Author Topic: Shot an Enfield No. 1 Mk IV. Wow! (Read 2444 times)

mannyrock · « **on:** March 15, 2009, 07:23:09 AM »

Dear Guys,

I have been shooting for 40 years. I have shot lots of military Mausers, and Springfields (03 and 03A3), and have always touted the party line about how well made and supremely superior these rifles are compared to any other bolt action military weapons.

Boy was I wrong!

I had never shot an Enfield rifle until yesterday. My brother got a Savage Enfield No. 1, Mk IV, from a collector, in excellent shape, except for light handling marks. (The barrel looked as if it was unfired.) Since it has an importer stamp, he got it for only $250. It has the two-apeture flip-peep, instead of the ladder style sight.

We took it out to the woods yesterday, put up some targets at 50 and 100 yards, and shot for fun from sitting positions, off hand, and leaning against trees.

I found the sights, balance and handling of this rifle to be superior to any mauser or springfield I have ever fired. It is extremely PRACTICAL, and accurate, and easy to use. And, on top of that, it has a 10 round magazine capacity.

Yes, you do feel a little "hitch" when cycling the bolt closed, that you don't feel in the glass-smooth mauser actions, but my answer to that is, "So What?" Aside from that little hitch, the rifle is plainly superior as a battle rifle, hunting rifle or woods rifle in every respect to the Mauser or Springfield.

Though one may prefer the Springfield due to the widespred availability of the .30-06 cartridge, this is the only possible reason that I could see for choosing it over the Enfield. And, in reality, we had no problem whatsoever in finding .303 British ammo in any of the larger sports shops. As for the Mausers, that fine grade tangent rear sight makes it impractical for shooting in anything other than bright clear weather, in a large open field.

So, once again, I feel stupid for believing something for 40 years, that was totally wrong.

Live and learn.

Regards,

Mannyrock

Skunk · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2009, 08:08:11 AM »

Doesn't surprise me how you feel. The Enfield fought through two world wars and many other skirmishes to the delight of the British. I had one many, many, moons ago that my mom and pop bought me for $15.00 when I was a youngster. Wish I still had that rifle now. Mine was an earlier version than the MK IV though.

S.S. · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2009, 11:22:47 AM »

The enfield don't have the reputation as the best turnbolt battle rifle for nothing.
A most excellent weapon then and now. The only bad thing now is the scarcity of ammo
for it... Your brother has a fine rifle now.

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2009, 12:41:21 PM »

From the description of the sight, I think that it is a No. 4 Mk.1. That is the first Enfield with a peep rather than barrel-mounted rear sights. I've got a No. 4 Mk. II (1952 manufacture) that is near brand-new and also shoots very well. If I were looking for a bolt-action battle rifle, the No. 4 Enfield would be the one!

Skunk · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2009, 12:48:57 PM »

Quote from: woodchukhntr on March 15, 2009, 12:41:21 PM

From the description of the sight, I think that it is a No. 4 Mk.1. That is the first Enfield with a peep rather than barrel-mounted rear sights.

Woodchukhntr,

Mine had a peep sight on it. Would you happen to know when the peep sight models began getting imported to the States?

spruce · « **Reply #5 on:** March 15, 2009, 01:34:42 PM »

Great old rifles! I have a No. 4 Mk I that I've taken a few deer with. Have other much more expensive rifles, but I just enjoy hunting with the old SMLE. Ammo's never been a problem - most places stock Rem 180gr SP Core-lokts, that's all I've ever used for hunting. Mil-surp is getting hard to find (like everything else).

mannyrock · « **Reply #6 on:** March 15, 2009, 02:00:05 PM »

Yes, you are correct. It is an Enfield No. 4, Mk I. (I got the numbers switched).

Thanks,

Mannyrock

Mikey · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2009, 01:26:05 AM »

The SMLEs are great rifles. The 303 cailber doesn't take a back seat to any of the other standard 30 bores. I have used mine on coyote, whitetail and black bear and never a hiccup. Smooth actions, different number of lands and grooves in different barrels but it doesn't matter - scoped, mine shoot to about one inch or better (my No4 Mk1 shoots a 3/4" group), with open sights and the nekked eyeball the groups open up somewhat.

1911crazy · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2009, 03:36:28 AM »

I noticed how smooth and how much faster it is to run the bolt on one when i first held one. It has the best bolt out of all of them.

