matching early war production or pre-war production Mauser Kar-98k. Those rifles are around (and cost almost as a Brit #4(T) these days), but really, one which was actually carried for several years by a soldier on the losing side of a war is likely going to have had some part switched out, either in the field or at the battalion level. I lke them with a bit of character!

Thanks so much everyone for your feedback. It has been very helpful and educational.

Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

Ed

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