Gun show question's

[Zack]

Well tomorrow is the last gun show untill the end of the year. I was looking for a Enfield. Does anyone have any advice what to look for when buying a Enfield? I got a MN at the last gun show and I knew what to look for because I did research on MN's but I have no clue what to look for on a Enfield, or any other nice deals? I heard a few people go to a gun show and find some nice deals on new/used guns. I have no idea what is a "good" deal on older model guns. I think it's the largest gun show of the year, for my area.

*EDIT* maybe this should have been posted in rifle forum.

 

[Roadkill]

Its kind of a hard question to answer. I guess the basic "put it down and walk away" rule for me is the condition of the barrel and chamber. Bring a small flashlight and look if the lands are shot out. No matter what other condition the gun is in if the barrel is gone then its worthless. Check the muzzle and see if its been reamed out by countless cleanings. Endfields have very smooth actions. If its rough or if the bolt feels like its rattling all over then it may be worn out. The bolt should lock up firmly with a slight amount of resistance on closing. Lock the bolt closed and hold the end of the bolt (cocking button/lever) as you gently pull the trigger. It should break and release cleanly. Problem is that a terrible looking gun that hasn't been cleaned in forty years can turn out to be a beauty and a very nice "pretty" gun can be junk. You can always ask opinions from other folks.

 

[Zack]

Agree

Its kind of a hard question to answer. I guess the basic "put it down and walk away" rule for me is the condition of the barrel and chamber. Bring a small flashlight and look if the lands are shot out

That is how I bought my M44. I brought my own little flash light, I looked in the barrel and saw BRIGHT nice groves like hardly shot. The same people had a MN 91/30 for 89.99 two gun shows before the one I bought mine at :banghead: If I only knew about MN 91/30 a few months sooner.

 

[GD]

The Enfield market has been a bit crazy lately. My favorite Enfield is the #4 Mk1. I have two and they are both great shooters from WW2.
My #1 Mk3 is also a nice rifle but does not have as good sights as the #4. It is also not as accurate.
In my searches for Enfields, the only part that I commonly find not working is the safety. I would definitely check to see if that works. And of course, check out the bore. Headspacing is also important, but that is difficult to check during a purchase.
Generally, Enfield prices are up. I would expect to pay at least $200 for any Enfield these days. I bought my #1 for $125, my #4 Mk2 for $75, my 1st #4 M1 for $125 and my last #4 Mk1 for $225. I haven't seen one under $200 for the last two years. Ammo is generally still available at around 50 cents per round for surplus and about $1 per round for new production.
I went to a local auction two months ago that had a beat up #1 Mk3 that was the same year and manufacturer (SSA) as my #1. The auction went all the way to $350 and the auctioneer then announced that the owner had a reserve on the rifle. Quite a few people got mad when he announced that if no one would be willing to bid $550, it would not sell!
Like I said, the Enfield market is crazy right now.