Author Topic: What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?  (Read 1427 times)

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Offline Jack Crevalle

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What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« on: March 03, 2003, 02:14:04 PM »
I see a lot of SMLEs out there and I was wondering what ones are good, what ones to stay away from?

Offline savageT

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What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2003, 02:59:20 PM »
Jack,

I know that Gibbs offes originals, refurbished, so that you are essentially buying a like-new issue, or if you want something sporterized, they offer a line of those from .303 British, .308 NATO, or 45-70.
http://www.gibbsrifle.com/

Jim
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Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most.

Offline John Y Cannuck

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What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2003, 01:22:19 AM »
The #4 mk1 and above are stronger  than the #3's. But the #3's are lighter. It's up to you what you want, you can hot load a #4 to 308 performance if the headspace is right. Most owners neck size anyway.
Take a good look around, you can still find unissued SMLE's if you look hard enough.
www.303british.com is a good start for info.
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Offline Jack Crevalle

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What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2003, 01:30:50 AM »
I think I'd rather get something stock military and leave it that way. I'd like to get something less than full length.

I see some "Tanker" MkIII's advertised but from what I've found, some if not all of these are creations from standard issues weapons by importers. At least the MkIV's and MkI's. This seems strange since the picture of the one I was looking at had the front sight and bayonet lug moved back if they shortened the barrel. This seems like a lot of work to go through for little profit.

There's also the Jungle carbines. I understand some of those are made up too but a couple of sites offer them as being the real deal. I understand though that they have quite a kick and flash inspite of the flash suppressor.

Offline John Y Cannuck

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What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2003, 06:37:04 AM »
If you want something full millitary and less than full length, I don't think you have much option but the jungle carbine.
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Offline Venator

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What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2003, 08:09:48 AM »
Look for a No.4, Mark II, if you want better condition, better accuracy, etc.  It has a trigger improvement over the No. 4, Mark I, and can usually be found in better shape.  In the No.4s, the Canadian Longbranches are really nice.  

Get a No. 1, Mark III or III* SMLE, if you want history.  They're slightly less accurate and weaker in the action than a No.4, but again, they've got that 'look', and the history.  British No. 1s are hard to find in clean condition, but you never know what you'll find.  I recently found one (1917) that was FTR'ed to brand new in 1953.  An older collector had owned it for decades.  Nice Aussie No.1s are available, but beware of 'parts guns' assembled by US importers (short serial numbers).  The wood on Aussies is also weaker than the Brits, but they're still great.

Last, I like the late model Indian Ishapore No.1s in .308 (late 1960s).  They are comparitively less expensive.

With ALL Enfields, check the headspacing.  Replacement bolt heads are available to correct minor wear, but it can be an issue.  Remember, the Brits fought a lot of battles with these guns.  It's harder these days to find good ones.  Avoid beaters.
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Offline savageT

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Re: What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2003, 10:42:01 AM »
Quote from: Jack Crevalle
I see a lot of SMLEs out there and I was wondering what ones are good, what ones to stay away from?


Hey Jack!
Where do you find these SMLE's?  I once had a Mk.5 Jungle Carbine, and would love to get another.

Jim
savageT........Have you hugged a '99 lately?

Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most.

Offline Jack Crevalle

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Re: What's a Good .303 SMLE to Buy?
« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2003, 12:49:46 PM »
Quote

Hey Jack!
Where do you find these SMLE's?  I once had a Mk.5 Jungle Carbine, and would love to get another.

Jim


SOG advertises them for one place. I haven't bought from them personally but I read somewhere that they've dropped their price on the Jungle carbines. Apparently, they've been their a while. I didn't buy from them because they have a banner that says they sell to FFL's only. I wrote them an email to ask if I could buy but have it shipped to an FFL which is what I've done in the past from other dealers. It means less work for my FFL dealer and he then doesn't have to charge me state sales tax.
Well, it took them 12 days to answer my email and by that time I'd ordered ( not a SMLE, another milsurp rifle ) from someone else.

This is them:

http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplus_rifles.html


These guys got one "reduced" to $289:

http://www.empirearms.com/

I've seen them forsale on the auction pages too.