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Looking at a '43 Long Branch No. 4 Mk. I*

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LeadKisses View Drop Down
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    Posted: August 27 2022 at 6:30pm
I'm looking at picking up one of these from a friend. He usually knows what he's talking about when it comes to milsurp, but I'm just trying to educate myself about this rifle.

I know that he had to un-Bubba it.
-LB handguard
-LB buttpad
-LB Bayonet w/o sheath
-LB front sight ears

Import marks are Century.
-Is this an FTR?
-What's the story with these? I know that they were made in -Ontario and obviously ended up in the us, but what happened in between?
-He says that the serial numbers are all matching, what parts are serialized on these rifles?
-What's the value range on something like this?
-Anything else anyone can tell me via pictures?
-Any more info I should ask before purchasing it?



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Shamu View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 28 2022 at 1:51pm
Looks nice!
Did he individually fit the wood to the metal?
(this is a big deal with the Lee Enfield action & its 2-piece stock)
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LeadKisses Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 28 2022 at 2:13pm
I'm not sure that I understand what you mean.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote britrifles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 28 2022 at 2:50pm
Looks pretty good, externally.  Not been through a Factory Thorough Repair (FTR), otherwise would be marked FTR.  So, may have an original barrel. 

Assuming good condition, good bore, and good fitting forend, I’d say $600+, depending on location in the US.  

Many Long Branch No. 4 rifles went overseas to British forces made under contract.  These were later released from British service (sold out of service) and imported into the US in the 1960’s thru 1980’s. 

There should be a serial number on the left side of the receiver wrist and back of the bolt handle, it’s important these two match. Some magazines are serialized, but not all, and it’s not important. 

Take a good look at the bore, it may be shot out from use of Cordite ammunition (by far, the majority of WWII British ammunition was loaded with Cordite, which burns hotter than NC powder).  Unless of course you want to just collect one of these and don’t intend on shooting it, in which case bore condition may not matter to you. 






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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 28 2022 at 6:03pm
No problem, "Victorian engineering"!
Everything was (or should have been) "some minor gunsmithing required"
Hand fitted to the individual action. A bit like being "fitted 3 times for a good suit"!
Things like bolt lug engagement, Draws, "Drawing the action up into & tight with the Wood" & so on.
L-E's are not "plug & play"!
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LeadKisses Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 28 2022 at 7:46pm
I doubt he fitted it. Musta dropped in?
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