I don't know if I prefer any other rifle to the Enfield, or vice-versa. In most cases, each type has its advantages and special appeal.
What I do like about the Enfields is the fast bolt cycling, the 10 round mag, the accuracy, the simpicity of operation, the punch of the cartridge and the overall ruggedness of the design.
It's hard for some to comprehend, but this rifle type is lovely beyond explanation if you judge it on the merits of serviceability and overlook the outward aesthetics. Kinda like how a bulldog wins your heart after it's around a while.
"Roger that". Even the #4 seems to look more conventional compared to the earlier types.
SevenMM:
We are fortunate to not only have the plastic AR madness in the US, but have ability to own a semi-auto rifle.
Over in the UK, they must be single-shot in some countries, after you interview with the police, before you can even begin the process of buying a gun.
The UK is now passing a law which requires you to be at least sixteen to buy any knife, even a butter knife.
Two people from England told me about that.
The UK is now passing a law which requires you to be at least sixteen to buy any knife, even a butter knife.
Two people from England told me about that.
Lee Enfields are excellent firearms as well as collectibles. I have a No. 1 Mk. III made in 1943 at Ishapore Armory in India. Its a great rifle, well made, durable and very accurate. I am also interested in picking up a No. 4 Mk. I in the future to add to the collection.
Here is a photograph of my 303 British caliber No 1 Mk. III Lee Enfield, also shown are my two Russian Mosin-Nagant M91/30 rifles chambered in 7.62x54R.
What is a good source of military surplus 303 caliber ammunition?
Very nice! AIM was selling Ishapore's converted to .308 a couple years ago and though tempted, I passed. I do hope to get an Enfield some day. Are you shooting surplus .303 or new production?
from what I've read the 4 Mk1 is about as good as it gets for smle. a buddy has one, won't let it go. good shooter, at 100yds a 50c piece will cover the group - off a rest that is.
From a shooting standpoint, lee-Enfields. From an all-around accuracy and durability standpoint, Mauser 98 types, And for clumsiness, Mosin Nagants
the only real advantage of the Mosins other than cost is their dual use as a sledgehammer!
I'm a C&R newbie. Curious why Enfields are your fav?
from a shooting standpoint, the enfield is scary fast to operate, thanks to the cock-on-closing bolt. detachable mags, foolproof safety, and great sights (#4). personally i think they just look cool!
In my opinion, it is mostly the aperture sights on my #4s and #5 "Jungle Carbines" and classic looks.
The smoothness of the bolt is always an asset, and the lightweight handiness of the #5 combined with its power makes it my favorite gun, followed very closely by the #4 and Garand.
Each time I glance at a show or another magazine article about Bataan or "Bridge Over the River Kwai", the chance that my #5s could have helped to "neutralize" some of those bad guys in Burma adds glamour.
The global operations of Enfields in WW2 used by British, Can., Aussie, South African, Indian and other forces against the evil Axis increase their appeal.
Also in Korea, then Malaysia in '56.
More large game has been taken around the planet by Enfields, and northern Canadian Auxiliary forces still keep the #4 as their main weapon.
Each time I glance at a show or another magazine article about Bataan or "Bridge Over the River Kwai", the chance that my #5s could have helped to "neutralize" some of those bad guys in Burma adds glamour.
I know exactly what you mean! these milsurp rifles, while they usually aren't in pristine condition, every nick, ding, and scrape has a story to tell. they simply ooze history! (not to be confused with the cosmoline ooze from Mosin Nagants)
Sadly, my only Enfield was one of the #4s that had been raped by the Santa Fe arms co. it didnt have it's bridge or aperture sight, and accuracy, plainly speaking, sucked. (sigh) I'm always on the lookout for a new #4.... someday
I'm a C&R newbie. Curious why Enfields are your fav?
ehhh part nostalgia, part family history.
my first rifle was an enfield, and during WWII my grand father fought with the other free Poles along side the britts and carried a no1mk3.
i prefer the bolt cocking on closing too. mausers and mosins tend to have a sloppier bolt since there isnt as much tension on the bolt. so i find the bolt buttery smooth on the enfield.
I bought a Lee Enfield Model 4 MkI last week. Got it for an insane price and flipped it for a nice profit.
I wanted one with matching serials so I didn't keep this one. Was a sweet shooter though! Eventually I'm gonna get a more original SMLE. Great classics!
I’ve always loved the Lee-Endfields . My very first deer rifle I owned was a Lee-Endfield. I used to have quite the collection a few years back. Right now I only have a No 7 Mark 1 in 22 cal. Once used by the Canadian Military for the initial sharp shooter training. It even has the original parker-hale sights. Everything is original and it has matching serial numbers. This is one of my favourite rifles
That's a cool lil rifle right there! Very nice detail and it's in pristine condition! If I buy another Enfield, I want the Jungle Carbine (matching serials - all original) AND one of those .22's. Possibly the 7.62 version as well, if I can find one for a reasonable price.
When I was a kid growing up in the UP of Michigan,the #4 jungle carbines were all over the woods up there.I remember running into 5 hunters out of 6 that had them!Seems the old 94 was king for awhile ,but in mid 60's the 303 #4 's took over.Here in 2010 deer season,I still run into them up here,father to son hand me downs.Nice,small,powerfull rifle,good sights,with a nice easy safety.
just bought an enfield, ignorant I am on these rifles, appears that all numbers match, right side of the rec. says enfield 1918 then S?LE, can't quite make out the second letter, but on your guys their is top wood on this one there isn't. thoughts?
I am going to have to pick up a mag somewhere also.
I love them. I bought a No1 MkIII from a local pawn shop for $120. It was all matching but someone Bubba'd the stock. After looking around for a good replacement stock, I figured I would be better off selling it and buying an all original.
just bought an enfield, ignorant I am on these rifles, appears that all numbers match, right side of the rec. says enfield 1918 then S?LE, can't quite make out the second letter, but on your guys their is top wood on this one there isn't. thoughts?
I am going to have to pick up a mag somewhere also.
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