Time for something older - SMLE advice for first time buyer

[HALODIN]

Just off to see cgfirearms.co.uk now, who knows what I might come back with...

[shugie]

The last SMLEs' made were the Ishapore 7.62 ones .They look a bit agricultural but are made of much superior steel and are made from new to be 7.62 .I have one and it's very accurate and I don't have to worry too much about keeping it shiny and unmarked ,it's a 2A1 Ishy ,ten shot mag and still in service in parts of India.

Where might I get one of those?

[HALODIN]

I saw at least 2 of them at C&G Firearms yesterday. I spent 3.5 hours chatting to Chris at his office, he's an interesting bloke and clearly knows his stuff. If you're serious I'd suggest paying him a visit, but you might leave there wanting more than you did when you set off, I did...

I bought this yesterday, it's a beauty SMLE. All original unissued parts that have been degreased, plated (blued) and put together on original furniture and they're simply stunning. I have a lot of respect for Chris's work, these are effectively new SMLE's. I suspect I'll put in a variation for a Faz No 4 in the not too distant future...

Sorry for the low quality pics.

[bnz41]

Nice rifle you have, feed it with Privi or if you can find any .303 milsurp ammo and you will have hours of enjoyment. You decided not to go for windage adjustable rear sight then.

What did you do on the carpet :lol:

[HALODIN]

Yeh she's lovely, I'm glad I picked a piece of British history as my first rifle.

Any idea where I can source milsurp .303? No I don't think I need a windage rear sight, at least not at the moment. I just need to spend some time on the range and get it zeroed in which I hope to do next Sunday.

I noticed that mark in the carpet the other day, I think I need to speak with Mrs HALODIN!

[Steve E]

Yeh she's lovely, I'm glad I picked a piece of British history as my first rifle.

Any idea where I can source milsurp .303? No I don't think I need a windage rear sight, at least not at the moment. I just need to spend some time on the range and get it zeroed in which I hope to do next Sunday.

I noticed that mark in the carpet the other day, I think I need to speak with Mrs HALODIN!

Milsurp .303 has become very difficult to obtain these days. You must remember that the last British .303 was made in the very early 70s. The very good Greek HXP wast las made in 1986 and if you can find it is very expensive. Best option is to buy some PPU and then reload your own.

[Dombo63]

PPU, ie Prvi Partizan ammo in 303 is fine. I use their 308 Win match ammo (green box so as not to confuse with 303 in the blue box!) in my Remington 700 and it is very accurate out to 600 yards.
I also recently bought some "target" .303 from HPS. This is either hand- or machine loaded into either new or once-fired brass using Sierra HPBT bullets. I went for the machine loaded once-fired stuff at 74p a round (prvi is about 63-75 depending on source) and got consistent 3-inch groups at 100 yards. As these are battle rifles i figured the tolerances would be ok to take brass fired from different rifles.

[HALODIN]

Thanks both, Privi it is then. :cheers:

[zanes]

Great thread for me- variation "in process" for a .303 and I think an SMLE looks promising to fill that slot.

[HALODIN]

I know lots of people won't agree with me, however... you'll probably prefer the sights on a No.4 than an SMLE. My advice is to try both before you decide which one you want to buy. In hindsight I should have bought a No.4 rather than my SMLE.