where to shop for Enfields?

[sbpetrok]

I'm about ready to plunk down money on an Enfield or a Mauser. I'm interested in something as accurate at long range as I can get. Something about buying a "near" tack driver for the price of a dozen boxes of ammo or thereabouts just gives me a woody.

Anyway, I'd like you guys' opinions on:

1) Which Enfield for longrange accuracy? Seems the #4MkII is the best bet. Yes?

2) Considering that highly-thought of Mausers (Germans and Swedes) are about 50-80% more expensive than the Enfields, are they worth the premium? (I'm seeing them for ~$125-140 for Enfields, $180-230 for Mausers)

3) If Mauser, Swedish or German? I'm leaning toward the 6.5 x 55...

4) Where would you shop for the gun you recommend? If Enfield, would you consider a Navy Arms gun?

5) Should I apply for my C&R before making this purchase (whichever gun I chose)? In the long run, I can likely see myself with both guns, as well as others of the type. Do Garands ever fall under the C&R guidelines?

I am NOT interested in sporters. Period. I'm not going to be swayed by a few dollars one way or the other, although I am sort of out to earn the ultimate bragging rights at the range - "What? THIS old thing? Well, I do get x inch groups... and I only spent $xxx, can you BELIEVE IT?!!!"

Thanks for your input, I'll post this on the Mauser boards, too. Interested in everyone's comments.

[neilwest]

1. I have a #5 from SOG, and #1 I purchased from a local and the #4 Savage I got through interordnance.

2. IMO I would go with the #4 first. Interordnance has handselect with matching #'s on all parts for $169.00. They have matching #s but not handpicked for $149.00. Either one is a good buy. Bores are mirror and wood while dinged is in 95% condition.

:)

3. Yes get your C & R license as these co's only sell to federally licensed holders and otherwise your price will increase by having a FFL holder order for you.

[sbpetrok]

thanks!

Well, I just took a flyer on a #4Mk1 on Gunbroker.com. The description was 'metal in great condition -wood has no cracks or deep cuts -bore nice-web sling - original # match except magazine' and I won it for the opening bid of $80. Figure $20 for shipping and $20 for my FFL ( I did apply for the C&R, but I've got that damn 4-6 week wait ahead...) so the gun will be in my hands for $120 or less. I'll spend more than that on .303 British ammo in the next year...

Hope it's a good one. I'll let y'all know.

Figure I'll still go for that Swede M96, too/anyway...

[zouavexx]

Good for you!


Make sure you post a report about it when you get it :)

[NC_Rebel]

Originally posted by sbpetrok
Well, I just took a flyer on a #4Mk1 on Gunbroker.com. The description was 'metal in great condition -wood has no cracks or deep cuts -bore nice-web sling - original # match except magazine' and I won it for the opening bid of $80. Figure $20 for shipping and $20 for my FFL ( I did apply for the C&R, but I've got that damn 4-6 week wait ahead...) so the gun will be in my hands for $120 or less. I'll spend more than that on .303 British ammo in the next year...Not bad at all! :D AIM has South African .303 at a reasonable price. Good stuff too. I have had only one misfire out of... man, I lost count! Somewhere around 2,000 rounds I think.

As much as I love the old British warhorse, I think you'll get better long range accuracy with the Swede. Still, everybody needs an Enfield or two or three... :cool:

[sbpetrok]

will do!

Once I get my C&R, I'll definitely be getting a Swede, and perhaps a Swiss K31. Then maybe an E German Makarov. Oh, don't forget the Garand. And...

oh man I better sell my golf clubs...