Enfield dealer - Specialist

[russlate]

There used to be a dealer specializing in SMLE's, Enfield's etc., that stocked a hundred or more of them carefully graded and was on the web. I had the site bookmarked.

Then an I-worm came along, and it got lost.

Anyone come to mind ? Any help appreciated.

 

[russlate]

Forget it. Found it, it was BDL Ltd.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Bill Hook]

Allan's Armory had quite a few too.

 

[Sactown]

BDL is a good company to deal with. Purchased 2 Enfields from them. You always get what you pay for from BDL. They grade conservatively too.

 

[Trebor]

How bout a link? I'm interested in getting a nice Enfield.

 

[No4Mk1]

http://www.bdlltd.com/

I have never personally done business with Brian, but I know he is very highly regarded among Enfield collectors.

 

[russlate]

Thanks for the comments on the site's reputability. It's good to hear of folks standing behind their products.

 

[Bill Hook]

Checking BDL's website, I don't see a great deal there, which is why I didn't buy from him.

I can buy guns better than this for less at one of the many other C&R specialist dealers (not wholesalers) around like Allan's, Empire Arms, Mark Kubes, GSA, etc. Unless, of course, you're talking about the rare variants, which I'm not, but rather the #1mkIII* and #4.

I always thought of BDL as the place to find really nice stuff for a premium price, in the way of Enfields, but right now it looks like so-so stuff for a just-under premium price. I'd stake money that Empire Arms has as good or better a reputation, too.

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54379

Take a look at the above link.

I know Brock's as a nearly unissued #4mkII. CollectibleFirearms, THA, and Joeken had some Enfields also.

 

[swingset]

I can buy guns better than this for less at one of the many other C&R specialist dealers (not wholesalers) around like Allan's, Empire Arms, Mark Kubes, GSA, etc. Unless, of course, you're talking about the rare variants, which I'm not, but rather the #1mkIII* and #4.

Not raising the BS flag on you, but as some one who's dealth extensively in Enfields I can tell you that Brian Dick at BDL has some exceptional pieces, knows more about Enfields than any dealer I've ever met and stands behind his stuff 100%. He's also a good gunsmith, who's been trained by Peter Laidler (one of the last brit armorers to work on Enfields). There's no guessing game when you buy from him. What's that kind of reassurance worth to you?

You will pay alot there, but you will get things you cannot get elsewhere. When was the last time you saw a DCRA Conversion No4 at Dennis Kroh's?? Hint: Never. Brian is an importer and has ties with Enfield dealers and collectors all over the world - so he can procure stuff he doesn't even have listed. Need a No2 bolthead? If he doesn't have it he'll find one. Again, not going to happen elsewhere.

Right now, Brian is the only guy with a decent supply of Enfields. Other than private collection stuff changing hands or the utter junk wire-wrapped crap Century imported from India and Pakistan, Enfields are off the market. The sources have run pretty much dry.

 

[Bill Hook]

I thought I already said that all the oddballs and rarities are his forte.

Looking at the more common stuff, I think that you might do better elsewhere, for now. I'm not talking about beat-up grenade rifles or Ishapores, either.

Allan's did have better #1mkIIIs than what I see on BDL right now. Brian certainly doesn't have an #4mkIIs in like new/unissued. I can't judge what he may have off his website, but I think that he has a dearth of good #1 and #4s. I remember when he had better (and cheaper, but that's supply and demand).

No matter who has them, I would just like to make the point that there are nicer rifles of the #1 and #4 variety to be had for less money, if you look. There are also worse for more money. It would be a mistake to make BDL Ltd. the first and last stop on your quest to buy an Enfield. I'd strongly suggest checking auctions.

The rifle above is $359 at BDL, which is around what I'm seeing the new/unissued #4mkIIs go for, and is $59 than I'd even think about paying.

Check out the $700 FN-49 8mms and the $400 SKSs. I think he should stick with Enfields.

 

[diyj98]

I find BDL's prices extremely high compared to what I find most places. As someone above said I guess it may be different with more rare items you can't find anywhere else. I know I needed a Savage Enfield magazine. I had one shipped from Australia and it was still $10.00 cheaper than BDL wanted for the same item.

 

[swingset]

I accepted (and acknowledged) that Brian is high priced, sometimes too much so. But, an important point:

Those are asking prices, and only a sample of what Brian really has. Have you called him?

Yes, a better deal can be had most times - hell someone probably sold a No4mk1T at a show for $200 somewhere not knowing what it was...but on the whole, Brian is still hanging onto one the best collection of SMLE variants and is worth considering, that was my only point.

Have I gone elsewhere for Enfields? You bet and will continue to do so. I'm not Brian's salesman, but I recognize what he brings to Enfield collecting, which is a selection and knowledge few have.