earlthegoat2
Member
Turn it into a Jungle Carbine clone.
Id also turn it into a beater hunting rifle.
Id also turn it into a beater hunting rifle.
Lee Enfield question
- Thread starter Rob G
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Duncaninfrance
Member
I mounted a scope on my No:4 MkI using an S&K No Drill / No Tap mount. It is excellent and has not moved since fitted. Scope is a Meopter Artemis 2000, 4 x 32
Ash
Member
You know, turning it into a #5 clone is really a cool idea.
bainter1212
Member
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- 1,175
Tinpig
Member
Another possibility...
Go back to Gander and see if they have an unbuggered Enfield that you might be interested in. If so, talk to someone (higher up the management chain than the clerk) about how your wife was somewhat misled about what she was buying and suggest the possibility of a trade-in for the non-sporterized Enfield... adjustments in price to be negotiated.
No skin off Gander's nose and I think your wife would be happy that you got what both of you wanted.
Tinpig
Go back to Gander and see if they have an unbuggered Enfield that you might be interested in. If so, talk to someone (higher up the management chain than the clerk) about how your wife was somewhat misled about what she was buying and suggest the possibility of a trade-in for the non-sporterized Enfield... adjustments in price to be negotiated.
No skin off Gander's nose and I think your wife would be happy that you got what both of you wanted.
Tinpig
OP
OP
Rob G
Member
I've added pictures of the rifle in the original post for anybody who'd like to see it.
@Tinpig: Unfortunately this was apparently the only Lee Enfield Gander Mountain had. I'm betting they bought it off somebody, fired a round through it to confirm it worked, and then started looking for somebody to foist it off on. I'm sure if I yelled enough I could get somebody in upper management to do something, but I think I can make something good out of this without bothering with them.
Anyway, lots of great ideas. I especially like the idea of turning it in to a jungle carbine. I measured the barrel and at 20 inches it's pretty close for that conversion. I think making it a true clone though might be almost as costly as restoring it to it's original configuration. Still it's worth looking in to.
After looking it over quite a bit more last night I think I'm going to keep the gun and try and make it a nice sporterized rifle. I'm going to have a gunsmith check it to confirm proper headspace, a good bore, and a properly cut crown. If that checks out I'm going to remove the current iron sights, which are not installed straight anyway, and put a scope on it. I really like the no drill/no tap mount that duncaninfrance showed pictures of. I may at some point acquire the parts to restore it anyway just to have that as an option at some point in the future.
On another note, my wife has told me that she wants to learn all about these old rifles now. She grew up shooting and some of the nicest guns we own are actually hers, so the interest is there. She just doesn't know anything about these older firearms and now she really wants to learn all about them.
@Tinpig: Unfortunately this was apparently the only Lee Enfield Gander Mountain had. I'm betting they bought it off somebody, fired a round through it to confirm it worked, and then started looking for somebody to foist it off on. I'm sure if I yelled enough I could get somebody in upper management to do something, but I think I can make something good out of this without bothering with them.
Anyway, lots of great ideas. I especially like the idea of turning it in to a jungle carbine. I measured the barrel and at 20 inches it's pretty close for that conversion. I think making it a true clone though might be almost as costly as restoring it to it's original configuration. Still it's worth looking in to.
After looking it over quite a bit more last night I think I'm going to keep the gun and try and make it a nice sporterized rifle. I'm going to have a gunsmith check it to confirm proper headspace, a good bore, and a properly cut crown. If that checks out I'm going to remove the current iron sights, which are not installed straight anyway, and put a scope on it. I really like the no drill/no tap mount that duncaninfrance showed pictures of. I may at some point acquire the parts to restore it anyway just to have that as an option at some point in the future.
On another note, my wife has told me that she wants to learn all about these old rifles now. She grew up shooting and some of the nicest guns we own are actually hers, so the interest is there. She just doesn't know anything about these older firearms and now she really wants to learn all about them.
