Hi guys I found a 1943 long branch no4 mk1 with matching receiver and bolt. I believe all the furniture matches also. It has the first style rear sight with the knob on top to adjust elevation.
The rifle is in pretty good condition no rust small dings on the wood.
The only “problem” with it is the barrel has been cut and recrowned flush to the base of the front sight block, it’s a 2 groove barrel, I wasn’t able to take the gun apart to check the barrel out any more. Still chambered in 303.
Why would that been done? Taking the bayo lugs off I can understand because of some places import laws or being leased to other country’s or whatever.
On this rifle the whole last 2-3 inches of the barrel is gone, and it’s been recrowned and refinished flush with the forward face of the front sight block.
I know if a gun was over cleaned or possibly worn out the end of the barrel could wear out first and they might be cut back to get rid of the problem area.
I don’t have access to bore gauges or anything, gun belongs to a friend of mine. It’s fires but he doesn’t know anything about the accuracy or real condition of the barrel.
I’m apprehensive because while I have wanted a enfield (I love ww2 weapons and tools) I want a shooter I can ring steel with. Originality doesn’t matter as much as a working rifle. I also realize this rifle is in really good original condition. Hes asking $500. Which is a really good deal on a matching 43 long branch I THINK. With a whole barrel.
If I knew the barrel was in otherwise good condition I’d probably jump on it but I’m worried the barrel was chopped for a reason and what’s left might be toast.
What do you guys think? Google brings up a lot of rifles with missing bayonet lugs, but not with the last 2-3 inches removed.
The rifle is in pretty good condition no rust small dings on the wood.
The only “problem” with it is the barrel has been cut and recrowned flush to the base of the front sight block, it’s a 2 groove barrel, I wasn’t able to take the gun apart to check the barrel out any more. Still chambered in 303.
Why would that been done? Taking the bayo lugs off I can understand because of some places import laws or being leased to other country’s or whatever.
On this rifle the whole last 2-3 inches of the barrel is gone, and it’s been recrowned and refinished flush with the forward face of the front sight block.
I know if a gun was over cleaned or possibly worn out the end of the barrel could wear out first and they might be cut back to get rid of the problem area.
I don’t have access to bore gauges or anything, gun belongs to a friend of mine. It’s fires but he doesn’t know anything about the accuracy or real condition of the barrel.
I’m apprehensive because while I have wanted a enfield (I love ww2 weapons and tools) I want a shooter I can ring steel with. Originality doesn’t matter as much as a working rifle. I also realize this rifle is in really good original condition. Hes asking $500. Which is a really good deal on a matching 43 long branch I THINK. With a whole barrel.
If I knew the barrel was in otherwise good condition I’d probably jump on it but I’m worried the barrel was chopped for a reason and what’s left might be toast.
What do you guys think? Google brings up a lot of rifles with missing bayonet lugs, but not with the last 2-3 inches removed.
