Longbranch No.4 Mk1* ??

D

dbergstrom

Inactive
I was at the Gun Shop this morning and they just got a Consignment rifle in, as mentioned, it's marked Longbranch No.4 Mk.1* 1945, S.N. 87LXXXX, with small letters ENG/UK on the left side.

All is good so far, the strange thing is the configuration is that of a No. 5 Jungle Carbine, but the front handguard strap is standard No.4 Mk.1.

Anyone aware of this configuration? I want to buy it as it's in great shape but they think it a rare piece and don't know how to price it.

Is this a fake, re-build or a rarity?
 
It's a, well, fake?

You really can't "fake" something that never was.

Importers such as Navy Arms cut down No 4s and No IIIs to No 5 barrel length, adding the recoil pad and flash hider. Sounds like you're looking at one of those. The parts have been available (in repro form) for home conversions, too.

No 5s are No 5s, and never the No 4s shall meet.

What's it worth? A large fraction of the "equivalent" No 4 Mk 1*, perhaps 50%-75%. It's as rare as a three-dollar bill, and just as valuable to a collector (try spending a three-dollar bill sometime :) ).

Regards,

Walt
 
If the bore and the finish are nice, you still will be able to sell it as a shooter to someone that does not want to pay the ticket for a genuine jungle carbine I suppose. Not worthless or something, lot of people like the SMLE in any configuration. Just not as much as an untouched one in nice condition. But probably worth more than some of the brown beater No. 4 rifles depending on condx. See if you can find reference to the prices that Navy and the other places doing the mods, were asking.
 
Thanks guy's, that what I thought, It'll be nice to have something to show the shop owner, he could not find anything on the rifle either.
 
I'm thinking I have the same rifle. Longbranch 1945. the * after Mk1 designates a "factory" update, usually a Mk2 trigger assembly.
these guns were "sporterized" by a few different outfits, usually had the front grip stock shortened and any number of front sites installed.
the sporteized guns arent collectibles but are usually very good shooters.
the originals had a flip up rear site with adjustments out to 1300 yards.
alot of inexpensive Milsurp ammo still available, but some use corrosive primers.
PRVI makes new 303 at a fair price.

like Walt said, real No5's are rare and very pricey.
tom
 
Thanks Tom,

I think I'll go ahead and pick it up, I have another one in excellent condition, marked "Santa Fe Division of golden State Arms Corporation" Model 1943 Standard.

This was a Re-manufactured rifle in the No. 5 configuration as well, a number of copies in very good condition can't hurt a well rounded collection can it?
 
The "ENG/UK" or "ENGLAND" marking is the old (pre-1968) import mark which required only the country of origin. It is a mistake, of course, as the rifle was made in Canada, but many No. 4 rifles were mismarked in those days, including Savage-made rifles which didn't need to be marked at all, being of U.S. origin.

Jim
 
Well I was just sayin, if you are a milsurp collector with bucks, you would maybe not want a made-up repro in your "perfect" collection along with some rarities, but if you like the SMLE and shoot them, and want to experience what shooting a 5 is like, but don't have the large sum to buy a genuine one right now, you could get enjoyment out of shooting it. Well, except for the report that they have a nice blast and kick harder than a full sized rifle....
 
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