Next purchase: #4 SMLE vs. M38 M-N

[seeker_two]

I'm thinking about getting a good milsurp rifle to keep as an iron-sight, lightweight "fightin' carbine" and occasional brush-hunting rifle. I already have a sporterized, scoped SMLE #1Mk III*, and I want my next rifle to stay as close to stock as possible. Plus, since I already handload for this rifle, I want to use as many similar components (.310-.312" bullets, powder, primers) as possible. So I've narrowed my choices down to these two...

Points of interest....

#4 SMLE:

Already familiar w/ its operations.
Already load this caliber.
10-round capacity vs. 5 rounds.
Great sight system (esp. w/ the ladder-type adjustable peep).
Bolt already turned down (if I ever decide to scope)
Butter-smooth action.
Factory hunting soft-points readily available in most areas.


M-38:

Shorter & lighter than SMLE.
Non-detachable mag = no mag to lose.
Can use same components as SMLE (except cases, of course).
Stronger action than SMLE.
Less expensive than SMLE.
Inexpensive ammo available for days I don't want to reload.
I don't have one yet...

So, which should I choose?....

 

[Ian]

The Enfield. The sight are better, the trigger will almost certainly be better, it'll load from clips more easily, and the action is smoother and way faster to operate.

I have a No4 Enfield, and there's no way I would swap it for an M38.

 

[Cosmoline]

Most of the M-38's out there saw the rough end of WWII and got counterbored and had their rifling re-cut to a wider bore. They don't tend to be anywhere near as accurate as the mint M-44's and I wouldn't get one without being able to hand inspect it first.

I'd suggest grabbing a Polish M-44 if you want a Mosin carbine.

 

[Hazwaste]

M-38

Ammo's much cheaper.

 

[DougW]

#4mk1's for me. Actually, any Enfield will work for me.

 

[M.E.Eldridge]

Get both. They are cheap enough. Failing that I would buy the M38 or preferably, an M44. Mind this though, surplus ammo for the M44 has a stout kick to it, much more than any Enfield rifle I have shot(including my No.4).For hunting I don't think you would have to worry, there will be too much adrenaline to feel it or at least that's what happens to me when I shoot 3" deer slugs or 3 1/2" shells from a 12 gauge.

 

[cslinger]

No question, the Enfield is the better gun by far and will most certainly be more fun to shoot. The action is just ohhh so right. It's kind of like a really good transmission. The Mosin, while I own one and enjoy, is much more shall we say utilitarian.

 

[swingset]

This is akin to choosing an ugly, irritating woman because she's cheaper to feed.

No brainer, I'll take the looker with good taste in chow. No4 for me, thanks.

 

[LAK]

Given that the SMLE is among the very best 20th century battle rifles and you already handload .303; I would stick with the SMLE.
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[cracked butt]

I voted for the No4 once because it wouldn't let me vote 10 times

The No4 is a far far better rifle in just about every way.

 

[rbernie]

The No4 is a far far better rifle in just about every way.

+1.