Time for something older - SMLE advice for first time buyer

[Watcher]

Try these guys for your Enfield needs. I've bought bits and pieces from them and they do seem knowledgable.

http://www.efdrifles.com/

[Tower75]

my query is if I go for one of the older more "collectable" SMLEs, do they have any pressure or other issues when used with factory ammo, such as the HXP sat in my cabinet, or is it ok?

Hi and welcome.

No. No pressure worries are to be had there. Just 'cos they're old doesn't mean they're weak. Treated metal doesn't degrade and suddenly decide to blow up just because you use a factory-load. Of course, you still have to stick to within the safety limits, I'm not saying load up 68 grains of H414 powder or anything. But HXP is fine in Enfields.

Also, there's no such thing as a collectable SMLE, they're all shooters.

[mas36]

Thanks for that. Reinforces my thinking and will probably result in my spending a few more pounds than I should this weekend.

mas36

[ovenpaa]

I used to shoot my 1915 No1 Mk3* at the lower end of the reloading scale, 39 grains of N140 was about the maximum I would feed it. Accuracy wise it was not great however nothing beats the feeling of pulling (squeezing is not a word I would use) the trigger at 2/300 yards and I often used to look at mine and wonder what it had seen and done in it's lifetime.

They are great rifles to own and shoot and a shoot and remember, a hit in the black at 300 would have got the job done back then...

[HALODIN]

I'm considering buying a Fazakerley - Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.2. Can anyone suggest a reasonable market price range for these please? I'm also concerned about windage sight adjustment and it looks like on the No.4 Mk.2, it's on the foresight, is this normal? Is windage adjustment better on other models? Should I consider them? All comments welcome!

[HALODIN]

Last pic.

[bnz41]

No4's range from £250-695 for war time examples to FTR ones in the 50's so many to choose from.

The windage sight adjustment in normal on a No4. If it's got a pinch screw loosen before driffting the sight.

I have a Fazakerley No4 Mk1/2 1956 and its fantastic, everyone should have a No4 in the cabinet.

Some SMLE's have windage adjustable rear sights as well.

[HALODIN]

Thanks so £625 isn't too unreasonable then. I had a google about and I couldn't see what FTR in the context of .303's related to. Do you know?

A quick question - The reason I think I'd prefer a .303 with rear windage adjustable, is because when I shot the club .303 @ 100 yards, it was consistently out to the right by about 6-8 inches. I assumed at the time it was down to the rifle, but last night at the indoor range I swapped .22 ammo from CCI minimag to gecko mid shoot and the accuracy was consistently out much like the .303 was. So... what I'd previously assumed was a rifle issue, I guess in hindsight could have been an ammo problem. Does this sounds plausible?

If it doesn't sound like the ammo... then I guess I'm really after a SMLE Mk II because of the rear windage adjustment rather than a Fazakerley - Lee Enfield No.4 Mk.2. Is there any reason this isn't a good idea?

Cheers,

Craig.

[Steve E]

FTR = Factory Thorough Repair. Many rifles went back to the factory to be overhauled. All worn parts including barrels were replaced so the rifle ended up 'as new'.

In my experience if a rifle is zeroed with one brand of ammunition that zero may not hold true for a different brand. Wind zero may shift up to 12" at 100yds. Just use one brand of ammunition or load your own.
If you want windage adjustment just fit a target rear sight.

If you have good eyesight a No1 MkIII may be good for you but not all of them will have a windage adjustable rear sight. If you want a MkII you will have to spend serious money.
I use my No4 as issued out to 1000yds and it is zeroed correctly to me and is only used with hand loads. Most modern .303 ammunition is at best of variable consistency. If you can find some HXP use that, though it is getting to be like hens teeth and is not cheap

[HALODIN]

Thanks for the info! What surprised me was it was off target to the left or right and not just up or down as I expected and that was just from changing the ammo after the rifle was zero'd in...

"I use my No4 as issued out to 1000yds" <-- :goodjob:

Is this the type of rear target (Alfred Parker) sight you mean?