I know, I know, another LE question, but....

berger

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Just to be clear, I have used the CGN search feature, but it left me wanting more... :D so I had to ask...

I am trying to decide between a LB No4 Mk1* 2 Groove and a No4MK2, both in VG condition and match. The price difference is negligible, so what would you guys do? I want to shoot this rifle, but I am no competitior. I also love the Canadiana of the LB....I am so torn!! Please help!! They are both beautiful.

P.S.

Should the 2 groove issue be a deciding factor?

Berger
 
Sell the lawnmower / food processor / old Mad magazine collection and get both ;)

Hey Lou!
You haven't known me long, but with my recent purchases, I just might do it!! :D ;)

Actually, I do have to choose this time...I was just checking, and my sporterized No4Mk1 is a 2 groove and I think she shoots very well. I was hitting an empty 50rd .22cal box off a bail of hay at 100yards (peep sights) while in southern AB over the holidays, so I think the 2 groove vs 5 groove is no longer an issue....for me.

Berger
 
x2 - you'll end up with both eventually - if you buy the long branch you'll want the mk2, if you buy the mk 2, you'll want the long branch. Also, that way one can stay home safe while the other one gets to play.
 
x2 - you'll end up with both eventually - if you buy the long branch you'll want the mk2, if you buy the mk 2, you'll want the long branch. Also, that way one can stay home safe while the other one gets to play.

I have no doubt that my LE collection will grow, but being a history major, I love the LB because it is WWII era rifle and it was made by the worlds best. :)

Berger
 
Let me know where I can snag that No4 Mk2 and thus narrow down your choices. Seriously though, the Mk2 the better rifle of the two.
 
Sure, why not? The Mk2 will probably be a better shooter due to trigger arrangement, but hte LB is no slouch, Canadian, and worth more as a collectible.
 
Let me know where I can snag that No4 Mk2 and thus narrow down your choices. Seriously though, the Mk2 the better rifle of the two.

Being Canadian, do the LBs come up more often in our market then the Mk2s and are quality Mk2s harder to find?

I really appreciate everyones help during this stressfull time...;)

Berger
 
Being Canadian, do the LBs come up more often in our market then the Mk2s and are quality Mk2s harder to find?

I really appreciate everyones help during this stressfull time...;)

Berger

I'm not sure about the commonality of LB but I sure know how hard it is to find a nice Mk2. That's my white whale!
 
Which No.4

Think you know the answer. LB is loaded with Canadian history and the highest quality in my opinion. The 1950's MK2, well made No.4's and fine "shooters", but they greatly depreciate once unwrapped.IMHO.
Geoff
I have no doubt that my LE collection will grow, but being a history major, I love the LB because it is WWII era rifle and it was made by the worlds best. :)

Berger
 
Thanks for all of your input guys, I really appreciate it. As a newbie to the site I have learned quite a bit. Hopefully my "newbie" posts haven't been too repetitive or irritating....:D;)

I 'pulled the trigger' and went for the MKII (hoping it is still available). I am pretty sure I will find a LB if I really want one, but I want to shoot this gun, not that I wouldn't shoot the LB, but it might be easier on the mind to really use the MKII.

Did I mention the LB was a Kiwi model? Does that change the LB fans opinion on the rifle much?

Berger

***EDIT***

I just found out that the MKII was made at the ROF Fazakerley. Fazakerley is a suburb of Liverpool..I am a die-hard Liverpool Football Club fan!! Works for me!!
 
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I just found out that the MKII was made at the ROF Fazakerley. Fazakerley is a suburb of Liverpool..I am a die-hard Liverpool Football Club fan!! Works for me!!

If it's marked FTR(F) with possibly a date, it means it went through a Factory Thorough Repair (refurbishing) at Fazakerley, but it doesn't necessarily mean it was originally manufactured by Fazakerley. It could be, but the markings tell you a lot.

When you get it, post some pics of the marks and the folks here will be able to help you out a lot more about her history. :)

Regards,
Badger
 
Well, I flopped. :redface:

After reading up on the different LE's, the comments here and speaking with a friend, I switched and went for the '42 No 4 MK1* Longbranch. My goal was to get a wartime rifle. I will probably get a MKII later on (1955), but the next LE I do buy will have to be a No MKIII.

Hope to get it this week.

Berger
 
You didn't flop.... :D

That was a good choice, in fact I'd argue it was the better choice if that Mk2 was FTR'd ... ;)

Regards,
Badger

Hey Badger,

Thanks! I do not think the MK2 was, but then I cannot be sure. Would that normally be posted? It is listed as excellent shape. The rifle is available on P&S Militaria and I thank Jean for his patience with me. :)

Berger
 
Value depreciates greatly when unwrapped? I unwrapped BOTH of my No4Mk2's For all the good a "wrapped " rifle does, you could just as easily wrap a 2x4. and get the same enjoymnt out of it. "Well I'm saving it" For Who? If I was an investor, rather than a shooter, it might make sense.
 
The rifle is available on P&S Militaria and I thank Jean for his patience with me. :)

Well then, if it was Jean at P&S, then either one of those rifles would have been fairly represented and priced, so you really couldn't go wrong.

He's first class and treats new and old collectors with patience.... ;)

I think a 1942 Long Branch is a really nice piece to own, obviously because of its Canadian heritage, but also because of the very early date of manufacture. I don't often see many of those around with that early date.

Enjoy her and post pics when you get a chance to take her to the range for a shoot. :D

Regards,
Badger
 
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