WWII Lee Enfield Long branch - what to look for?

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Neroh

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I remember helping my grandfather clean up his lee Enfield one summer as a kid. I've always wanted one since then, and now, 30-ish years later I'm serious about finding one. Trouble is, I really don't know what he had. It was sold off or given away many years ago and no one remembers any detail.

He served in the RAF and I wouldn't be surprised if he picked it up shortly after the war, possibly in Europe, but more likely back in Canada as a surplus rifle.

I'd be looking for something I can use, not a museum piece. So what should I be looking out for? A Canadian long branch seems like the way to go. I'm waiting to get into th EE, but in the meantime, what kind of price range should I expect? Any issues to keep an eye out for?
 
Neroh: Basically three categories for you to consider: 1) Sporterized; 2) Desporterized or "restored"; 3) Original config from factory or arsenal overhaul. This will take you from $150 to up to$1000. Be aware that there are a lot of desporterized ones out there and the work ranges from great to horrific. The proper installation of the forend requires special knowledge and lots of experience and affects the accuracy of the rifle. If I were you I'd look for a lower end category 3 (in very good mechanical condition but not a super expensive collector piece) and from any manufacturer. Look for a matching bolt, barrel , and forend and you should have a decent shooter that holds its value. Get on a forum like milsurps and study up on them hard before handing over your cash! Good luck finding one. They are a real pleasure to own and use.

milsurpo
 
Like the OP I'm also in the market for an original configuration Long Branch (preferably numbers matching, or at least mostly with the more important parts) which would be a rifle to be used and enjoyed. I agree that research must be done before you make any purchase. In doing so, I was wondering what a reasonably fair price range would be for decent example of one of these rifles.
 
Milsurpo is pretty much right on for most of his points. One thing I will politely disagree with is that a well used original rifle will likely be a good shooter. Yes, the ways (bedding) of the receiver and the fore end pressure pad need to be tight but many of the originals are actually loose in their beds and even with excellent bores will not shoot well. Thankfully they are not common but enough so that you will be at risk. Take heart though as it really isn't a difficult task to fix the offending worn ways in a fore end. Google Peter Laidler's method and you can easily have it fit and glued in an afternoon with pretty basic tools.

A mid range price for a sporter that has the barrel/stock cut back and in excellent condition throughout depends on where you are and how lucky you are. I go to garage sales and ask the people putting on the sale if they have any firearms they would like to sell. It's amazing what comes out of the closets at yard/garage sales. I have picked up some excellent sporters that are restorable for $75. I picked up a very nice Parker Hale rework with chrome bolt, well figured/checkered Walnut stocks with an older but perfect condition Weaver Steelite scope for $150 a week later. Both of those rifles were were worth at least twice what I paid for them and maybe more. The Parker Hale, after stripping it to its component parts and giving it a thorough cleaning shoots consistently into 2 inches or less at 100 yds after I glass bedded the ways. Yes, it's cheating but it's a sporter so it's acceptable and works well. I put a new, old LB stock on the best of the cut downs which was a 43 date LB and put all new LB bands and swivels on it. The rifle looks like it came out of the factory yesterday. Sorry OP it's sold already and I am just waiting for the rest of the money.

If you would like some advice, look for an uncut sporter. Check out Numrich Gun Parts and Sarco out of the US for all of the component parts you might need. You can put together a very nice rifle for a decent cost and not only do you become completely familiar with the rifle inside and out but you also know what you have. Purchasing a No4 off the internet from pictures can be difficult. Be especially aware when the seller will only send pics of one side of the rifle/ blurry pics/ or not willing to take pics of areas like the butt/magazine etc.
 
axemaster8 said:
Like the OP I'm also in the market for an original configuration Long Branch (preferably numbers matching, or at least mostly with the more important parts) which would be a rifle to be used and enjoyed. I agree that research must be done before you make any purchase. In doing so, I was wondering what a reasonably fair price range would be for decent example of one of these rifles.
Click to expand...

Current market value for a No1Mk4 in poor but working condition is around $100 range. Sporterized ones in good condition is $200 to $400 range and a full military in good condition is $600 and up. For a No3Mk1 it is $80, 180 to 400 and $500 and up for a full military. Long Branches are lower quality then the No1Mk4's but because they were made in Canada, they command more money on the Canadian market but no where else. The full military are still great value IMO considering how much it now cost to recondition one to full military specs. Two of my buddies just enharited a couple of Enfields separately from each of their grandfather's estate. Story goes their grandfathers were both able to purchase the Enfields from the Canadian Govt after their service. Both of my buddies do not know one another so it is interesting they are telling the same story. Not sure how legit the stories are but the rifles look the part because they weren't really factory sporterized or look like a bubba job. If anyone is interested in buying one, PM me and I could ask either friend who are both closet gun nuts if they are willing to sell. Their wives want them to desparatly get rid of them. At this moment I do not know what they are, only that they are Enfields used by the Canadian military.
 
