Well, given the resurging interest in Long Branch Lee Enfields, I just thought I'd share my little project. I had the good fortune to pick up 2 Long Branch No.4's that had unmolested metalwork and numbers matching. One is a 1942 and the other is a 1943. Then the fun began! I embarked on a major parts hunt. Thanks to some fellow CGNer's, gun shows, and the internet, I managed to get all of the Long Branch parts I needed to complete one and almost complete the other. In the pics, you'll see the first build, and though as present it's sporting a Parker Hale 5C target sight, I have a Long Branch marked milled "Singer" sight if I wish to put it back to proper factory military condition. The lower forestock I picked up needed some work. I steamed out the worst of the compression dents, but to get the stock completely blemish free would have meant that I'd have had to sand it far too much so I had to leave it as you see it in the pics.
To complete build #2, the 1943 Long Branch, I'll still need the forward barrel band and screw, the buttstock swivel and screws, and the screw for the mid barrel band. The lower forestock for the second build is in really sad shape, but at least it's not cut down and I'm doing as much as I can to restore it. Should any of you guys know of a walnut No.4 forestock looking for a home, or any of the other bits I've mentioned, please let me know. For now, enjoy the before and after pics and let me know what you think. Have a good day all!
To complete build #2, the 1943 Long Branch, I'll still need the forward barrel band and screw, the buttstock swivel and screws, and the screw for the mid barrel band. The lower forestock for the second build is in really sad shape, but at least it's not cut down and I'm doing as much as I can to restore it. Should any of you guys know of a walnut No.4 forestock looking for a home, or any of the other bits I've mentioned, please let me know. For now, enjoy the before and after pics and let me know what you think. Have a good day all!
