First Restricted - an Enfield No2 Mk1*?

[H Wally]

So I'm looking to enter the world of restricteds. I've had my Rpal since the beginning, but have never owned one, as I'm not a range member and much prefer to go out on my own anyways.

Here's the idea. I have been offered an Enfield No2 Mk1* (spurless double action issued to tank corps) for $99. It has worn bluing, the cylinder doesn't lock like a rock, but is reasonably tight (moves a millimeter or so) and I don't know how heavy the rifling should be, but is still visible and defined, but looks a bit worn.

I collect milsurps, and am wondering, does this seem like a good price? If not that, what would you suggest?

Keep in mind I don't want to go out and drop $500 on a pistol, cheaper better, though I could be persuaded in the right circumstances.

 

[Hitzy]

It's a mediocre price for that condition......you will see them on the board here in EX condition for $150 frequently. Keep in mind ammo may be hard to find locally. You certainly won't lose money buying it at that price......it just may not appreciate like a better condition piece.

 

[H Wally]

If not an enfield, anything you would suggest instead?

 

[Hitzy]

The 9mm Walther P1's are $299, Tokarev's are cheap and ammo is plentiful right now, Armco just had a couple of S&W Model 10's in 38S&W for $175 which would have been a good buy, check Elwood Epps website-has lots of milsurp pistols, and accuracy plus-they have good prices on milsurps when they get them.
Personally, I would opt for the pistol that shoots common ammo, 9mm or .45acp, even though it may cost a bit more. 38S&W is available, you just may be stuck mailordering from Wholesale/Russells etc.

 

[NAA]

The 9mm Walther P1's are $299, Tokarev's are cheap and ammo is plentiful right now, Armco just had a couple of S&W Model 10's in 38S&W for $175 which would have been a good buy, check Elwood Epps website-has lots of milsurp pistols, and accuracy plus-they have good prices on milsurps when they get them.
Personally, I would opt for the pistol that shoots common ammo, 9mm or .45acp, even though it may cost a bit more. 38S&W is available, you just may be stuck mailordering from Wholesale/Russells etc.

+1 on what Hitzy says.

I'd look at an econo 9mm like the P1 or a Tokarev. 9mm ammo is reasonable.

There are local restricted S&W's in .38 S&W that are milsurps [and also a some Enfields] out at Pullens. But the ammo is expensive. You could reload it easily enough if you assemble enough components, though.

 

[H Wally]

I've got all the reloading equiptment I need, just need to get around to doing it... probably next winter...

What kind of price range to P1's go for? (am I right in my thinking that they're also called p38's??)

 

[ipscgraz]

I've got three of the enfields...I really admire people who would fight a war with something like that.

You can load the 38 S & W with a set of 9mm dies if you buy a 38 S & W sizing die.

IMHO you have to want to own one of those...as a compliment to a lee enfield collection maybe or just for curiosity. I don't think they are something you will shoot a lot after the first rush of "new" excitement wears off.

If you are concerned about money, they are ok but as previously mentioned a few bucks more gets you something more serious to shoot.

As far as future value goes I bought mine about 24 years ago for $25.00 each. I would sell the three for $500.00 now, but I think mine are in a bit better shape.

 

[Hitzy]

I've got all the reloading equiptment I need, just need to get around to doing it... probably next winter...

What kind of price range to P1's go for? (am I right in my thinking that they're also called p38's??)

$299 from Tradex. P38 was the all steel nazi produced WWII original version. P1 is the post war alloy frame version with some other minor improvements....and to confuse you even worse, there is a post war P38 that is the same as the P1 with alloy frame.
Tradex website http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=table&gid=6
You should also be able to find a S&W revolver in 38 Special for around the $300 mark, which is almost a "must have" for most casual shooters. Great triggers, very accurate, nice guns to start shooting with.