Garaldtao said:
Current market value for a No1Mk4 in poor but working condition is around $100 range. Sporterized ones in good condition is $200 to $400 range and a full military in good condition is $600 and up. For a No3Mk1 it is $80, 180 to 400 and $500 and up for a full military. Long Branches are lower quality then the No1Mk4's but because they were made in Canada, they command more money on the Canadian market but no where else. The full military are still great value IMO considering how much it now cost to recondition one to full military specs. Two of my buddies just enharited a couple of Enfields separately from each of their grandfather's estate. Story goes their grandfathers were both able to purchase the Enfields from the Canadian Govt after their service. Both of my buddies do not know one another so it is interesting they are telling the same story. Not sure how legit the stories are but the rifles look the part because they weren't really factory sporterized or look like a bubba job. If anyone is interested in buying one, PM me and I could ask either friend who are both closet gun nuts if they are willing to sell. Their wives want them to desparatly get rid of them. At this moment I do not know what they are, only that they are Enfields used by the Canadian military.
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Gerald Tao -Full of misinformation above.

Sporter No4 MK1and variants - $0-250
Full wood - $350+
LB - $500+
Value +- dependent on condition, matching, manufacture, drill and tap etc.

No1 Mk3 and variants
Sporter $0-250
Full wood $350+

Long branch rifles were NOT of lower quality. Maltby rifles in a certain serial range were in finish and parts, but Long branch did not decrease in quality to that degree as the war progressed. That said, all are collectible and part of the history.
 
Thank you Dan, you are a great teacher!

dannyd123 said:
Gerald Tao -Full of misinformation above.

Sporter No4 MK1and variants - $0-250
Full wood - $350+
LB - $500+
Value +- dependent on condition, matching, manufacture, drill and tap etc.

No1 Mk3 and variants
Sporter $0-250
Full wood $350+

Long branch rifles were NOT of lower quality. Maltby rifles in a certain serial range were in finish and parts, but Long branch did not decrease in quality to that degree as the war progressed. That said, all are collectible and part of the history.
Click to expand...
 
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Been watching the EE for about a month now. Seems like an asking range of 700 to 900 for what appear to be original configuration. Although a lot of them have been up for sale for months with no takers. Is there a tell-tale sign that you might be looking at a desportized version? Is there a serial number on the forestock that wouldn't match up?
 
I sell a lot of de-sporterised Enfields, both #1s and #4s. The average price with shipping included is $500, mind you the bores, outer finish and wood are usually in very good condition. I don't buy buy junkers and I won't sell any without being honest about their condition.
I have a Savage up on the EE now that I'm asking more for just because to me that is what it is worth, might not sell right away but to "me" that is a fair price.
 
I will agree with Tank and danny

lots of desporters on the market now, prices are a bit soft. You may find one for $450 but as above they really start at $500. (No4 series)

not an original is going to run you a little more, $600-$1000 with lots of variables, condition is key.

matching numbers is important. however many were refit and force matched post war.

minimum to look for is bolt barrel and receiver serial numbers matching, a matching forestock is also a good sign. (No4 series)

on the No1 series you will also find the serial number on the nosecap and under the rear sight. and a good No1 will run you about $100 more then a No4

sporters are $50 - $250
 
If you happen to find a dealer or gunshow with a several #4s to chose from, and you want a shooter, here is a simple test to narrow your choice.

The barrel at the forend is supposed to bear down on the wood. Push up with your thumb. If the barrel moves off the wood, and then snaps back into place, it is bedded properly. If the barrel is not baring down on the wood, it just wobbles around and won't shoot.

other things being equal, chose the one that has the barrel baring down on the wood.
 
Garaldtao said:
Current market value for a No1Mk4 in poor but working condition is around $100 range. Sporterized ones in good condition is $200 to $400 range and a full military in good condition is $600 and up. For a No3Mk1 it is $80, 180 to 400 and $500 and up for a full military. Long Branches are lower quality then the No1Mk4's but because they were made in Canada, they command more money on the Canadian market but no where else. The full military are still great value IMO considering how much it now cost to recondition one to full military specs. Two of my buddies just enharited a couple of Enfields separately from each of their grandfather's estate. Story goes their grandfathers were both able to purchase the Enfields from the Canadian Govt after their service. Both of my buddies do not know one another so it is interesting they are telling the same story. Not sure how legit the stories are but the rifles look the part because they weren't really factory sporterized or look like a bubba job. If anyone is interested in buying one, PM me and I could ask either friend who are both closet gun nuts if they are willing to sell. Their wives want them to desparatly get rid of them. At this moment I do not know what they are, only that they are Enfields used by the Canadian military.
Click to expand...

Long Branch rifles are as good or better quality than any other rifles.
 
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