Considering a centenary .303

[daman]

I'm considering getting a WWI rifle, a SMLE No. 1 Mk1 or Mk3 would seem to be the default choice, but a Pattern 1914 would be a little different.

Not an area I know much about. I trained with a SMLE No. 4 in a previous life, but apart from that I not familiar with .303s.

It would get used for some target shooting and classic CSR.

Thought's, hints, what to look for, what to avoid.... all input appreciated.

- daman

[Alpha1]

Check the for sale section there is a very nice P14 in .303 for sale. If I had a spare £500 I would buy it.

[Tommygunn]

What he said

[Rockhopper]

If you are an "older" shooter then consider the P14 over the SMLE as some folk find the SMLE's rear sight difficult to see as its half way down the barrel.

[ovenpaa]

My view on the P14 versus the No1 MkIII, I know it is a rather sweeping statement however the P14 is ususally the more accurate of the two and the examples I have shot have always been good to 800-1000 yards. The P14 has a 5 shot magazine however the club level service rifle competitions I used to shoot always had a mandatory reload so there was nothing lost in that respect. As previously posted the sights better suit older eyes.

The SMLE has a general feeling of robustness and is probably my all time favourite service rifle. It is the one rifle that always gets closest to bringing me out in bumps when I handle or shoot it and is the reason I started full bore shooting.

Have one of each!

[Rockhopper]

Same here. someone was selling a SMLE and a No4 so I got my licence just so I could have them!
I've since got into 22 target shooting and just last week I bought a Parker Hale T4.

[lasbrisas]

I can only comment on the SMLE as I have never shot the P14, all I can say is my 1912 dated Mk3 is the most accurate iron sighted rifle out of the 10 odd that I have, in a recent comp at Bisley it was getting Vbull after Vbull at 300 yards and wiped the floor with the opposition, which included scoped rifles.

[daman]

Have one of each!

Finances and slots allowing, that may well be the answer.

Thanks all for the replies - I may well start with Lapua338's P14 if it's still there in January.

[lasbrisas]

I have another .303 slot and wouldn't say no to a P14 but a Jungle Carbine is higher on my list, don't forget the P14 is the "Dad's Army" rifle.

[Alpha1]

Dads army my arse shoot a P14 at 100 yards then shoot a Jungle carbine.