Which would you get

[budmant]

Looking to get a No4 Mk1 & see a couple that caught my eye. Which is more desireable...a Long Branch, or a US marked Savage?

[JB White]

The one in better condition. Seriously!

[Guamsst]

I love the Longbranch and you can get Canadian parts easier than Savage marked ones. Parts for both are fairly common though. That being said, The U.S. is very desirable. So as Jb said, get the one you like best.

[dave]

the Savage!

[budmant]

Were there two types of rear sight on these? I see them with a flip sight like on a carbine, as well as the "micrometer" sight.

[Art]

Were there two types of rear sight on these? I see them with a flip sight like on a carbine, as well as the "micrometer" sight.

Actually there are three types, a "flip sight" a milled micrometer sight, and a more crudely made stamped sight with coarse adjustments. The "micrometer" sight is a big plus in my opinion, especially if you are going to shoot anything besides mil spec ball ammunition.

Also, No 4 Mk 1s are preferable as far as I'm concerned to No 4 Mk 1* models because they have an actual bolt release lever instead of just an open slot in the receiver.

[tmark]

Savage production from 1941 to 1944 is about 1,236,000 rifles. Long Branch from 1941 to 1945 is about 906,000 rifles.

I'd get the model that is the oldest dated. Either maker of the dates 1941 and 1942 are getting scarce. If both are dated equally, I'd go for the Savage because it is American made lend-lease to the British.

Also, if one is stamped FTR, get the other. Factory Thorough Repair means the rifle has been re-arsenalised.

Also, if one has import marks on it, get the other.

Also, check what accessories come with each. Check the buttstock for oilers and bore string cleaning devices.

Get the one with the most original parts.

As another poster suggested, the micrometer site is a plus over the flip sight.

My bottom line is to get the oldest made one.

[JB White]

FTR is a definite plus in most cases when shopping for a shooter vs. a slot filler. Most British collectors understand that service rifles saw rebuilds while in service. FTR does not detract from value as in American rifles or Mausers etc.
Bottom line for me is always best condition unless we're talking a rare bird in the mix. All things being equal, there are very few "rare birds" when it comes to No4's.

If it's a 1950 Long Branch, grab it!

[Ken The Kanuck]

Well Longbranch for me. How many grooves are there? X2 on the mic sight.

KTK

[JB White]

Well Longbranch for me. How many grooves are there? X2 on the mic sight.

KTK

How many grooves? Somewhere between 2 and 6 depending upon the year and suppliers ;)

Savage took full advantage of the British dispersal production plan, using more parts contractors than Carter had pills. Import marks are practically meaningless on British arms. All were imported or imported back into the USA. The only real downer are those huge dot matrix billboards which have come into use more recently. Vandalism!! More obnoxious than Ruger's "newpaper article" barrel markings.

[Emu]

Having had both Savage and Longbranch No4's I have tended to find that the Longbranch rifles tend to have a better finish, particularly early production. As for accuracy they are pretty much the same. My favourite No4 is a 1950's Longbranch that is as new condition. If I had to convert a No4 to 7.62 I would use a Savage action as they tend to look appear a bit more rugged or maybe its just the look of those unfinished machining marks that give the impression.

[joem]

Why not buy both?

[budmant]

I ended up getting the Savage...the seller of the Longbranch pulled the auction.