You should try shooting some mosins next. Do you have a swede 6,5mm mauser or a 7mm chilean/spanish mauser?

I'm finding that with decent new over the counter ammo most will shoot under 2" groups thats not to shabby for these old war horses. I've heard the modern gun manufacturers say that 2" groups is acceptable in there high priced rifles.

Your going to find out in time all the surplus guns are a hoot to shoot...

There affordable, accurate and fun to shoot.

beebzbarn · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2009, 04:11:39 AM »

Yeah they are great,I whunt wolves with mine ,it's an 1942 no4 mk1 here's a pic

fastbike · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2009, 07:43:44 AM »

The "hitch" you feel is because the Enfield cocks on close rather than open like the Mauser actions. Next one your brother needs to find is a Swiss K31. Another neat action, sweet shooting, rifle.

Quote from: mannyrock on March 15, 2009, 07:23:09 AM

Yes, you do feel a little "hitch" when cycling the bolt closed, that you don't feel in the glass-smooth mauser actions, but my answer to that is, "So What?" Aside from that little hitch, the rifle is plainly superior as a battle rifle, hunting rifle or woods rifle in every respect to the Mauser or Springfield.

Mannyrock

Troyboy · « **Reply #11 on:** March 22, 2009, 09:40:42 AM »

I prefer the enfield action over all others.

jcn59 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2009, 10:51:31 AM »

Hey Beeb! You are cordially invited by all Wisconsin deer hunters to come here to hunt wolves. This is a great opportunity for you. We have no closed season, no bag limit, and no special shooting hours. Bring your wolf hunting friends with you.

You are all welcome! If you must bring your pet pooch, just remember that anything smaller than an Irish Wolfhound isn't safe in our northern rural areas anymore.

Our DNR has failed to control the wolf populations and they feel foolish about the 25% reduction in the deer hunting success. They would no doubt like your assistance in reducing the wolf numbers!

351 power · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2009, 04:39:23 AM »

great rifles. they are still useful after all this time. thinking about casting bullets for mine

Victor3 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 26, 2009, 12:20:09 AM »

I've got three SMLE varients. They work great, but I can't take them apart and say, "Golly, look at the expert machining and fine workmanship" like I can with my early Mausers or Schmidt-Rubins.

To me, SMLE's are 'Timex' rifles. Utilitarian, solid design but lacking the old-world beauty of manufacture found in a Rolex.

Years ago I noted the above to an English toolmaker who had made parts for SMLE's. He said, "We were not to be bothered about trivial blemishes. Rifles needed to get to the soldiers quickly so they could shoot some people, and the Enfields made a good job of it."

Steve P · « **Reply #15 on:** March 27, 2009, 05:15:45 AM »

I have a collection of the old Enfields. I have a light load using an unsized RCBS 165 Sil cast bullet. (Don't recall the recipe). I worked it up when I refinished an Enfield for Dad's 75th BDay several years ago. It was mild for him to shoot, but very very accurate in his gun. Out to 100 yards and even beyond, if you could see the target sitting on the front sight post, it would be hit on the shot. I picked up that old war horse for about $100, stripped it down to nothing, blued what needed blued, degreased what needed degreased, and refinished what needed refinished. Even polished up the brass butt plate until you could see yourself in the shine. Dad loves that gun. They are just great!!

Enjoy the old military guns and get them while you can.

Steve

P.S. If anyone sees any of the Swiss for sale, please let me know.

troy_mclure · « **Reply #16 on:** March 28, 2009, 11:19:18 AM »

i just looked at an enfield Mk1, stamped 1954, today. there was little finish and the furniture was battered, but the bore was bright, the lands sharp, and the action was smooth.
the guy wanted $250, but i could probably talk him down to $225.

did i make a mistake passing up this rifle?

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #17 on:** March 28, 2009, 11:31:52 AM »

I believe that sometime before 1950, the British stopped making the Mk4 No1 and started making Mk4 No2's. I have a 1952 Mk4 No2 in very good + condition with a target sight that I bought in 2007 for $250.00. I am seeing No1's in the condition that you described for about $200. When you add the tax, the price approaches $225.

Try the rifle if you can if it's a private deal. If it shoots as good as you expected, buy it!

