Lee-Enfield-Which Model is the best?

[Minnesota1]

I am going to the gun show this weekend and want to purchase an Enfield.  I want to make it into a scout type rifle for in close situations.  Can anyone tell me which one would be the best?  It seems that everytime I read about the enfield there are 50 different models of the Mark one or two, three or four.  So if anyone can enlighten me I would appreciate it.  I read an article that the author liked the enfield mark 4 but what are the other numbers mean after them lie the mark 4  one.?  The author also liked the enfield indian 2A1.  I think that would be an Enfield model 2 version 1 or not?  Any help would be appreciated.  I will be using it mainly for deer and hogs.

Thanks,

Bob

[Mikey]

Bob - when you say 'scout type' gun for close in situations, what do you mean???  Are you going to cut down the barrel to make it look like a No.5, the Jungle Carbine?  Are you going to leave the barrel stock length, at 26 or 27 inches???

I have a number of SMLEs and feel the No.4 Mk1 is the best.  If you can find one made by Savage and marked US Property, you will have found one made in the US and never issued -brand new rifles, literally.  If you find a No.4 Mk1 factory reconditioned by Fazerkly, or however it is spelled, it is almost as good as new. 

The Indian made Enfield 2A1 is chambered for the 308; the others for the original 303 British caliber (which in my book does not take a back seat to the 308).  I have used the 303 British on Whitetail, hog and black bear - I don't recall any of them running off. 

You can scope these rifles much easier than you might think but I do not know if there is a scout type mount available.  There are a couple of places that make rail mounts that replace the rear sight and set the scope closer to a sporting application than a scout type mount.  In addition, the bolts on the SMLEs are already designed so they do not have to be cut and welded to mount one of the rail type mounts. 

Aftermarket sporter stocks are available from any number of sources but for a general selection of parts and the like, including stocks, check our sponsors list first, those folks ahve alot to offer.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Minnesota1]

Mickey,

Thanks for the response.  By sporterizing it I mean I would like the barrel to be 18-20" long and would put it in some type of plastic stock.  I know purists would cringe but I promise to get one that isn't a perfect specimen.

I will be looking for the marks you have suggested.  Do you know anywhere where I can find one of those that you mentioned?

Thanks,

Bob

[Mikey]

Bob - my suggestion would be to leave the barrel at least 20", if not 22" long.  You won't be able to tell the difference between either barrel length and the slightly longer barrel helps balace out the overall package. 

Even inexpensive plastic stocks can look good.  These stocks however, as with other stocks, can be bedded for a more solid feeling rifle and better accuracy.  You might otherwise have stock movement and a poor fit.   

'One that isn't a perfect specimen'  Oh my Lawd (spoke widda Brook lyn accent), is der sucha thing?? 

Where to look - first check Mid South Supply, one of our sponsors, then check AIM, SAMCO, SARCO and Gun Parts America.  HTH.  Mikey.

[woodchukhntr]

Check your local gun shops frequently.  In '06 I stopped into one and was looking around and spotted a Mk 4 No 1 in nice shape with a Ram-Line stock.  It had the barrel cut off and recrowned behind the front sight, and was wearing a Weaver base for the tip-off rings.  The price tag read $79.95.  I thought it was a misprint and mentioned it to the owner.  Nope, it was the correct price!  Needless to say, it now resides in my gun safe.  There hasn't been one, in any condition, around the area for anywhere near that price since.  I was also able to swap the 10 round magazine for a 5 rounder that was on a different rifle.

As for the numbers after Mk 4, the Mk 4 No. 1 has the trigger pivot on the buttstock which is supposed to be not conducive to consistant trigger pull, while the later Mk 4 No. 2 has the trigger pivot on the action itself.

[EVOC ONE]

I thought I would offer a picture of a couple No 4's that I sporterized sometime ago.  The blond one has the barrel shortened to 22" the brown one was left at the original length.  Both provide outstanding accuracy out to 200 yards.  I've worked up a plinking/varmint load using the 7.62X39 123 grain Hornady bullet for both that will shoot a less than 2" three shot groups at 200 yards. 

To add to what Mikey said, if your looking to make a Jungle Carbine version, I believe the Numrich/Gun Parts (www.Gunparts.com) offers a conversion kit to do so for the No 4.

I often see sporterized Enfield in gun shops.  Lately, the prices have been up.  Occasionally I come across one for less than $100. Most seem to be in the $125 - $150 range.  The last sporter I bought was back in about 2005 for $79.  It was is such nice condition that I wound up restoring it back to its original configuration.