Knowledge on buying a Lee enfield

[cosmic]

OP - Since you are considering a full military LE with iron sights, and you are relatively new to the world of shooting - a typical rifle in decent shape will test your shooting skills (ie it will shoot better than you!). Not too many years ago there was a bunch of post war Longbranches (1950) imported from places like Belgium and Greece - they were typically all original, and in good to very good condition. I would try to find one of those.
One final note. Many LE's were exposed to corrosive ammunition in their lifetime, and suffered from the results of poor cleaning. Ensure that the bore is bright and the rifling is sharp in any candidate gun you're considering buying.

 

[Claven2]

Enfield are like Oreos. You can’t buy just one.

 

[hobophobe]

Enfield are like Oreos. You can’t buy just one.

Funny enough, I'm back to just a no1 mk3 full wood lee speed sporter and a bsa p14 sporter. Never shot the no4 or no5 i had.

I kind of confirmed it to myself...thought I'd love to have a few, got a good deal on a maltby no4. Then I had 2 I never used.
Go figure.

 

[Gordlat]

old thread, but as of April 2026 original in wood numbers matching Lee enfield rifles go from 800-1500$ at gun shows
Even more in stores now on consignment sale

 

[Irons78]

old thread, but as of April 2026 original in wood numbers matching Lee enfield rifles go from 800-1500$ at gun shows
Even more in stores now on consignment sale

I recently snagged a 1955 4 mk 2 unissued still in grease for $1600. Last rifle for awhile.

 

[Gordlat]

I recently snagged a 1955 4 mk 2 unissued still in grease for $1600. Last rifle for awhile.

Got this 1918 Irish issued smle number matching including the bayonet for decent price

 

[I Dont Care About You]

When a Lee Enfield of any model is sportered, PROPERLY BEDDED, and loaded with bullets that FIT THE BORE PROPERLY, they will shoot very well.

1 moa is not out of the question.

"Very well" is like half MOA. "Maybe 1 MOA" is not great in comparison to modern rifles.

What rifle and cartridge do you suggest then?

A modern rifle in 223 or 308 would be the best choice for a newbie.

A Lee Enfield is the least desirable platform to start a newbie on IMHO.

Agreed.

I think that is a bit harsh. An un-molested gun in military trim that has not been dinked with, de-sporterized, etc. will usually shoot acceptably after a good cleaning with decent ammo.

Most of my collectible enfields shot 2-3 moa with the first random box of 180gn hunting ammo I grabbed off the shelf.

"Acceptably" for a LE is cr@p for any modern rifle.

 

[poodude999]

I bought sporterised and immediately regretted it, I will be getting a genuine one next time.

 

[Irons78]

I bought sporterised and immediately regretted it, I will be getting a genuine one next time.

Same here. Even with handloads the accuracy was bad. the stock contact points and barrel bands on a full wood rifle all serve a purpose.