43 Long Branch LE finish?

[pdcox]

Hello everyone, I'm a rookie, so not sure if I'm doing this right, but I have some questions I'm hoping someone may be able to help me with. I'm seriously considering purchasing a 43 LE Long Branch 303. It's in decent shape, but has some shiney black paint on the metal which concerns me. I have not been able to get a clear understanding of the facts. The original finish would have been oil blackened or blueing? Was it common practice to recondition with suncorite or black paint? (There is no reconditioning stamp) Is suncorite shiney, cause paint or otherwise, shiney just doesn't seem right? Anyway, any help clarifying how it would have been out of the factory, and possibily how and why it got this way would be appreciated. Thanks.

Information

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[rgg_7]

Canadian or British rifle? Markings on rifle would be helpful? If LB should be blued. British is Suncorite. Shiney black most likely is not original...could be a restored sporter or a repaint.

[No4Mk1(T)]

The correct finish for a 43 Long Branch is blued.
If it doesn’t have an FTR mark engraved into the receiver side then it’s unlikely it’s Suncorite as you surmise. It is possible (and I must stress the word possible) this is ether an Indian or POF refurb. You would however expect to see an RFI or POF refurb stamp though.

[pdcox]

Anyone welcome to join in, the more questions, hopefully the more info gathered. Without a reconditioning stamp then, it's likely someone decided to paint it along the way? If this ends up being the case, any tips on how difficult it will be to take the paint off without damage? If by chance is suncorite, what challenge does that present to refinish, or would the best thing to do is leave it alone? Does suncorite have a glossy finish?

[spinecracker]

So it was a normal practice to apply suncorite to a Lee Enfield that had gone through FTR, or only if the original finish was sufficiently degraded to warrant refinishing? I hope I am not hijacking the thread, but I think I am asking a pertinent question

[gunner]

I restored a No.4 MK.I* with suncorit, the glossy look is not the suncorite it comes when you rub it with oil after drying the suncorite in the oven. Some say it is a ugly thing but i like it because the No.4 MK.II from 1954 made at Fazarkely has it from the factory.

Regards

Gunner