lee enfield sporter

[dak0ta]

Hi guys, I was wondering if it was worth buying this rifle and restoring it back to full military configuration. Most LongBranch enfields go for $475+ in canada, so i was thinking I could restore it for less money. Is it feasible?


A minty condition Lee-Enfield No 4 Mark I* rifle in caliber .303 British with sporterized forestock, 600mm two groove barrel, Canadian Mk3 rear sight graduated out to 1300 yards, 10 round detachable magazine. Receiver is stamped with LONGBRANCH 1942 markings, butt socket and bolt are serial numbered with 11L8656. A non-restricted class firearm.

Price $250.00 CAD

 

[Curator]

Go for it. You only need a forearm and handguards to bring it back. Long Branch No4s are fine rifles. Do I need to say they aren't making any more of these?

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

^ the original butt stock would need replaced also. There are markings, sanded out, and the varnish wont match the new / old stock. I'm not an expert....but I would guess that a collector willing to spend 400-500 would expect the stock to match, be serial numberd to the gun. so, you could buy it, get an original stock and have a nice example, but it would not bring top dollar. IMO

However, for your own use, collection I think it would be a fine rifle. Look up the cost of the new stock so there are no suprises. You may also have to buy the hardware if it doesnt come with the stock.

 

[Curator]

Whoops, I didn't notice the bobbed muzzle. See if you can find a good replacement barrel for less the $100. If so, still go for it. Otherwise it may still be a fun rifle even if it has been "Bubba'd"

 

[MikeJackmin]

In a word, no.

Replacing the barrel, the entire stock, and the various other bits that have gone missing will cost more than just getting one that's right to begin with.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I would pass on that rifle. It does have a nice finish to the metal but it would not be economically feasible to restore. If the barrel wasn't cut it would be a good project.

 

[desidog]

I have a Golden State Arms Santa Fe Model 1944; its fun and handy, but too far gone to be un-bubba'd. Mine has a different front sight, and a dovetail on the barrel, with no rear sight. Got mine covered in rust for free, and hit it with steel wool and Laurel Mtn Browning Solution. It looks good for a truck gun....but it's no C&R.

Golden State Arms really machined their offerings to the point that you can't restore them without more time effort and loot than the real thing costs. They set out to create a hunting/sporting rifle, and that is what they did - they also tarnished the image of the Lee-enfield Jungle carbine permanently...

 

[dak0ta]

How about as a target/field gun? Do you think this would suffice? Forget restoration.

 

[MrBorland]

Nice gun - a bit OT, but it looks like my father's he sporterized as a lad in the 50s, then used it as his deer rifle (it's actually not much of a shooter, as the rifling at the muzzle is shot, but it's an heirloom). It was fun to see another like it.

 

[dak0ta]

I like yours more because it still has the full length barrel and front site protectors...

 

[desidog]

How about as a target/field gun? Do you think this would suffice? Forget restoration.

Yes, it'll work well for a working-rifle.

 

[dak0ta]

How about the price for $250? most guns are on average $150-200 if sporterized.