Rebuilt #4 Enfield or non-rebuilt?

[Tracy]

Sometime this month I expect to buy another C&R rifle. I'm leaning toward the Enfield #4's at Springfield Sporters. I have never had an Enfield before, so I'm looking for a little direction. For $90 I can get one with a mint bore, scabbard, and bayonet. It doesn't say what condition it is in. The mfg. choices are Moltby or B.S.A.

However, for $100 I can get one that has been rebuilt at Ishapore. It has the bayonet, scabbard, and a 1960's date. They state that they have excellent bores.

I understand that, for collection purposes, the rifles that have been rebuilt are not as desirable as the ones that have not. But, I don't want to get a gun that is all beat up either. Any ideas on what the best route might be? I don't have a lot of money to play with so I want to spend it conservatively.

Also, it looks like AIM has a pretty good deal on the South African non-corrosive 303 ammo for $7.50 for a box of 50. Is there anyone out there who beats that? My local gun dealer wants $10.00 for a box of 20.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.:)

[Schuetzenman]

Well Bigtuna,
The BSA and Moltby are made in England and Ishapore is in India. The Indians build an Ok weapon but if you really want a British Enfield go with the first two.

The Weapons from Springfield Sporters will look anywhere between good and vg at the best. There could be dings and scrapes. The stocks could be quite dark. A rearsenaled Isipore in .303 oh and BTW, I've never heard of a No. 4 made in India AFAIK they only made No. 1 MK III types. Anyway, a rearsenaled weapon isn't worth as much as an original in comperable condition, but will be worth more in many cases if the origninal is beat to death. In any event you aren't talking 03A4 Springfield rifles here, just some crummy ole Enfields. ;)

[NC_Rebel]

Originally posted by Schuetzenman
BTW, I've never heard of a No. 4 made in India AFAIK they only made No. 1 MK III types. Anyway, a rearsenaled weapon isn't worth as much as an original in comperable condition, but will be worth more in many cases if the origninal is beat to death.You are correct sir! Ishapore never converted over to produce No.4's. Everything that came out of that arsenal was a No.1 in one form or another

Originally posted by Schuetzenman
In any event you aren't talking 03A4 Springfield rifles here, just some crummy ole Enfields. ;) Blasphemer! You will suffer one thousand lashes for your insolence!! :p

[Schuetzenman]

Originally posted by NC_Rebel
Blasphemer! You will suffer one thousand lashes for your insolence!! :p

Bwhahahaha!

You know I'm talking about rareness vs. millions made Chris.:p
As you know I love my No 4 Mk II! :D

[Tracy]

It is kinda' confusing. They call the rifles #4 Indian R.F.I.'s, but then state underneath that they are rebuilt there. They don't say where they are originally from. I'm guessing that it is probably a variety of sources. They do have one for $120 that is a #4 MK1 Enfield. It is restocked with the original military beechwood stock set. It says that they look like new. However, it doesn't say anything about coming with a bayonet and scabbard. I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Are there any other reputable dealers out there handling Enfields? It seems like, maybe, I saw one or two at Navy Arms. Yep. Just checked--good to very good for $100.00. That really doesn't impress me much.

What to do :confused: , what to do :confused: :confused: .

Maybe I should have stuck with collecting spatulas. :D