LAGS
Member
@ RobG
To cut costs, look at the ATI LE scope mount over the other.
I am very happy with mine, and it works great.
I have a #4 Long Branch 1944 and a #4 Mk2 that is "Unfired" from 1954
To cut costs, look at the ATI LE scope mount over the other.
I am very happy with mine, and it works great.
I have a #4 Long Branch 1944 and a #4 Mk2 that is "Unfired" from 1954
Duncaninfrance
Member
People who do that to Enfields should be shot - preferably by an Enfield :banghead:
Ash
Member
I agree, but folks who like to sporterize should at least start with a rifle like this one. What is the real sin is folks who walk past one like this just to deflower an original military model.
Duncaninfrance
Member
A few years ago I bought Ian Skennerton's book "The Lee-Enfield. A century of Lee-Metford & Lee-Enfield Rifles & Carbines"
ISBN 9780949749826. 608 pages of excellent information about the marque that is really worth the money. I can highly recommend it
tark
Member
Is it accurate? That crown on the barrel looks a little iffy. If it is accurate enough, they make great truck guns. I keep one similar to yours in the trunk of my car.
dprice3844444
member
shoot it and see how it groups,it may surprise you.
http://303british.com/id35.html read this article,same issues you have
http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/no32mkitelescope.aspx scope mounts and mounting hardware
you can use any 1 inch scope.
http://303british.com/id35.html read this article,same issues you have
http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/no32mkitelescope.aspx scope mounts and mounting hardware
you can use any 1 inch scope.
BSA1
member
Rob G,
I also have a serious case of Iwants for a Lee Enfield. Mine is so bad I have been planning on putting up some pegboard before I even find one.
In your case, and being a sucker for projects, if the receiver is good I would rebuild it's a Scout Rifle.
I also have a serious case of Iwants for a Lee Enfield. Mine is so bad I have been planning on putting up some pegboard before I even find one.
In your case, and being a sucker for projects, if the receiver is good I would rebuild it's a Scout Rifle.
The rifles are still out there.
I live a long way from any true "gun stores", and my visits to such stores are only happening maybe a couple of times per year....BUT:
Not that long ago, a friend took me to a newish store in Reno NV which I had not previously visited.
On the "used" rack were TWO #4 Mk1 rifles. One was a British version in about NRA Very-Good-plus condition, asking $250 and worth it, in my opinion.
The OTHER was a real gem, being a 1943 Long Branch in NEW, UN-ISSUED condition, for an asking price of $350. I'd been looking for a good long Branch 34 for many years, and here it was. After a little dealing, I walked out with it for a total of $315, taxes and phone calls all paid.
One just never knows...
Can we say, "happy Camper"???
I live a long way from any true "gun stores", and my visits to such stores are only happening maybe a couple of times per year....BUT:
Not that long ago, a friend took me to a newish store in Reno NV which I had not previously visited.
On the "used" rack were TWO #4 Mk1 rifles. One was a British version in about NRA Very-Good-plus condition, asking $250 and worth it, in my opinion.
The OTHER was a real gem, being a 1943 Long Branch in NEW, UN-ISSUED condition, for an asking price of $350. I'd been looking for a good long Branch 34 for many years, and here it was. After a little dealing, I walked out with it for a total of $315, taxes and phone calls all paid.
One just never knows...
Can we say, "happy Camper"???
LAGS
Member
@ Bruce B
That was a Smokin Deal on the Unissued Long Branch.
My #4 Mk2 was still in the wrapper Unfired when I bought it.
I have been offered $800.00 for it on several ocassions, but I want to keep it Unfired as is for a while.
That while has passed the 20 year mark already.
That was a Smokin Deal on the Unissued Long Branch.
My #4 Mk2 was still in the wrapper Unfired when I bought it.
I have been offered $800.00 for it on several ocassions, but I want to keep it Unfired as is for a while.
That while has passed the 20 year mark already.