Hank08 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 30, 2009, 01:33:07 PM »

The #4 Mk2 has a different trigger set up, otherwise the same. I have a mk2 in exc. condition, shoots good. I was in Afganistan some yrs. ago and saw some of the hand made ones, mostly made with a file and a cold chisel, looked, felt, and shot just like the British ones. Amazing what some people can do.
H08

Old Fart · « **Reply #19 on:** April 02, 2009, 10:10:27 AM »

I picked up a severly bubbasized No4 mk1 from a local. And what you are describing is exactly why I'm working on making it a workmans rifle. I had to replace the stock with a synthetic. Somebody did a nasty whack job on it. I'll have to do a little smithing on the action to mount a scope. Same guy got carried away with a grinder. Then I'm going to finish it off with a nice parkerizing. The guy didn't understand what leaving it out in the elments would do. But I should end up with a nice woods gun.

OF

GeneRector · « **Reply #20 on:** April 02, 2009, 11:16:09 AM »

Howdy! About 1961 I had saved up about $25 and had Daddy order me a 303 Enfield (sporterized) from a catalog. Although the riflings were not the best, it turned out to be a fairly accurate deer rifle over the years. I left it at home when I went to college and on to a job, but my brothers used it for years and I think my nephew has it now. I have always had a high regard for Enfields.Thanks!!

ratherbefishin · « **Reply #21 on:** May 06, 2009, 11:56:01 AM »

of course in Canada ,any store[even Walmart] that sell ammunition carries .303 shells[about $18 a box]-too bad our respective governments are paranoid about buying shells across the border-I can't even buy a scope in the US now

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #22 on:** May 06, 2009, 02:15:59 PM »

Quote from: ratherbefishin on May 06, 2009, 11:56:01 AM

of course in Canada ,any store[even Walmart] that sell ammunition carries .303 shells[about $18 a box]-too bad our respective governments are paranoid about buying shells across the border-I can't even buy a scope in the US now

I didn't know that Canada was that restrictive. It makes you wonder why they fear their citizens so much?

Old Fart · « **Reply #23 on:** May 11, 2009, 10:58:25 AM »

I was talking to some buddies on another forum about something I picked up for my Enfield. Sportsmansguide has a 32 acp insert for the 303. I picked one up and when it arrived I gave it a try. Pretty neat little deal. Virtually no recoil and the report is less than a 22lr. I haven't really shot it at any distance. But I have shot a rabbit in the back yard the other night at around 25 yards. I have to admit it feels a little funny shooting a milsurp and only plinking. Nice thing is it adds to the possibilites for it. Take the insert when out hunting or whatever and if a little bunny rabbit presents itself the gun serves double duty.

Maritime Storm · « **Reply #24 on:** May 20, 2009, 01:09:29 PM »

You haven't been allowed to import gun parts to Canada since 1997, compliments of our federal Liberal party(may they long rot in opposition). And don't even get me started on multi-billion dollar registration program those idiots implemented. So far as ammo being widely available for .303 British, shouldn't come as surprising, one branch of the Canadian Military is still issued the SMLE in .303. We've used one rifle or another in this cartridge since the Boer War, although their is a petition currently under way to upgrade this branch to the newer Australian SMLE in .308/7.62 NATO but the government has been slow to move on it.

horseman308 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 21, 2009, 03:20:13 AM »

Quote from: Maritime Storm on May 20, 2009, 01:09:29 PM

You haven't been allowed to import gun parts to Canada since 1997, compliments of our federal Liberal party(may they long rot in opposition). And don't even get me started on multi-billion dollar registration program those idiots implemented. So far as ammo being widely available for .303 British, shouldn't come as surprising, one branch of the Canadian Military is still issued the SMLE in .303. We've used one rifle or another in this cartridge since the Boer War, although their is a petition currently under way to upgrade this branch to the newer Australian SMLE in .308/7.62 NATO but the government has been slow to move on it.

Out of curiosity then, is there milsurp .303 ammo available in Canada? Even dumber question, if there is, can Americans buy it and bring it back across the border? I assume not, but I've never even thought about it so I thought I'd ask.

Maritime Storm · « **Reply #26 on:** May 21, 2009, 07:01:17 AM »

If their is military surplus ammo, I'm yet to see it. The Canadian Rangers aren't a large branch, their main objective is patrols of our northern border region. Ammo for them wouldn't be a large contract, may'be 10K rounds a year +/-. Their standard ration of ammo is 200 rounds a year for example. So far as exporting ammo, you'd have to check US Customs.