Lee Enfield Long Branch
- Thread starter AR15meister
- Start date
samsplacci71
Regular
- Location
- Toronto area
As you know Long Branch Arsenal is long since gone. Look on EE in the milsurp section. Unfortunately there is a huge range in price with Long Branch rifles, expect to pay anywhere from 150 for a sporter to 700+ for one in orginal config. If you want to get a good quality one, look for one made in the 1950's, they are among the best. If you have other rifles in .308, consider getting a long branch which was converted to that calibre for DCRA matches.
AR15meister
CGN Regular
I should have specified I would want a WW2 dated gun in collector condition.
I have looked in the EE and found none. Are they that rare? I remember a few years ago I saw them a bunch and I should have just bought one. Getting a little older and have more disposable income to spend on dumb things LOL.
I have looked in the EE and found none. Are they that rare? I remember a few years ago I saw them a bunch and I should have just bought one. Getting a little older and have more disposable income to spend on dumb things LOL.
samsplacci71
Regular
- Location
- Toronto area
They pop up from time to time, those who have them, won't part with them. Post a WTB ad in the EE. Worst that can come of it is nothing, which is what you already have. Best bet, is find a sporter that hasn't been drilled and tapped and is also has the proper length barrel which hasn't been cut at the bayonet lugs and buy the wood and metal bits you need. This is what I ended up doing.
If you are interested in the one on the EE I'd ask the seller for more detailed pics showing all of the various serial numbers. For the price of that one I'd want it to be matching with a good to very good bore. The mis matched wood on that rifle doesn't bother me as long as it's C broad arrow marked.
- Location
- Beaverlodge, Alberta
Watch it on collector's source. A wise man once told me the apostrophe means there is only ONE collector. Do your research before you buy one then decide what grade of collector piece you want. As issued, unissued etc. Go to the Lee-Enfield knowledge library sticker at the top of the page and do a bunch of reading. If you want a good one it'll take some work.
I lived on 42nd St in the '50s.
The sound of various firearms being test fired was like white noise back then.
I have had less than zero success with want to buy ads. They just plain do not work.
Long Branch rifles are at a bit of premium lately...they are just not as commonly available as they were 1-2 years ago.
Almost everyone wants one...only so many are for sale.
Rarity breeds higher prices which are showing up lately.
The same is not true of other Enfields...only Canadian made Long Branches.
As was just told to me, the young generation is buying them lately. They are much less likely to come up for sale again anytime soon.
While the LongBranch rifles are cool...the No4 Mk1* are just about the worst incarnation of the No4 rifle. I don't know how many I have seen with chipped rails causing cycling issues. If it's for nostalgia go for it, if it is to shoot, get a No4 Mk1 or Mk2. Stay away from the Mk1* rifles.
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I think a lot more of it has to do with the Enfields being a good budget rifle capable of taking all sorts of game for hunting; not so much the interest behind it.
Looking around, for a sporter even priced at the $250 mark, what other new rifles on the market compare?
I hope Im wrong though. I am a younger guy still, and my interest is peaked in the history of them - so there are some of us at least.
I don't really know if I fit your definition of young generation but the reason why I wanted a full wood long branch was because it was made in Canada and it fought in the hand of our soldier. I wanted one because I'm proud to be canadian. If I could afford it, I would have a Ross rifle for the same reasons.
Collector's Source = at least 10 percent more than you should be paying. (As a general rule anyhow)
P&S Militaria I find to be a better bet, Longbranches have been scarce and at a bit of a premium for the last while though.
Good luck in your quest, and buying a Longbranch isn't a 'dumb thing'
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Most people I know who are younger (like me) want a Longbranch for the simple reason it is Canadian. If it was a Savage or a Fazakerley, they couldn't care less (I still wouldn't mind a Savage or Fazakerley). They also want a Lee Enfield because its what 'grandpa used' (well forgetting most the time that they are second or third generation Canadians so there grandparents (or in some cases like mine, great grandparents) wouldn't have served with the Canadian Military).