LAGS;
Yes indeed, those mid-'50s Fazakerley #4 Mk2 rifles are really nice. I have one that I bought from an Internet seller, but it had been unwrapped by the time it came to me. Still, it was in new condition and I cherish it. I mounted a Parker-Hale #5C match sight on mine, and it's a joy to shoot with my cast bullet loads.
The Long Branch (Canadian) rifle was one I'd wanted since being issued the #4 by the Canadian Army back in '58.... it was number 85L7408..... reward offered if anyone has seen it!
The #4s are surely my all-time favorite military rifles, out of a long lifetime of studying and using practically ALL the various service rifles from around the world.
Yes indeed, those mid-'50s Fazakerley #4 Mk2 rifles are really nice. I have one that I bought from an Internet seller, but it had been unwrapped by the time it came to me. Still, it was in new condition and I cherish it. I mounted a Parker-Hale #5C match sight on mine, and it's a joy to shoot with my cast bullet loads.
The Long Branch (Canadian) rifle was one I'd wanted since being issued the #4 by the Canadian Army back in '58.... it was number 85L7408..... reward offered if anyone has seen it!
The #4s are surely my all-time favorite military rifles, out of a long lifetime of studying and using practically ALL the various service rifles from around the world.
LAGS
Member
@ Bruce B
I unwrapped mine, because at the time there were guys wrapping up old LE's and selling them as the unfired ones.
People tell me I lost $100.00 of value by doing that, but It is better than sitting on a Fake for years.
But I kept the Label off the wrapper on the original paper wrap.
I shoot my Long Branch with Cast Bullet loads, or use the bullets that I pull off 7.62x54R ammo that I salvage the powder and use those primed cases to load cast bullet loads for the M-N's
Old Berdan primers in the old Brass cased Chinese ammo still fire good enough for the cast loads.
I use the salvaged powder in my .308, 30-06 and 8mm loads.
I unwrapped mine, because at the time there were guys wrapping up old LE's and selling them as the unfired ones.
People tell me I lost $100.00 of value by doing that, but It is better than sitting on a Fake for years.
But I kept the Label off the wrapper on the original paper wrap.
I shoot my Long Branch with Cast Bullet loads, or use the bullets that I pull off 7.62x54R ammo that I salvage the powder and use those primed cases to load cast bullet loads for the M-N's
Old Berdan primers in the old Brass cased Chinese ammo still fire good enough for the cast loads.
I use the salvaged powder in my .308, 30-06 and 8mm loads.
Burning midnight oil, aren't we?
Maybe we are in the minority, but I never did see the point of buying a nice rifle and leaving it wrapped up (or in the manufacturer's box, for that matter). Rifles are for SHOOTING!
I like having old and unusual rifles, but I'll be jiggered if "collector status" has more emeaning than "shooting fun". Not for me, Brother.
Speaking of cast bullets, I bought a 4-cavity NOE mould for what they call the "316299" bullet.
It's a fatter version of the Lyman 314299, and my mould drops wheelweight bullets at .315" on the bands and .303" on the nose..... just about perfect for the .303 (AND 7.62x54, for that matter).
If I ever get over some severe medical problems, I'm sure my various .303 rifles will enjoy this one....
Maybe we are in the minority, but I never did see the point of buying a nice rifle and leaving it wrapped up (or in the manufacturer's box, for that matter). Rifles are for SHOOTING!
I like having old and unusual rifles, but I'll be jiggered if "collector status" has more emeaning than "shooting fun". Not for me, Brother.
Speaking of cast bullets, I bought a 4-cavity NOE mould for what they call the "316299" bullet.
It's a fatter version of the Lyman 314299, and my mould drops wheelweight bullets at .315" on the bands and .303" on the nose..... just about perfect for the .303 (AND 7.62x54, for that matter).
If I ever get over some severe medical problems, I'm sure my various .303 rifles will enjoy this one....
