[Futo Inu]

OK, I want an SMLE, and can see myself heading down the road of being a full-fledged cruffler (well, need the license first of course), but that's another subject. Anyway, of all the types and variants, which one might you recommend getting first? This is for just collectibility mainly, but also for some range use. Thanks.

[Dave Markowitz]

For your first Lee-Enfield, I suggest either a No.4 Mk.I, Mk.I*, or Mk.II.

The difference between the Mk.I and I* is the simplified way the bolt is removed in the latter. The No.4 Mk.II differs from the Mk.I in the way the trigger is mounted. In the Mk.I, it's attached to the trigger guard. In the Mk.II it's attached to the receiver.

The No.4 has much better sights than the earlier No.1 Mk.III SMLE (peep vs. open), and a heavier, free-floated barrel.

If you can find one, consider getting one of the unissued No.4 Mk.IIs that came into the country from Ireland back in the early 1990s. I have one and it will shoot MOA with the right loads.

[Nightcrawler]

I too am interested in Enfields. Where do you get them? I don't care if it's original or refinished, so long as it's in as good of shape as I can get (so it'll give me years of shootin').

[keederdag]

Shootability, definitly the #4's! Be careful though, many of these o'l punters have been rode hard and put up wet. Check out the bore CAREFULLY... and use the bullet Ogive trick ( put a loaded .303 cartrige into the Bore, point first; it should not pass the ogive=the tapering part of the bullet at the point where it starts to go straight, or full diameter. Also check out Enfieldrifle.com Those guy's are Pro's.

[keederdag]

Check out Navy Arms for nice refinished enfields, they seem to have good prices as well.;)

[Nightcrawler]

Navy Arms Military Surplus Division's website has gone kaput.

Observe. (http://www.navyarmsmsd.com/)

Typical domain-for-sale site now.

[keederdag]

Bummer Dooooood...:uhoh:

[cool45auto]

My No.4 Mk1 was my first and I absolutely love it. I plan to add to my Enfield collection soon but am glad I started with this one.

[keederdag]

If you find one that's a shooter, SARCO sells parker-hale diopter, match sights for em. There about $50 and well worth it. Really do check out Enfieldrifle.com guy's they need more members/posters. The guy's that hang there are ultra sharp in the Enfield catogory, and they seem to like answering questions; even the stupid ones I ask.:D

[50 Freak]

Definately find one of those unissued No4s that came into the US in the early 90's. Even though they have been in storage for almost half a century, you are basically getting a brand new rifle. Worth the extra money in my opinion.

I've got 3 total. One is stock, second is a "snipered out", and the third is still in its wrap (plan to pass that one on to a future son".

[swingset]

Well, if you're going to buy an Enfield, I suggest one of these:

http://home.alltel.net/swingset/Gallery_Guns/images/No4mk1T_BSA_1944.jpg

Might as well go for the best right out of the box! :D

[Nightcrawler]

You guys aren't helping.

Now I REALLY want an Enfield.

But where do you get one? They don't have decent gun shows up here.

[Sactown]

I purchased my new-in wrap No.4 MkII and good condition No.4 MKII from Brian Dick (http://www.bdlltd.com/mil_sale.htm) Transaction was perfect. His stuff is really good and you get exactly as he describes it. Very highly regarded on the milsurpshooter forum. Anyone looking for a broomhandle?

[Futo Inu]

OK, frodo and 50 freak, how does one know if the No 4 is one of those (markings?), and where does one get one of those? Thanks.

Swingset, that's a beaut - what is it and where get?

[jsalcedo]

I bought my MKIII dated 1918 from SOG for $89.99

It was rough but the action is smooth and the bore is shiny.

I'm in the process of cleaning it up right now

[swingset]

Swingset, that's a beaut - what is it and where get?

That's a 1944 BSA No4mkIT Sniper, the Brit issue sniper weapon from the early 40's through the mid 60's. Very accurate gals, but they're not cheap. Expect to pay $1200 to $3000 for an all matching one, depending on conditon and rarity. You can find them much cheaper without the scope and the mounts can be had from Sarco but the original scope is worth more than the gun so that's the bulk of the cost.

If you're really serious about a true No4T, Brian Dick at BDL deals in Enfields and usually has a sniper or two for sale.

www.bdlltd.com

cheers.

[Bostonterrier97]

First buy a No.1 Mk.V (they only made about 20,000 of these trial Enfields which before they started making the No.4 Mk.1)

Next buy a No.4 Mk.1 (Get a Savage..they have a very nice finish).
Then buy yourself a No.4 Mk.2 Fazakerly.
And finally try to find a No.1 Mk.III with Volley Sights and Magazine Cutoff (or just settle for a No.1 Mk.III* ) (make sure you get yourself a Pattern 1907 bayonet!)