Long Branch-branch out

[SA1911a1]

Happy Vets day brothers and sisters!

I have been looking at a lonely Long Branch hanging out in a dusty pawn shop for too long. It is a CAI import from Canada. I brought it home, knowing nothing about these rifles. This one came with a gorgeous bore and included the pig-sticker. It is non-matching, but has that lived-in look I like in milsurps. I am going to have to round up some .303 for the weekend. At $250.00, I have no idea how I did, but looking at the auction houses it feels like a pretty fair deal to me.

Is non-matching as bad as in Mosins?

Does anyone know anything about the stock markings?

[Mosinhope]

In my opinion Long Branch #4's are the best made. $250 USD is not bad these days for mis-matched numbers. Actually it is a pretty good price with the excellent bore and the spike bayonet. You did well!!

[redspoon]

That's a good deal Steve, I've got a No. 4 and two No. 3's.Only one has a matching bolt and all shoot great. Okie has the headspace gauge.

Red

[Junk Yard Dog]

Nice deal, just be sure to check that headspace.

[desdem12]

Looks good Thanks for your service also Steve

[Rongo]

You did well. I wouldn't concern myself with the numbers matching or not... As long as it passes headspace it should be good to go.

Regarding stamps & markings... Check this out.

http://www.allaboutenfields.co.nz/history/markings/

[Junk Yard Dog]

Be prepared for it not to pass, in my experience these rarely pass using a US Sammi spec gauge, yet you would never notice any problems with the brass. In the old days we tested the rifle with it tied to a tire and a string on the trigger, if it didn't blow up then we were good to go. We would look over the brass for signs of a problem, it looked OK we were good. Back then you couldn't just go online and find a gauge in five minutes, so we made do. Years later when I had gauges I tested some of the Enfields we shot long and well with, they all failed, yet not a one showed any problems with the brass. I have had many since that did pass with a US gauge, mostly late production rifles and Lithgows. I suspect the British used different measurement's for the headspace back before WW2, or the rifles simply stretched and the brass rimmed case is very forgiving.

[Rongo]

OKIE has a good set of gauges for your Enfield.

http://www.okiegauges.com/sales.html

[Junk Yard Dog]

Yes he does, and he would have done very well selling them in 1989 when the Enfield flood was coming in. Of course he would have had to do it without the internet.

[Rongo]

Yes he does, and he would have done very well selling them in 1989 when the Enfield flood was coming in. Of course he would have had to do it without the internet.

I really missed out on that 1989 Flood.

[Junk Yard Dog]

Yes he does, and he would have done very well selling them in 1989 when the Enfield flood was coming in. Of course he would have had to do it without the internet.

I really missed out on that 1989 Flood.

I didn't Enfields for a year or so were like Mosins were in 2000-2005, cheap and plentiful. Then the ammo ran out.

[Rongo]

Yea sure... Rub it in!

[SA1911a1]

When I took the bolt apart I was surprised that the bolt head could be screwed in or out and left in any old position. I will be making the call tonight to get the gauge. I am far too pretty to end up with a face full of splinters.

[Jolly Green Chopper]

Regarding the headspace testing,I always test and even when they pass I take JYD's advice and tie the gun to a test stand of some kind and pull the trigger with a string from behind cover for the first shot (just to be sure). Thanks for your service too and good luck with the fine looking Long Branch.JGC

[Longcolt44]

The bolt heads do screw on BUT, always screw it until it bottoms out and then back it off just enough to be in proper alignment. It is not an adjustment feature.

[qz2026]

Nice. Whew... scared me for a second when you started talking about headspace issues. I am in the market for one and Tula Tom is helping me out to get the right rifle. We do know someone who has a bunch for sale right now. Just waiting for the information and pictures. Anyway, I know virtually nil about these and didn't know you could use a coin gauge for headspace-so I'm thinking rimmed... I was thinking about having to buy an expensive gauge for one rifle. Happy days.. no need to. If I buy an Enfield should I get the field gauge?

[Rongo]

The Field gauge should be sufficient for your needs.

[RazorBurn]

Nice Enfield, and I think you paid a fair price too. Get u a Okie field gauge, check her out, and then enjoy the fun.

[TulaTom]

Love all the Stamos on the buttstock. Looks good!

[SA1911a1]

I shot the rifle a while ago and I was injured in the process........ I kept hitting myself in the nose when cycling the bolt.......

The rifle is fine and the nose will grow back, so all is well.