SMLE sporterized

[JRiddle]

I recently ran across, and purchased, a SMLE that has been sporterized by Parker-Hale.  I believe its a Mk4No1, the barrel and scope base are both stamped Parker-Hale,England, it's .303British caliber.  The stock is a high grade walnut with checkering, and a bit of rosewood at the fore-end.  Very european in appearance.  I know the sporterizing degraded the value, but does anyone have any idea of what it would be worth?  I'm just trying to get some info together for a supplement on my homeowners insurance policy for my firearms, and am having trouble finding anything on that gun.  Also it has a Nikko-Sterling 4x scope attached that appears to be quite vintage, anyone know any thing about them?  Thanks in advance, Jim

[Cottage Hill Bill]

Parker Hale produced a line of sporters based on various Lee-Enfield models. Many of these are collectible in their own right and were very well made. They have much more value than a home done sporter, i.e a bubba job. You might post your question over at the British Gun Pub forum at gunboards.com. Some of the folks there are very familiar with the PH conversions. Parker Hale was one of the better and better known British gunmakers in the 50's and 60's and produced quality products for shooters.

[JRiddle]

Thanks for the tip C.H.Bill,,,I joined and posted this afternoon.

[Mikey]

JRiddle:  I once passed up a Parker Hale sporterized #4 Mk1 to give a younger shooter the chance to purchase a quality hunting rifle.  On every second thought I have ever had about that rifle I think I should have steered the kid toward a used Remington next to it on the rack and copped the rifle for myself. 

If I had purchased that rifle and covered it under my homeowner's insurance I would have described the rifle as:  A custom English Sporting Rifle by Parker Hale (world reknown English rifle makers) and valued it between $500 - $750. 

Parker Hale sporterizations do not degrade the price of the rifle, they enhance it.  The scope may also be English made - I would search the net for information on that scope and the mounts - that combo may be valuable. 

Then I would take that baby out and shoot the snot outta it - I would slug the bore first as I believe that parker Hale installed some very nice and tight .311 bore barrels on those actions.  JMTCW.

[S.B.]

Please, post some pixs of this rifle? I've got one of these I've 1/2 sporterized and would like some ideas.
Steve

[JRiddle]

Steve, I've been meaning to do that.  I'm taking it to the range tomorrow, so I'll get a few shots of it while I've got it out. JR

[S.B.]

JR, thankx.
Steve

[JRiddle]

Steve,
Here's a few pictures I took today, however I removed the recoil pad to measure for replacement, before I remembered to take the pix.  You should be able to zoom in on the pix for some detail, if not let me know, and I'll email them to you.  Hope this helps with your project, and please take some 'before & afters' to post here.  Good luck, JR

[S.B.]

JR, who's stock do you have on this? What scope mount are you using, I see the holes on the left side of receiver.
Steve

[JRiddle]

Everything on it is Parker-Hale, including scope mount.  Even the front hooded iron sight is stamped Parker-Hale

[1911crazy]

I seen a decent looking 303 britt sporter once at a gun show for $75 and stupid me i passed on it.  I regret it to this day.

[Skunk]

JRiddle, awesome rig!! I really like the long grip on the stock. Looks like it would be very comfy to shoot.

[JRiddle]

Skunk, it is a very good shooting gun, a lot of fun.  I just slugged it last week and am going to begin casting and reloading for it to try and find a real sweet load that she really likes.  There are not a lot of options in factory loaded .303Brit. 

And 1911...yeah, I think i would be regretting that too.  I paid a bit more than $75 for this one, but I'd buy anything that shoots for $75 

JR

[Siskiyou]

Nice

[MGMorden]

I must say, I absolutely LOVE this gun.  I've got an old SMLE sporter myself but it's a junker - cheap synthetic ATI stock, some pitting, and 10" groups at 100 yards (though that MIGHT be the $20 Tasco scope's fault - it came with the gun and I haven't tried it with a new one).

To me when dressed up properly like this the SMLE is a very interesting and nice gun.  A very, very different design from the Mauser and most modern guns which are all kinda related to the Mauser.   I saw ONE like this on Gunbroker once but it didn't have the scope mount - I still regret not buying it then though.  If I can find one like yours I will most certainly be picking it up.

[JRiddle]

Thanks for the complements, I think it's quite a looker too,,,I'm a sucker for pretty walnut.  I just took the scope and mount off the other day, I wasn't having much luck getting any kind of a group with it.  I think it's the scope though, it's a Nikko-Sterling, I've never heard of it, appears to be kind of old, I figured it may be English too.  I shot better groups with it Sunday at my range with the iron sights than I ever did with the scope. 
MGMorden, I see on your profile you're from good 'ole SC, upstate SC-GSP area here, what neck of the woods are you in?

[MGMorden]

MGMorden, I see on your profile you're from good 'ole SC, upstate SC-GSP area here, what neck of the woods are you in?

I'm just a bit north of Charleston in the Francis Marion National Forest area .