1950 Longbranch No. 4 Mk. 1* Questions

Mudd.Creek.Montana

Mudd.Creek.Montana

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Hi, last week I picked up a 1950 dated Longbranch No. 4 Mk. 1* and was wondering about a few things. First, the rear sight is the L shaped flip style sight- would this type be correct for this rifle? If not, which one should I get? Are there any websites handy that show photos of the various models of rear sights?

Also, regarding Longbranch in general- how late did Enfield production occur at this location? For $189 I think I did pretty well, a decent, clean rifle with an outstanding bore. I've been looking for a Longbranch and was happy to get a decent example for the price, has the small CAI stamp near the muzzle, not the Centry "billboard", which is also a plus...although I'd likely have passed if it had the billboard.

Any insight is appreciated, thanks!
 
Hi Muddy!

Well, for starters, you made out like a bandit!:D

I paid $300 for my 1950 LB a few years ago, and thought I did pretty good considering how much they've climbed in the past ten years.

IMG_1197-ef.jpg



This is the type of sight you want. It is a CMk3 model and it is stamped steel, with a lever on the right side to adjust fine elevation.

IMG_1179ede.jpg


I don't know what year they halted production at the Long Branch Arsenal, but they had resumed it again to produce rifles for the Korean War, IIRC. I think it closed down again for good after the war ended.

It is a pity your country puts those stupid import marks on firearms.:(
 
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Correct sight would be a CMk.III.
There are rifles dated in the mid '50s. When production ended, as opposed to assembly from inventoried parts, I don't know.
 
Production recommenced in 1949 and ceased in 1950. Dates as late as 1956 will be found on rifles assembled on undated bodies left over from 1950.
 
Last production run was 1949/50. Rifles dated from 1951 to 1956 are strictly Factory Thorough Repaired or rebuilt rifles, we did not used the British/Indian FTR/FR rebuilt markings in Canada. A last run of spare receivers was made in 1956, before the FN C-1 rifles started production.
 
Winchester-1897 said:
Is that the same sight that Savage models came with to because mine has that sight?
Click to expand...

Most of the Savage sight would have an "S" stamped on it somewhere. I don't beleive they had the had the stamped rear sight...I have seen some with the milled and "S" marked sight
My No.4 Savage has the two position flip-up marked with a Square "S"...I do recall a Savage I had years ago with a milled sight, but cannot recall if it was "S" marked
Cheers
 
Ah, to only be in the U.S. looking for Longbranches...

$189!!!!!

Crikey, that's a better deal than the $200 Garands we had ten years ago.

:)
 
Savages were manufactured with two types of sights the MKI (S marked rarely seen very few made and the MKII Flip-up most rifles had those). During rebuilding programs other British MKI or MKIII often replaced the Savage made sights.
 
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"...has the small CAI stamp..." Check the headspace before you shoot it. Even if the serial number on the receiver matches the one on the back of the bolt handle. Century is notorious for assembling Lee-Enfield rifles out of parts bins with zero QC.
"...For $189 I think I did pretty well..." You bet.
 
Ah, my mistake. I forgot to mention the CMk3 is the correct name for the sight you need.

I was lazy, and didn't look hard enough through my photos for a picture of the rear sight on my LB (I forgot I took one.) I did a Google search for a MK III sight, and posted a picture similar to mine.

I have updated my posting above, but here it is again.

IMG_1179ede.jpg



Here is a really cool milled LB sight I found, with micrometer adjustments and a very small peephole for the battle sight.

You'll have to excuse the cosmoline on it, I took pictures of it before I cleaned it up.:p

It may not be correct for my rifle, but I am thinking about putting it on.:)

IMG_1497ede.jpg


IMG_1498ede.jpg



P.S. I'm surprised nobody pointed out that the sling is on backwards on my rifle.:runaway:

That is the first thing that was pointed out to me on an American forum I posted it on, when I first got it. :rolleyes:

Again, I took the pictures as soon as I got it home, and before I had a chance to change it.:D
 
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Thanks guys for all of the great feedback, I really appreciate it. Funny thing, the Longbranch came from a sporting goods "chain" store that typically has a good selection of milsurp on hand- and they actually had this one on clearance- go figure, guess it was meant to be :^). This makes Enfield #11 in the collection (7 SMLE's, 3 No. 4's, and a Jungle Carbine), as well as a Mk. V Webley and a No. 2 Enfield revolver.

She's currently torn down, getting a good scrubbing, and in the meantime I'll go about looking for the correct sight- any comments on where to start looking for one would be greatly appreciated. And also, what are the differences between a Canadian and British Mk. 3 sight (other than the C marking)? Many thanks!!!
 
Mudd.Creek.Montana said:
Thanks guys for all of the great feedback, I really appreciate it. Funny thing, the Longbranch came from a sporting goods "chain" store that typically has a good selection of milsurp on hand- and they actually had this one on clearance- go figure, guess it was meant to be :^). This makes Enfield #11 in the collection (7 SMLE's, 3 No. 4's, and a Jungle Carbine), as well as a Mk. V Webley and a No. 2 Enfield revolver.

She's currently torn down, getting a good scrubbing, and in the meantime I'll go about looking for the correct sight- any comments on where to start looking for one would be greatly appreciated. And also, what are the differences between a Canadian and British Mk. 3 sight (other than the C marking)? Many thanks!!!
Click to expand...

It sounds like you got it at a 'Big 5 Sporting Goods' store. Do they have them in Montana?

You could try phoning Numrich and ask them if they have one of these in a CMk3 model: http://www.e-gunparts.com/product.asp?chrProductSKU=486270

Russell at Springfield Sporters is another good guy to deal with, but he doesn't seem to have any listed. It still doesn't hurt to call though.

http://www.ssporters.com/parts/enfield4.htm

If you're really stuck, I have a spare that has a slight bend in the interior.

P.S. I think the only difference between the British and Canadian Mk.3 (or III) sights, is that one was made in Canada and was stamped as such (ie. CMk.3.)

P.P.S. If I'm wrong on that, at least three guys will correct me!:)
 
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Brit. Mk.III sights often use a separate spacer on the right side of the sight, and the battle sight is a bent up flange.
The Mk.I sight above would be most correct on a 1941 dated LB Mk.I rifle.
 
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