[blkbrd666]

I haven't done much research yet, but thought I would ask here. Maybe there are some .303 collectors out there. What are key things to look for in a Long Branch .303 that would make it a "better" collectible? I have one that looks better than any I have ever seen and I notice recently that pitiful looking examples are selling for double what I paid for mine. I bought mine from a dealer/collector who had it for years until he came across one he like better, and swapped it out of his collection...maybe there was a really good reason he had this one at his home rather than in his shop.

[blkbrd666]

Found some more details after dragging the rifle out. It's a No.4 MK I *...I heard the * denotes anything not made in England??? It's dated 1942 with a serial # 7L56xx. I don't have anything to break down the serial # to determine the manufacture run for the year...maybe somebody here knows? Any WWII experts here with focus on non-US small arms?

TIA

[SDC]

Are you sure it's a No. 5? I don't believe Long Branch ever made the No. 5 (the Jungle Carbine), but they made lots of No. 4s; all the "*" on the end of the model shows is that this was a simplified version of the No. 4, redesigned so it was faster/cheaper to manufacture.

[Sunray]

"...the *..." It has nothing to do with England. It indicates a very minor change in the rifle's design that was not enough of a change to warrant another Mark.
Canadian Arsenals-Long Branch Plant did not make any No. 5's.
In any case, you have a fake. A converted No. 4 Mk I *. The No. 5 wasn't being built in 1942. Nor was there a No. 5 Mk I *.
Your rifle has no collector value. That's not the end of the world though. Check the headspace and go shooting. Check the headspace on any Lee-Enfield before you shoot it. Thousands have been assembled out of parts bins with zero QC.
If you want a good No. 4, keep your eye peeled for a post-war Long Branch(made into the mid 50's) or a Savage made rifle(made between 1941 and 1944. It'll likely have 'U.S. Property' stamped on it).

[blkbrd666]

I fat fingered on the laptop...see change above. I've already fired the rifle many times...have had it for at least 10 years. I just pulled it out because I have been looking at the ones for sale lately for $225-$350 and they look like crap. This one looks unused and not a scratch on the furniture.

[TEDDY]

he said no.4 not no 5.he has a nice Long Branch thats all.somebody needs:uhoh::rolleyes::p glasses.