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Evening all,

I've got a spare .303 slot and I have about 500 quid available to help fill it.

I have to confess, I know just about diddly as far as historic rifles go, but I think that I want an SMLE of some sort. I just love the way they look and have been lucky enough to shoot a couple.

So, if you were going to give some basic buying advice, what would it be? Are there particular variants to avoid? Are there particular variants that I should try and go for? Are there simple checks that I could do to minimise the risk of buying a dog?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Judders

Should be able to get something nice for £500 tongueout

Do you want a collectors piece or a shooter? - Collectors like early models (nice ones can be expensive) - I went for a Lithgow Mk3*...as it's a late model (1944), has a heavy barrel, and shoots very nicely indeed...

I don't know what to avoid - Other than I've seen some poor looking Ishapores...

...the main thing is that it has a good bore (and no damage to the crown)...if you're not sure how to judge a bore by eye, then get someone else to have a look.

I hope to add a SMLE to my cabinet next year, so this thread should be handy for me as well. Any ideas what disciplines can be shot with a one? Are there any sellers that are particularly worth contacting?

Dougan wrote:Do you want a collectors piece or a shooter? - Collectors like early models (nice ones can be expensive) - I went for a Lithgow Mk3*...as it's a late model (1944), has a heavy barrel, and shoots very nicely indeed...

I definitely want to shoot it, so I don't want anything too precious that it shouldn't be shot. But then for 500 quid, I suspect that won't be a problem I have to deal with. Plus, one of the clubs I shoot with has a .303 competition each year and I'd like to take part, so it's going to need to shoot reasonably well.

Dougan wrote:..the main thing is that it has a good bore (and no damage to the crown)...if you're not sure how to judge a bore by eye, then get someone else to have a look.

That's where I'll get stuck, I'll need someone else to take a look for me then.

Plenty of folk on here can offer advice, ooman. Personally, we like older 303s, and purchased ours from

http://www.highwoodclassicarms.co.uk/

http://thedevizesgunsmith.co.uk is always worth a peek too !

Dougan wrote:if you're not sure how to judge a bore by eye, then get someone else to have a look.

Hmmm, probably beats listening to a bore....

There are some good videos on Youtube: type in Enfield Accurizing, including how to check if the bore is shot out. You could also try joining a specialist rifle club like LERA:
http://www.leeenfieldrifleassociation.org.uk/
very helpful members with a wealth of knowledge and the opportunity to shoot club rifles to help you decide. I originally favoured the SMLE for their historical pedigree as well as shooting, but later rifles may have seen less use, so I am leaning more towards a No 4 Mk2. You might even decide you prefer the No 5 Jungle Carbine.

This link gives some useful info:
http://www.4thgordons.com/So%20you%20wa ... nfield.pdf

I found it by typing "lee enfield buying tips" into Google - threw up some interesting bits and bobs.

Dombo63 wrote:There are some good videos on Youtube: type in Enfield Accurizing, including how to check if the bore is shot out.

Thanks for the tip, just watched this one and found it very useful indeed.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsNCqqWg ... WeLXO5TteA[/youtube]

I'm pretty much maxed out in terms of shooting time with the two clubs that I'm in, along with the occassional target that I book at Bisley as an NRA member, so I won't really have an opportunity to join LERA or a similar specialist club. If I could just win the lottery and give up this 'work' thing....

Dombo63 wrote:I originally favoured the SMLE for their historical pedigree as well as shooting, but later rifles may have seen less use, so I am leaning more towards a No 4 Mk2. You might even decide you prefer the No 5 Jungle Carbine.

I hear what you're saying, but I'm drawn to an SMLE at the moment. Perhaps an SMLE + No4 + Jungle Carbine is the way to go?

Dombo63 wrote:This link gives some useful info:
http://www.4thgordons.com/So%20you%20wa ... nfield.pdf

I found it by typing "lee enfield buying tips" into Google - threw up some interesting bits and bobs.

Nice one, thanks. I'll have a read (and a google) after work.