... and it only took 35 years!!

[MCMXI]

I grew up shooting .303 Lee-Enfield No4 Mk2s as a kid and shot them regularly from age 11 to 18 years. I always managed to earn my marksmen patch by keeping 5 shots inside of 4" at 100m (prone without a sling) and did well at steel plate challenges. From the first time I handled one I always wanted to own one and finally this weekend I bought an unissued, unfired No4 Mk2. I will be using it for Service Rifle matches and plan on buying another unissued one as a spare. Time to order some reloading dies, cases and bullets and familiarize myself with the art of removing cosmoline!

 

[Robert]

Beautiful rifle. I shot my No1 MkIII at the tactical rifle match yesterday. I won my division...

 

[CraigC]

Very cool!!!

 

[Robert]

I was the only one in my division. I came in dead last total. But then again everyone else was shooting ARs.

 

[NCsmitty]

I was the only one in my division.

NCsmitty

 

[MCMXI]

Beautiful rifle. I shot my No1 MkIII at the tactical rifle match yesterday. I won my division...

I was the only one in my division. I came in dead last total. But then again everyone else was shooting ARs.

HA! We must think alike. That's my plan too since 99% of the Service Rifle folks shoot ARs. There are some Garands and M1As but mostly ARs. If I can keep it inside 2 MOA with reloads I'll be on the right track. There's a historic military rifle classification or something like that IIRC.

 

[_N4Z_]

Here in these neck o the woods, we have what's called MBAR matches every month. Military bolt action rifle match, as issued, no mods, no optics (sniper versions are out).

The AR boys are relgated to the regular rifle match, which run one week later every month.

It is much fun. Mausers of all types, Springfield 1903's, Enfields, K31's, M39's, M28/30, M1917, 91/30's. The 1903's seem to show up the most.


Oh, and that is one mighty fine looking Enfield you have there.

 

[DougW]

I have used my Fazakerley #4mk1 or my Fazakerley #5mk1 in Vintage Rifle Matches. Didn't do too well, but I had fun!

 

[LHRGunslinger]

I know this is a silly question but who sells Enfields? I think they're sexy as hell and I'd LOVE to get one even if it turns out I hate how it handles and I hang it on the wall.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

That's a beautiful rifle. I just picked up a No. 4 Mk. 1 and could not be happier. I was putting my shots into a square of duct tape at 50 yds, straight out of the box.

 

[LandieLover]

One of these will hopefully be my first firearm once i get my license and club membership etc etc next year. Whats the average price of say 20 rounds of .303 in America? thanks .

LandieLover

 

[Zack]

how much was that? unfired you say? must be rare?

 

[Guitargod1985]

That is a beautiful specimen, sir. Congrats on the newest member of your family.

 

[Trebor]

Where are you finding *two* unfired #4 Mk 2's? They dried up about a decale ago or so. (Unless you are in another country).

I did luck into #4 Mk 2 in the mummy wrap myself three or four years ago. It came from that big shipment in the 90's and I got it from an estate sale.

I still haven't unwrapped it. I probably will, but part of me is torn.

 

[rangerruck]

WOW!!! Looka the bolt face on that bad boy.... It looks like a smoothed out tabletop...

 

[MCMXI]

Thanks for all the friendly and encouraging responses.

how much was that? unfired you say? must be rare?

It cost me $800 plus $35 for shipping and $25 for the FFL fee. I'm buying memories as much as a rifle so like the saying goes ... priceless!! There are a lot of Lee-Enfields on GB that have been refurbished but are being sold as unissued and unfired ... you just have to be careful. Typically there are signs of use/abuse but when a rifle looks right it probably is.

 

[MCMXI]

I did luck into #4 Mk 2 in the mummy wrap myself three or four years ago. It came from that big shipment in the 90's and I got it from an estate sale.

I still haven't unwrapped it. I probably will, but part of me is torn.

I'll unwrap it for you ...

I think there are plenty of unissued and unfired Lee-Enfields out there sitting in gun safes all across America. Many bought them as investments or simply to have but not use. Some folks now feel that $800 is a good return on their initial $200 investment. I'm sure that there are others who don't reload, don't want to pay for factory ammunition and don't really have any interest in the Lee-Enfield. I like those folks since they're willing to part with something that I want. Here are a few more photos.

 

[1KPerDay]

Gorgeous. Congrats. Jealous.

 

[Trebor]

Some folks now feel that $800 is a good return on their initial $200 investment.

Exactly. I missed out when these where imported but lucked into mine through an estate sale a couple years ago. I paid $250, which was an outright steal.

I intended to unwrap it and shoot it, as I am a milsurp guy and the thought of a "new" milsurp is very appealing. But, knowing that I could get $800 for it in the wrap is tempting as well. I could use the cash in general or use it for some other gun I want.

I'm still torn. Every time I think about it I wind up putting it back in the safe to decide for "later." Eventually I'll either shoot it or sell it though as I keep thinking about the last guy who owned it who died without having shot it.

 

[winknplink]

Wow.

I don't think I've ever seen one in such condition.

Congrats!

 

[wch]

Cosmoline removal

Cosmoline can be removed with any number of solvrents; the gasoline in your mower can is the easiest and fastest method, but you must be sure to follow any and all environmental regulations for cleanup and disposal.

Imported car dealers have solvents that you can investigate also, bearing in mind the above caveats.

 

[MCMXI]

I'm still torn. Every time I think about it I wind up putting it back in the safe to decide for "later." Eventually I'll either shoot it or sell it though as I keep thinking about the last guy who owned it who died without having shot it.

Trebor, if you decide to sell it then PLEASE let me know via PM. Just so you know, it would be used and cared for. If it makes you feel better, shoot 20 rounds through it and knock $100 off the price!!

wch, thanks ... I was planning on using WD40 or TriFlow to gently remove the remaining cosmoline without damaging the original finish.

 

[david_the_greek]

I've got one sitting in the cosmoline at home as well. I've always wanted to clean it up and give it the proper attention it deserves. My father had one he did pull out of the cosmoline, gosh it was beautiful. I'm actually on my way to buy a beater enfield from a pawnshop this morning.

 

[david_the_greek]

picked one up! I'll need to take some pictures and figure out how to post them. It seems to be a Maltby(?), receiver and bolt numbers match, came with a pig sticker bayonet, and is definitely not making saving for tuition any easier. I seem to be having trouble finding some of the websites with stock/receiver markings. Anyone have some links?

 

[MCMXI]

I picked mine up from my FFL this morning and it's a beauty despite having a "ding" in the upper handguard. It's as advertised ... new and unfired. I'll post better photos soon. I'd forgotten how light these Lee-Enfields are, and how small the bolt is. I couldn't be happier about this purchase.