My 303 sat in pieces for twenty years. I took what was a pristine rifle as a kid and turned it into a bubba. Cant turn back time and slap that kid around though. So this year I put a plastic ati stock set on it and camo'd, worked on trigger a bit, put on a coat of duracoat, trimmed worn muzzle back a couple inches, installed ati scope mount, and killed two nice bucks with it this season. One free standing from 160 yds. Rifle groups under an inch and looks great. Dont care if I scratch it, which I have already done a couple times, and has already earned the title meat gun. Do I wish i would have left it original twenty years ago - HECK YES! But what is done is done, and more importantly I have some great memories with this rifle (was hunting inKY with my elderly father) and love shooting it...it is a keeper and gets picked to head out with more than my pristine custom rifles.
Shoots .312 SST bullets pushed by 4064 like a dream...a military rifle dream that is....
Pic of my niece who has already laid claim to it - told her its hers after she kills her first deer with it...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y34qy55ek0wldy1/niece.jpg
Shoots .312 SST bullets pushed by 4064 like a dream...a military rifle dream that is....
Pic of my niece who has already laid claim to it - told her its hers after she kills her first deer with it...
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y34qy55ek0wldy1/niece.jpg
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bainter1212
Member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2012
- Messages
- 1,175
I'll check my Longbranch for that serial # today.....you never know!
kevinakaq, amigo....
I reckon you saw what I said above about "collector status". I see nothing wrong with creating a decent hunting rifle from what is (or WAS), after all, a commonly-available military rifle.
The fact that the rifles have become more valuable with the passage of time has no bearing on the decisions we made so many years ago. To "Bubba" such a rifle NOW would be a questionable project, but.... this is now, and that was then!
The first centerfire rifle I ever owned was a Parker-Hale-converted #4 Mk1, given to me by my parents for Christmas when I was sixteen. We were living in Northwestern Ontario, and over the years that followed, I literally wore that rifle out. It killed my first moose and my first caribou (plus a bunch of other critters along the way later on).
The .303 is still a very effective cartridge, and animals are no tougher now than they were a hundred years ago. I have great respect for both the rifle and its chambering, and neither needs to apologize to anyone.
I reckon you saw what I said above about "collector status". I see nothing wrong with creating a decent hunting rifle from what is (or WAS), after all, a commonly-available military rifle.
The fact that the rifles have become more valuable with the passage of time has no bearing on the decisions we made so many years ago. To "Bubba" such a rifle NOW would be a questionable project, but.... this is now, and that was then!
The first centerfire rifle I ever owned was a Parker-Hale-converted #4 Mk1, given to me by my parents for Christmas when I was sixteen. We were living in Northwestern Ontario, and over the years that followed, I literally wore that rifle out. It killed my first moose and my first caribou (plus a bunch of other critters along the way later on).
The .303 is still a very effective cartridge, and animals are no tougher now than they were a hundred years ago. I have great respect for both the rifle and its chambering, and neither needs to apologize to anyone.
i agree completely Bruce ....then it was a $59 dollar rifle I purchased with money earned the hard way - cutting tobacco. Poor saleslady had to suffer through me opening box after box. They were selling those, along with many others, at Rose's department store. Still have an FR8 that I bought as well (and I did refinish the stock on that one, but otherwise left alone) for 99 bucks. Good memories though, and more to come.
Kaeto
Member
Guess I got lucky with the No 4 Mk 1 I got at a local gun shop. I got it for $250.00 and it's a BSA made in 1942 with all numbers matching. And it's not been molested at all.
I wound up getting it because my mom saw an Enfield spike bayonet in an antique shop and bought it for me. So of course I had to get the rifle to have something to put the bayonet on.
I wound up getting it because my mom saw an Enfield spike bayonet in an antique shop and bought it for me. So of course I had to get the rifle to have something to put the bayonet on.
LAGS
Member
Sorry Bainter1212
My Long branch starts with 49L
My Long branch starts with 49L
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