Lee Enfield

[neilwest]

1. Am on the look out for a Lee-Enfield. Give me some pointers on what to look for insofar as markings and the like. I dont know much about them but I need one for my collection.

[NC_Rebel]

Well, there are a few different models floating around out there now. Without getting too technical, there are basically four common SMLE (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield) rifles: No.1, No.4, No.5, and 2A (there are variations within these models, but mostly the differences between Marks are not drastic). The first three are .303 British, the last is 7.62 Nato. There are other variations on the Enfield such as the P14, M1917, L42A1, Parker-Hale No.9, and the "T" model No.4 – but these are harder to find items that only serious collectors lust after. ;)

In terms of accuracy, the No.4 Mk.II is probably the best. It incorporates all the design changes that came out of lessons learned on the battlefields of WWII. You are most likely to find a No.4 made at either the BSA arsenal (Birmingham, England), Savage Arms (Massachusetts), or Long Branch (Ontario, Canada). The Savage Arms No.4's seem to be the most collectable. My No.4 Mk.I* is a Long Branch, made in 1943.

The Ishapore 2A is a post-WWII modified No.1 that was produced in India. It was modified to accept the new standard 7.62 Nato round. These are hefty, substantial, dependable rifles. Unfortunately, most of the ones I've seen have been beaten like a redheaded stepchild. Still, they shoot well.

Hope that helps. :cool:

[neilwest]

1. Now Ive got a good idea what to look for when shopping around. Thanks alot

[srv656sxx]

What should I look for in price on these?

I saw some in SGN at $90 i think. I thought they were going to be more expensive and was pleasantly surprised by the price.

Any recommended dealers?

THanks-
Shawn

[NC_Rebel]

Neilwest, you are welcome! I can get more specific if there is something in particular you're interested in.

Shawn, depending on the grade, a decent retail price would be between $100-$200. I wouldn't spend more than that on an Enfield unless it was in excellent condition or there was something unique about it. Get your C&R and you can buy them at wholesale cost. I lucked out and bought both of mine from private collectors for less than retail. :D

[Schuetzenman]

Enfield rifles are habitually beat up and the bores worn out. It's tough finding a good one. The 2A, No. 1 Mk III or Ishapore Enfield that takes 7.62 X 51 Nato usually have excellent bores they tend to be chrome lined. But they are plagued with excessive headspace and occasionally .303 extractors that are not long enough to reach the rimless 7.62 cartridge rim.

BTW, No 4 series Enfields have a receiver peep sight and the No. 1 Mk III types have open iron sights. Rear sight is a notch.

Where's a good place to get one. That's a tough answer. Many have them but few have VG condition rifles. Most have good to fair condition weapons.

Springfield Sporters in PA has some ok ones but my sample size was 1 rifle. Their address is:
Springfield Sporters
RR#1
Penn Run, PA 15765
724-254-2626

Navy Arms corp has some better condition / reworked and put into new stocks Enfields. 1-800-669-6289.

[neilwest]

1. Century Arms has the #5 Lee-Enfield carbine. Sounds like a good deal. Have to confirm price what would you think is a fair price?

[NC_Rebel]

I think something around $150 would be fair, depending on how it is graded. Personally, I wouldn't get one. The No.5 is little more than just a cut down No.4 with a conical flash hider. It's too small and too light for the .303 cartridge. Because of that, it kicks like a mule and has a wandering zero. That's just the way I look at it, no reason for you not to buy what you want. :)

[Schuetzenman]

Originally posted by neilwest
1. Century Arms has the #5 Lee-Enfield carbine. Sounds like a good deal. Have to confirm price what would you think is a fair price?

Those No.5's are original rifles and IMO they are beat to DEATH! :eek: ;puke: Really really rough looking! Get a nice No. 4 either Mk II (the best) or Mk I. You'll be much happier.

[neilwest]

1. Thanks for the info. Ive decided to try for a #4. Ive heard to much about the #5 to spend the money. It is basically a collectors gun anyway so I would perfer authenticty.

[mikeinkc]

Has anyone ever seen a Aussie Lee Enfield? No.1MkIII I believe it was. I had one brand new in the cosmoline a few years back (1990) or so. That thing was beautiful. Lithgow or something . I don`t remember who I ordered it from but recall paying around $300 or so. The thing really was all new; matching numbers and a nice looking light colored wood.

[8dDUCE]

That's odd? I have a very nice #5 carbine. The recoil is not that bad! As for a wondering zero, I have put about 500 rounds through mine, still on target all ten shots in a half dollar sized spread. This with iron sites at 100 meters using S. Africian BALL. The carbine I own, ALL numbers match even the stock. The finish is perfect, and the bore is strong head spacing is fine. Were are you all getting your #5 information from? I love this rifle, it gets as many looks as my Russian M-44. In my opinion there's nothing wrong with a #5 carbine. It shoots straight and handles very swiftly, plus I like the BIG BOOM it makes!!!!! 8dDUCE.:D

[lordviperscorpin]

How is the quality on those Navy arms No 4's ?