Author Topic: Enfields (Read 455 times)

litman252 · « **on:** June 30, 2004, 05:03:10 PM »

I'm going to look at a friends Enfield tomorrow. Whats the best way to tell the different models apart, what is the most desirable??? It's in 308.
I guess he has 3 extra mags for it.
All I know..............
Thanks,
Tony

ajj · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2004, 03:37:51 AM »

If I'm not mistaken, and I may be, the .308's are No. 1's, from India. The No. 1 has an open rear sight on the barrel. For a shooter I prefer a No. 4 which has an aperture rear sight behind the action, a heavier barrel and just generally a little more strength. Perhaps a more experienced collector will elaborate and/or set me straight.

litman252 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2004, 12:53:00 PM »

It has an open rear sight, one guy said it was not from India due to it's "longer" stock. The lenth of pull felt a we bit on the short side to me.
Any more info???
Tony

Shorty · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2004, 02:57:48 PM »

Any .308 Enfield is from Ishapore (sp?) India. They're recognizable because of the squared magazine. Supposedly, they are strong enough for that more powerful (than the .303) cartridge because of improved metal alloy and heat treatment. Otherwise, they're the same as a No.1 Enfield. India chose to go that route because they wanted to use the NATO cartridge in a rifle that they were already making.

The Cast Bullet Kid · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2004, 03:00:13 PM »

Hi
Big question really.
MLE's have no stripper clip bridge, open rear sight, set up for 215gr bullets.
SMLE No.1 have stripper bridge, full nose cap with no barrel exposed.
No.4 have stripper bridge, aperture sight, exposed barrel at muzzle.
No.5 is the jungle carbine version of Mk4 with infamous wandering POI.
Lots of minor variations in the MK's (eg: 1,2,3,4,4* etc) like bolt releases and the way the trigger is slung.
The Indian Isaphore No.1's are the 12 shot .308's extra heat treated to handle the extra pressure.
Mine is a No.4 Mk2 made in 1955 and was one of the last. Shoots like a house on fire.

litman252 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2004, 04:24:24 PM »

Going my cast bullet kid (thanks for the info) its an SMLE No 1.
I think it's too nice for my purpose.
He wants ~$240.
Thanks again.
Tony

The Cast Bullet Kid · « **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2004, 10:39:33 AM »

Hi
I am guessing that is USD240.00? That is about 400.00 of our New Zealand dollars which would be a very top end price (private sale) here unless it was absolutely mint which I doubt, few are now.
Of course New Zealand and Australia have more of these knocking around than you guys so that alone might dictate a higher price for you o'there.
Hell, if you like it, buy it. I will hardly break the bank ah?

Tbaus · « **Reply #7 on:** July 18, 2004, 05:37:47 AM »

$240 is even high for us unless it is some special rifle and is in mint condition. There are a bunch to choose from for less than $200 and still many at $150. Most people here in the states just think they are an ugly looking "British gun" and don't give them a second glance. That attitude gives a smart shopper a good buy once you learn to tell the differences in the models and how they are priced. I picked up a beater for $50 with the stock hacked off, but it still shoots and the parts are worth that. Good shootin'...