 

[McVillan]

Wally,

I really like my No2 mk1 no star, but I don't get to shoot it very often on account of there not being a good source of ammo or bullets for reloading. At 15-25M the commercial 38 S&W shoots way low of point of aim. The surplus 380 MkIIz FMJ ammo shoots bang on and with that it is a very enjoyable pistol to shoot. Good luck trying to find it, though. I tried reloading with 148gr lead wadcutters and it was decent accuracy, but shot way low. I tried reloading with CIL 200gr FMJ and couldn't even hit paper. TenX bullets do make a 180 gr lead round nose, but it the largest he can make it is .358" in diameter. It's too bad that there isn't a better source for this ammo. It's a very pleasant round to shoot. If you do wind up buying it, I have some reloading recipes for you.

If you want my opinion, pass on it for now and go for anything in .38 Special in a wheel gun. As for a semi-auto, it would be hard to beat the price of a Norinco 1911 copy. Pullens get them in from time to time.

 

[Dukeoflawnchair]

Hugh, you know my handgun experience is a pea in a pot compared to many of the gents on here...but I'll share the wise words that were spoken to me when I asked...in no particular order of value (my intent was to learn how to shoot properly, not to collect)

1) Don't cheap out too much on the gun. You want to know that it's you doing the missing at first, not the gun.

2) Get something you can afford to shoot a lot (econo 9mm?)

3) Get something you'll want to shoot a lot (.22 would probably bore and humiliate eventually...though your milsurp interest might help keep you motivated?)

4) Get a gun that fits, safe, fixable, etc...

I don't have any personal experience with the P1's or Tokarevs, but I like the look, shape, and feel of Hi-powers...There's an FEG copy in the EE for 325 shipped.

I was looking good and hard at the Enfield .38 a while back...aside from just not having the cash at the time, I decided I needed a shooter before I got into collecting guns for other interest...and not reloading at the moment helped steer me away.

 

[H Wally]

Sounds good. As it is I'm looking mainly to have something to "grandfather me" in case something untoward should happen to our electing of an un-gun-sympathetic government. I probably should have mentioned, I've had plenty of experience with hand guns, just don't own them. I've always had an issue with the idea that I can buy a nice mosin nagant for $200 or less and never have a problem with it, or watch as a line of pistol shooters dismantle their $500+ pistols to try to find out why it's not extracting, loading, etc.

P.S. - Dukeoflawnchair - I officially apologise for my awful shooting with your pistol last time - I swear, that was just lack of recent practice

 

[Dukeoflawnchair]

H Wally: Actually, I benched that bugger and had a few other experienced shooters put some rounds through...the sights were set off a bit to the left .

And let's be fair here...you were shooting at a paper that had 4-5 brand new shooters taking a crack at it!!!

Love that BHP...

I get where you're coming from about the indestructable battle rifles too...

 

[H Wally]

Hhahaha - thanks - you've soothed my ego enough I can sleep properly tonight.

Someone mentioned norc 1911's, I've always wondered if there's a quality issue with norc pistols versus others...

 

[X-man]

Shooting a pistol/revolver well takes a lot more practice & skill than shooting a rifle well. To develop those skills and save a buck, I'd highly recommend purchasing a good used/new .22LR pistol. There are good deals to be had on Ruger MK II semi-autos (I prefer the 5.5" bull barrel versions) or S&W Model 17/617 revolvers on a pretty regular basis in the EE. Run a few bricks of .22 through one of those and you'll give yourself a big foot up when it comes time to move up to centerfire.

Unless you are primarily interested in collecting milsurp pistols, I'd pass on them. Most offer only mediocre accuracy and feeding them is often fairly expensive and/or will require you to reload/cast your own bullets. Fine if you like doing that, but most newbies I know are a little intimidated by that.

By far, the cheapest centerfire to feed is the 9mm. You can find pretty good deals on used Browning Hi-Powers in the EE and for a few bucks more, new/use polymer pistols like the Glock G17, SA XD, or S&W M&P. The German P1, as already has been mentioned, doesn't compare to the all steel P38. However, if you're on a limited budget, the P1 might make for a good starter pistol from TradeEx, even though its alloy. Most individuals rarely shoot their alloy pistols anywhere enough to really stress/wear out the frame, so the theoretical "drawback" to an alloy pistol really doesn't enter the equation for most casual shooters.

 

[slicknick]

Tokarev from Marstar is $179, a crate of ammo will keep you running for a year or so