Long Branch - Price Check

[Katana]

Hey all. Looking to sell my Long Branch but I really don't know what it's worth and don't want to sell myself short. Anyways, what I've got is a 1949 Long Branch #4mk1* s/n 91L****. It would seem that it is not matching as the bolt has E-pen it s/n into it. Bore is nice and shinny and it is an awesome shooter. With the last batch of milsurp ammo I had it easily would shoot 1-2 in groups at 100y.
How does one check to see what # bolt head is on it???

Pics to follow...

 

[toyboy]

there is a number usually from 0 to 3 near the extractor.it may be faded and hard to see.

 

[louthepou]

Is your rifle a sporterized version or the original military configuration?

 

[Katana]

I just added pics, is that the one I'm looking for in the bottom pic??

 

[cantom]

The parts are a bit mixed up. Non matching bolt,(bolt s/n's were not electropencilled) forend has a bolt through it, mismatched wood set, wrong rear sight, wrong safety.

Etc. A mixmaster.

Not a top dollar gun.
Maybe $400-$500 depending on who wants it?

 

[greyman441]

I think more like 300. For a mixed up gun like that i think that would be fair.

 

[louthepou]

Have you taken it apart? I wonder if, with the target sling swivel on the trigger guard and the strange cross-bolt at the rear of the forend, this couldn't be a rifle that was used for target shooting. Long shot but hey, it may be worth asking.

 

[Katana]

I was told that the builder of this rifle used it in 1,000 yd comp's so it may be but then again, the guy I bought it from could tell me anything he wanted

 

[AdamP]

I'd vote for 300-350. All matching nice war dated LB No4s still come up on the EE from 450-600 from time to time.

Sounds like a good shooter. I hear #3 bolt heads are pretty rare,

Adam

 

[Katana]

What do the numbers on the bolthead represent??

 

[TheTooner]

The size. They were made in different lengths to adjust headspace, which varied mainly due to manufacturing tolerances, but sometimes headspace could change enough from wear in service that a different size bolt head would be fitted.

 

[longbranch*]

Might do better on a trade for something you want. Dont worry about short-changing yourself.
Geoff

 

[cantom]

Might do better on a trade for something you want. Dont worry about short-changing yourself.
Geoff

...me and longbranch* figured we had a premium year of LB with our rare 1949's. Turned out they weren't that hot as they are not a wartime year. Go figure.

 

[Lee Enfield]

...me and longbranch* figured we had a premium year of LB with our rare 1949's. Turned out they weren't that hot as they are not a wartime year. Go figure.

I believe 1949 to be the most interesting LB production year.

5 & 6 groove barrels

2 identification markings variations ~handstamped changing to roll stamped

lowest quantity production year ~@6,000 compared to 1941's @15,000

top quality fit and finish

 

[TheTooner]

To a collector of No.4s, especially Long Branch No.4s, those things would matter. To the larger number who collect guns generally, or collect a wider range of milsurps and just want one No.4, I would expect them to want one from the war years.

 

[Lee Enfield]

To a collector of No.4s, especially Long Branch No.4s, those things would matter. To the larger number who collect guns generally, or collect a wider range of milsurps and just want one No.4, I would expect them to want one from the war years.

guilty

 

[Katana]

Well, she's up on the market for all who's interested...