enfield/m-39 questions?

[atek3]

I'm interested in getting an enfield no4 mkI as a pure shooter as affordably as possible. I've seen some good deals on enfields with great bores and metal but with cracked or dinged stocks. I think for me buying such a rifle and then putting a synthetic stock on it would make the most sense moneywise. My question is, will the accuracy of such a rifle be harmed by putting a ramline or ATI stock on it? If I care about accuracy should I say forget it and buy finnish mosin m-39?
thanks,
atek3

 

[SMLE]

The #4 rifle has a heaver barrel than the earlier SMLE. It will do just fine with a synthetic stock. Just make sure the king screw in front of the mag well is TIGHT.
And when removing the stock, remove the forend first.

The accuracy of the #4 and M39 are on a par with each other. The Enfield however takes the big prize for ergonomics and rate of fire. The receiver mounted peep sight it better than the issue sights on the 39, and the mounting of optics is easier on the Enfield.

BTW: If you DO get a #4 and sporterize it, let me talk you out of the original military wood and furniture.

 

[Bill Hook]

Synthetic would help #4 mk I triggerpull consistency. Wood is available for these.

I suggest getting one that Bubba has already put a Ramline stock one, as there are plenty around. A cracked stock #4 is still restorable.

 

[atek3]

do me a favor and ask bubba to email me at [email protected]
j/k, but seriously I am interested in a sporterized enfield.

thanks,
atek3

 

[Bill Hook]

I can't do your legwork for you, but gunsamerica, AA, and gunbroker would be places to start, as quite a few yahoos put these chop jobs up for sale as "rare, classic, collectible," despite having the foreend butchered, perhaps the sights too, and wonder why they aren't selling. You can have them shipped for ~$15 to an FFL and probably still pay less than buying one at a shop and have more luck than wandering a gunshow. You may get lucky and see exactly what you want already made up.

 

[BamBam-31]

A couple of points off the top of my head:

7.62x54 is cheaper than .303. If you're buying .303, Century Arms is a good source.

Enfields can be scoped easier w/ CAD Technik mount, available now at Brownell's (they were out of them for the longest time).

Don't need synthetic stock. DON'T DO IT, Enfields look cool w/ wood. If the stock's not repairable, buy new wood from Numrich.

My Finn M39 is a little more accurate than my Enfields, but only a little, and at 100 yds. I've never shot my Enfields at ranges far enough to take advantage of their legendary long distance accuracy.

Don't bubba the Enfield, at least not permanently. Simply dropping it into synthetic furniture isn't permanent, though.

 

[Jim K]

For several reasons, I don't really like any of the M-N rifles. Go with the No. 4. The ammo may be a bit harder to get right now, but the rifle is easier to handle, the bolt is easier to operate, and it has a safety that doesn't take three men and two small boys to engage.

FWIW, I would prefer a good 8mm Mauser, even an M48, over either, mostly because the ammo is easy to come by and the case is rimless.

Jim