Longbranch pricing for a non-milsurp guy?

Silverado

Silverado

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I think it's well considered around here that a Canadian gun owner should have at least one SMLE, and I understand the Longbranch is the desirable one given it's Canadian heritage.

I would like to have a good condition, representative example of one for range use and hunting; not a pristine collector piece, just a clean complete shooter.

What would be a reasonable price for such a rifle, and what should I look out for?
 
Hi Silverado,

A Complete (non-sporterized) No4 Lee Enfield made at the Longbranch factory would be around $400 these days I believe, but give or take quite a bit. Maybe not a lot lower than $400 (you could get $350 or $325 I suppose, but the shape of the rifle wouldn't be the nicest).

A sporterized one would be $150; many of them around.

Lou
 
Thanks Lou. I'm more interested in a complete model with full wood and issue sights.

There is a nice sporter version in the EE for only about $140, but not what I'm looking for really.

Is there anything in particular one should look for, inquire about, etc?
 
Google P&S guns and Militaria, they have some Longbranch No.4's that were issued to India. They are not desired by the "purists" due to India installing the "Ishey screw", which was a screw that went through the forearm right in front of the trigger guard. They go for $350 at P&S and might be what you are looking for. A Canadian made Enfield that is decently priced, not a museum piece and is all original and has matching numbers.
 
Other than obvious safe shooting condition...minimal dings 'n bruises on the stocks.
Proper Canadian and Longbranch stamps.
Canadian stamped Mklll rearsight
Same serial number should be on the bolt , receiver , barrel , sometimes the bottomside of the forestock on earlier production rilfes.
Here's a site that has different stamps for LE's including Canadian
http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/main.htm
 
I bought a 1942 Long Branch No4 Mk1* in mid June and paid $650 for it I believe. It's all matching with a minty bore and 99.9% condition of the metal. Couple bumps and dings in the stock, but from a few feet away it looks as if it was just issued yesterday. Best investment I will ever make.

The Ishy ones from P&S are good looking too, and it's hard to beat the price.
 
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