1950 LongBranch No4 MkI* Bolt Action Rifle…………….SOLD

A really pleasing No 4 MkI* Enfield by the Canadian maker “LongBranch”

Of standard specification for a No4 MkI* by the Canadian maker LongBranch.  Chambered in .303.  Dated on the action wall as 1950 this must have been produced shortly before the end of the run of MkI* rifles and the transition to the MkII.  Whenever this rifle was actually completed, it has stood the test of time extremely well and picked up a fine polished patina along the way; at the same time as retaining an excellent sharp bore.  The rifle comes with a good No4 MkII spike bayonet and khaki military  canvass sling. The “pig-sticker” is marked simply on one side “No4 MKII”, has the drain hole in the button at the base of the sheath.

The action wall of the rifle is marked as follows; “C No4 Mk I* / LONG BRANCH / 1950”.  The action is dark grey/green finished phosphate with very little edge wear.  The rear sight is the correct Canadian Mk 3 pressed steel type, being graduated from 200 to 1300 yards.  The stamped graduation being highlighted in the original white paint.  There is a standard aperture battle sight set at 90 degrees to the ladder sight, which comes into use the moment the ladder is lain down.  The bolt has the solid knob with the matching serial number “93L4904 stamped into the rear of the arm.  The bolt has the rectangular cocking piece and a “number 1” bolt head, cycling wear is minimal on both action and bolt.  The bolt face is bright and shows no trace of primer ring damage. The forked safety is mounted to the LHS rear of the action typical of all Canadian Number Fours’.

Below the safety on the outside of the but-socket is the action serial number again matching.  The black painted detachable ten round magazine has the serial number without the Longbranch “L” stamped into the underside.  Magazine release button is within the trigger guard and functions perfectly well, returning the magazine is equally satisfying.  The action of the bolt is smooth and positive with strong resistance on cocking the rifle as closing the bolt.

There are at least two outstanding features on this rifle that would really make owning it a pleasure; firstly and most obviously, it is a very attractive rifle with a rich dark coloring to the walnut stocks.  The shoulder stock in particular has clear figure to the timber, but there is a good shine to the whole of the wood-work to compliment it.  The second, is the fine, apparently almost unused condition of the five groove bore.  The lands are sharp and the grooves clear of any obstruction or corrosion.   The but-plate shows little parade ground damage and still has about 80% of its original blacking.   It has the standard trap for cleaning equipment  in the center of the but-plate, which is empty.

The two conventionally mounted sling swivels carry a military khaki sling, possibly dated 1943.  The front sight is guarded by the normal solid type “ears”.  There is no visible pull-through wear on the crown, where the rifling remains superbly crisp.  This Longbranch built number 4 has really managed to stay in good condition, there is very little visible wear on any of the external metal work and the stock has a strong finish with very few noticeable dents or dings.  This Number Four is going to be a pleasure to own and shoot.

Stock No’  f 448

£ SOLD

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