I'd say, if it looks nice, buy it. Forget the story.
+1.
I'd say, if it looks nice, buy it. Forget the story.
I think FTR means "Factory Through Repair".
I was expecting a reply today, but he must have been busy. Ill report back as soon as I hear more.
Anything you guys would recommend I look for when looking at this longbranch? Are there certain years of LB's that are more desirable for a certain reason? If the LB factory did not mark their FTR's how would I be able to tell if this LB rifle is unissued, or FTR'ed?
I think FTR means "Factory Through Repair".
It means it has been overhauled. Part of the legitimate history of a rifle that had to work for a living, but maybe less desirable as a collector.
Ok here's the scoop.
It is a 1950 Longbranch No.4 Mk. 1* that he bought wrapped up, in the grease. he unwrapped it, and partially degreased it, but never got around to finishing it. It has some scuffs/dents in the butt stock but that's it. It doesn't come with any accessories, just the rifle. He doesn't have a digital camera though so he can't send any pics.
What do you guys think I should do? 500? I would be picking it up in person if I did buy it.
Canadian "FTR"s do NOT say FTR on them. About the only way to tell is experience, and sometime that doesn't tell you exactly what you are looking at either.
Quick & Dirty: Any LB No4 which is dated before 1950 and has a parkerized finish is possibly a Canadian FTR.
LB started parkerizing part way thru 1950 dated No4s.
From your limited description, it could well be Arsenal new, FTR or Long term storage (ie. war stores). FTR or Storage could have been anywhere, tho the markings or lack of them do tell their own story.
I'd say, if it looks nice, buy it. Forget the story.
Joe N., that's a beautiful rifle.
And if I had $500.00 to spare, I'd snap that other one up right now. The value will go nowhere but up.
Close. "Factory THOROUGH Repair", not "Through."

Ok here's the scoop.
It is a 1950 Longbranch No.4 Mk. 1* that he bought wrapped up, in the grease. he unwrapped it, and partially degreased it, but never got around to finishing it. It has some scuffs/dents in the butt stock but that's it. It doesn't come with any accessories, just the rifle. He doesn't have a digital camera though so he can't send any pics.
What do you guys think I should do? 500? I would be picking it up in person if I did buy it.
Ok here's the scoop.
It is a 1950 Longbranch No.4 Mk. 1* that he bought wrapped up, in the grease. he unwrapped it, and partially degreased it, but never got around to finishing it. It has some scuffs/dents in the butt stock but that's it. It doesn't come with any accessories, just the rifle. He doesn't have a digital camera though so he can't send any pics.
What do you guys think I should do? 500? I would be picking it up in person if I did buy it.



























