Author Topic: enfields (Read 647 times)

rickyp · « **on:** July 03, 2004, 03:28:16 AM »

I have seen some pictures of them and thank they are great looking rifles
but I know nothing about them.
I have seen them in 303 and 308.

what can you guys tell me about them, I Did read the Enfields topic and it was informative
Are they wotrth getting?
any sniper versions ?
is the 308 better then the 303?

flintlock54 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2004, 08:27:29 AM »

Wow were do you start! For the most part the British models were chambered for 303 british. India did produce a 308 version. The most common british models that the common man can afford to buy and shoot are:

No. 1 MKIII - produced before, during, after WWI

No. 4 MKI and MKII - produced during and after WWII 1941-1955

No. 5 MKI (Jungle Carbine) - produced 1944-1947

The No. 5 is a lightened version of the No. 4.

Keep in mind there are British (three factories), Aussy, and Indian versions. There are models that preceed those mentioned but are mostly collectable. Design, models, and even the design changes of various parts are quickly learned from one of the Stratton books. Which is the best? All of them. There things I like about every model. The Sniper version is to rich for my blood because they run $1800-2900. The scope along can cost $800.

Enfields are like lays potato chips you just can't have one. My favorite is my South African post war No. 4 MKI that I picked up from BDL LTD. It is a shooter. BDL LTD prices are fare priced considering the risk associated with buying at a gun show or auction. Specially when your not sure what to look for. They are honest and will help take the risk out buying your first few Enfields if not all.

litman252 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2004, 02:06:11 PM »

What does BDL LTD stand for??? Have a link???
Thanks
Tony

flintlock54 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2004, 03:38:54 PM »

www.bdlltd.com

Brain Dick is the owner. He is the only dealer that I know of that specializes in enfields. No complaints with either my No. 4 MKI or No. 1 MKIII that I purchased.

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #4 on:** July 05, 2004, 04:15:04 AM »

Quote from: rickyp

I have seen some pictures of them and thank they are great looking rifles
but I know nothing about them.
I have seen them in 303 and 308.

what can you guys tell me about them, I Did read the Enfields topic and it was informative
Are they wotrth getting?
any sniper versions ?
is the 308 better then the 303?

The actions of the .303 Enfields are springy due to the fact that they cock on closing.

The .303 cartridge doesn't get as many reloads due to it's thin brass and shallow shoulder design.

The No. 4 mark I and II are quite heavy. The No. 5 is considerably lighter but has a reputation for a heavy kick with full power ammo.

Although the magazines of the no. 4&5 rifles hold 10 rounds they can be cantancerous.

Sights of the No. 4&5 rifles are excellent.

The No.4 mark II is said to be better than the mark I because of the trigger is attached. Mark I's triggers are said to be suseptable to changes in climate because of this.

Finish of many No. 4's and especially No. 5's is black paint rather than bluing.

The Longbranch models have a reputation as the best No. 4's.

ajj · « **Reply #5 on:** July 05, 2004, 06:44:56 AM »

"Are they worth getting?" Absolutely! These are among the most entertaining milsurp rifles, just a ball to shoot. The surplus ammo isn't as available and cheap as, say, 7.62x54 but a hundred rounds of brass and a Lee collet die will put you in business for a long time.

CzaRon · « **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2004, 08:01:48 AM »

I have to disagree with the statement that Enfield actions are springy because the cock on closing. I believe it is because they are rear locking actions.

rickyp · « **Reply #7 on:** July 05, 2004, 09:09:28 AM »

how easy are they to scope?

If i get one I will be redoing it with a plastic stock and scope mount
I would really like one in 308 because I already am setup for it

flintlock54 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 05, 2004, 10:46:41 AM »

You hit a nerve! Enfield's are a military rifle that are best collected and shot as is. If you have to go plastic, scope, and 308 there would be no point in buying a collectable rifle. You could just watch auction arms for a sporterized enfield that way nothing is lost.

Having vented!

The best 308 models, well there are some that were Canadian match rifles and British post war snipers. They both would cost more than a commercial anyway and you would never would want admit in public that you buggered one up.

The Indian 308 models are cheap because most collectors do not hold them in as high regard as British, Canadian, and I almost forgot the US Savage No. 4.

rickyp · « **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2004, 11:54:59 AM »

I already have a very nice 96 mauser in 7x57 that shoots well. at 100 yards I can hit a clay target.

I saw a sniper version but the $2500.00 price tag is way to much for me

The plastic stock would be only if the wood was real bad

kevin.303 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 06, 2004, 06:15:59 AM »

hey jack is the .303 Epps conversion at all used south of the border? for those that don't know it blows out the shoulder angle to 40 degrees(i think ). it works best in p-14's and No.4's. it gives you a bit more speed but improves case life considerably.a local gunsmith quoted a price and a chamber reaming runs only $100 CDN. actually if you want to dress one up a bit start with a sporter instead of a collector grade. cheaper and less people will be mad at you. nothing wrong with plastic stocks, i removed and stored the wood on my '41 lithgow and replaced it with a ram line synthetic. i don't really like the look of black plastic but i can stop worrying about damaging the wood when it's wet outside or if i drop it on hard ground.

i have a No.1 and while the sights aren't as good as on a No.4, they get the job done. if the mag is poperly loaded i don't usualy have feed problems. best thing about these rifles is you drive a tank over them and they still shoot straight. try that with a Remington 700!

Tbaus · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2004, 05:28:20 AM »

My shooting buddy got a .303 Epps by accident. He shot it and showed me how the shoulder on the brass was now more angled. We did some research and found he had a .303 Epss, which neither of us had heard of. Indeed it improves the way the powder burns giving more muzzle velocity with the same load, it also preserves the brass a lot! I don't see anything wrong with taking a nice milsurp Enfield out of it's stock, placing the stock somewhere secure and then putting a plastic stock on. There are also a couple of mounts for scopes that require no gunsmithing. B-Square has one that replaces the rear sight on a No. 4. Again you put the rear sight in a nice bag along with the stock. This way you don't actually alter the rifle itself, but make a nice hunting rifle. I have a No.1 MkIII that I have a no-smith mount on that gives me a weaver base for my night-scope. I shoot marauding coons and coyotes at night with this gun. I have the original stock and so does my friend but I don't see any problem with "changing" out a stock and putting on a scope mount that in no way alters the rifle. You can simply put it back together. Good shootin'...

S.S. · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2004, 03:28:33 AM »

The reason that the sniper Variants (True Military Rifles, not pieced together surplus) Are so expensive is that companies like
Holland & Holland put them together. These rifles would easily
compare to the highest grade custom rifles of today
accuracy wise. I have a T3 Sniper (Looks like a #4 Mk1 with a scope and
Cheek piece laced onto the Butt.) That will out shoot anything else I have. I also have a #4 Mk1 *...
2 No III 's ....1 No 5 Mk1 (Which will not shoot accuratly at all
after about 5 rounds) and a P-14. Enfields are a good place to start
a collection, because there are so many variations on the same basic action. Watch the news when it shows places like Afghanistan, Look how many Enfields you see! I would wager that there will still be Enfields used in combat for the next fifty years or more!