1950 Long Branch

[therno]

Ok I have a bit of a dilemma. I currently have safe overflowing full of Enfields. Mostly various Mk3s and 2 No 4s ('43 Maltby and BSA No4 T with scope) along with a P14. I am very satisfied with what I have and have not been longing for another Enfield much lately. Other than the elusive LB C No7 in a chest. However, the other day I walked into a local gun shop a there was a Very Good + No4 Long Branch 1950 all blued with some grease still on it. Just some typical storage scratches on the furniture and barrel bands. I have always admired the 1950 LB but they really were not on my wish list right now. What is making me consider it is it's price of $400. I think this is a good price but I not 100% sure? I know I have seen people asking more than that one. Any thoughts?

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[Eaglelord17]

In Canada that's a steal but our prices seem to be a bit higher for Lee Enfields, especially of the Long Branch variety (Canadian pride). Something like that would likely end up selling for 650-850 on this side of the border (maybe more depending on how nice it is).

[Seaspriter]

$400 is a very fair price in today's market -- not high, not low. The good ones are going for $500-700. In just average condition they will sell for $350-400.

1950 was the last year of production for the Long Branch from what I understand. Only about 43,500 units were produced, so that was a small number compared to 1943 when LB produced over 350,000 rifles. You will regret not buying it in a year or two.

[limpetmine]

I'd jump. It's the capstone Long Branch. Fit and finish the best of any No. 4 made.

[mr.e moose]

Just buy it.It has no wartime provenance, but the fit and finish are some of the best.It will double in price before you know it.

[Seaspriter]

Could have been used in Korea.

[Simon P]

A lot of these in the UK a few years ago were Ex-Greek military and even had stacking rods fitted.

[therno]

Ok, so I went and bought it. Here are some picsAttachment 59146Attachment 59147Attachment 59148Attachment 59149Attachment 59150Attachment 59151Attachment 59153

It ended up being $425 with tax. Serial # matches on the bolt, receiver, mag and for-stock. Buttstock is the "Small" size which is a little bit of downside. I am 6'-2".

Couple of questions. There is some striping on the buttstock that appears to be in the finish? Is this fixable? Also the front barrel band has nice dent in it and some scratches. Is there any sources outer there for blued LB replacements?

[Brian Dick]

The rifles with stacking rods fitted were from Turkey not Greece.

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:23 PM ----------

That isn't a dent. It's been struck to keep the band from moving forward and fouling the front sight guard. Very normal.

[therno]

Make sense Thanks