[tex_n_cal]

Saw some of the SMLE Mk IV model recently at a gun show. Never have studied them much, but I've noted they have the nice aperture rear sight, and hold ten rounds. They seem to be a rugged and practical rifle, and I gather that lots of folks really like them.

These folks locally were asking $200 for refinished examples, which seems pretty reasonable. Besides the obvious issue of bore condition, what other potential problems exist? I handload, so rolling my own ammo is no problem. Is there any source for replacement barrels?

Thanks!

[swingset]

The No4mk1 or mk2 (probably the ones you saw) are terrific rifles. Well balanced, fast action, tough and accurate. Some are very capable of MOA accuracy (ask me how I know). The adjustable rear sights are a marked improvement over the No1 rifles, as is the stock/bedding and heavier barrel.

If they have decent bores, there's probably not much you're going to improve with a new barrel, but there are sources for new ones if you need one.

The Enfields are easy to headspace (due to the bolt-head design), and easy to dial in. The ammo is plentiful, and if you're handloading for them, all the better.

There are several "makes" of the No4's. Fazakerly & BSA both made them (british), Savage made some here in the US contracted by the Brits, and Longbranch (canada) made them also. You'll find 2 groove progressive barrels or 5 groove varieties. Neither is more accurate than the other.

$200 isn't a terrible price if the condition is excellent. They can go cheaper, but are getting harder and harder to find for under 2 bills.

The only downside to Enfields is that they are horribly addictive, and since there are some 1200 possible variants, you will die not owning all of them! :D

[goon]

The SMLE is known to be the best bolt-action battle rifle ever made. If you can get a good one, go for it.
My Bubbaized SMLE will put three shots in a coverleaf hole at 100yds.
If you are handloading, you should know that the 303 uses a .311 in bullet. A .308 might work, would be safe, but may not be accurate enough.
The 303's also have alot of free space in their chambers. This allows for better reliability under battlefield conditions, but it causes the shoulder of the case to be blown forward upon firing.
You should only neck size the cases if you can get away with it.
That would help save the brass from too much cold working.

I would very much like to get another Enfield, a stock military one.

[fallingblock]

I don't think you'll find a nicer milsup rifle than a #4mkII for $200:D

My Fazakerley '55 #4mkII is very well made and has a smooth, fast action.
If you reload, neck-size only will greatly lengthen case life. If you want rapid-fire, get some stripper clips and load them 'three down, two up'. _-_-_ for proper feeding.

[Bostonterrier97]

The No.4 Mk1 and No.4 Mk. II Lee Enfields have better rear sights than the SMLE's (No.1 Mark III). These Enfield's also have a stronger action than the SMLE and unlike the SMLE, if your head space changes..you just screw on the next longer bolt head..and PRESTO! Your Head Space problems go away!

The No.4 Mk1 and No.4 Mk. II also have heavier barrels than the SMLE..making them a bit more accurate.

On the Flip side..the SMLE has a SMOOTHER action than the No.4 Mk. 1 and No. 4 Mk. II.

There is one Enfield (somewhat rare..but VERY NICE if you can find one) is the SMLE No.1 Mark V. This was basically your regular SMLE but it had a rear apeture sight like on the No.4 Mk.1 and No.4 Mk.2

Another Enfield to really be on the Look out for is the L42A1. This was a No.4 Mk1 (T) Sniping Rifle that was converted over to shoot 7.62 NATO.

[swingset]

Ah yeah...the L42A1. Nice rifle, but at $3000 for a nice one, they're out of reach for many mortals. Brian Dick at BDL has one right now for $2995.00.

You'd be better off with a nice No4mk1T sniper for about $1200-1500. Plenty accurate and still a lot of them out there (just got me one not too long ago).

The L39 was the same rifle (experimental version) as the L42 (more or less), but with target/iron sights, in .308 and I've seen them for $1000.00. Also, the Enfield Envoy was a commercial version of the L42, and they're not super expensive. The Parker Hale T4 was also similar.

There were DCRA .308 conversion No4 rifles, but they're not very common. I've seen them at BDL for $600-700.

[9mmepiphany]

the #4 mk 1 and 2 are excellent battle rifles...possible the finest bolt action battle rifles ever produced.

they have excellent flip up sights, 10 round capacity and the fastest action of it's day (you don't break your cheekweld to work the bolt). an good source of reloadable .303 rounds/brass is the south african PMP

i'm personally trying to justify the cost of a enfield sniper (T) model and am torn between it or the swedish mauser sniper

[cratz2]

Potential problems for a shooter? Not many. Most problems would be for an avid collector that finds mismatched or mismarked parts. Some folks looking for a shooter may seek out a Long Branch or a Savage as they weren't produced while the factory was being bombed like most of the WWII guns made in Europe were.

The Mk 1 and the Mk 1* have the arperture sight. Very quick sight acquisition as has been noted by myself and countless others. Everyone should have an Enfield or three. They are such good rifles for the price that I just can't see passing them up in good condition. I have three and will be on the constant look out for others in similar condition for decent prices.

Another thing to keep in mind if you don't want to add another caliber (but why not? ;) ) is the Ishapore rifles were chambered in 308 and are all but identical to the casual observers and seem to be of consistantly good quality.

[PATH]

Picked me up a Long Branch dated 1950. Shoots like a charm. Clean bore and looks sweet. Picked it up for 175 dollars.