FNGs and first, used rifles

A

atconner

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I mentioned I have a fascination with old wartime rifles, specifically the Lee-Enfield. Coincidentally, there are a couple used No. 4, Mk 1 rifles sitting around in the local shop for about $650. I've read a few reviews about checking stocks out for hairline cracks, barrels for rust and pitting, the action being clean, and the like. I can see pits, exterior rust, and cracks in the wood just fine, but I'm not sure how to go about the innards.

I don't particularly know what I'm looking for, apart from cosmetic details. So, the real meat of my question is, can you guys offer a few pointers on how to tell if a rifle is 'right'? My google-fu is strong, but I somehow feel better about asking questions with peer-reviewed responses. Also, I can't imagine I'll be able to tell the difference between rifle and shooter inaccuracy if I try these babies out side by each.

I've had a go at the search engine without much luck. Referencing similar threads that I've missed would also be rad. :D
 
Hey sent you a PM, but forgot to mention that the equipment exchange on here is another good place to pick up rifles, just have to be quick to snatch up the deals!
 
$650???

Methinks that, seeing as how you're from Edmonton, you're looking at Milarm's Enfields.

Look at TradeEx's website, you'll find them much cheaper (almost 1/2 price) for roughly the same quality.

As you know, Enfields haven't been made for almost 50 years, so you're not likely to find a new unissued one (if you are that lucky, snap it up!!). Things to look for would be matching bolts/receivers, good condition magazines, wood in reasonable condition (a few gouges and nicks are normal considering), sights that haven't been mangled, and looking down the bore for pits/rust/corrosion.

Take a look at the Milsurps forum on this site, it has all kinds of good info relating to Lee-Enfield rifles.

Welcome to CGN :cheers:
 
I wasn't looking at Milarm's, but thanks for the heads up nonetheless! I'll consider the references I've been given, in PM and here! Er, once I get my PAL and R-PAL next weekend. :D Thanks guys!
 
For $650.00, I'd expect an all-matching Long Branch in almost unfired condition, and if they aren't that, I'd run, not walk away from that business.
Have you applied in here for access to the Equipment Exchange (EE)?
 
I have inspected a number of the TradeEx No. 4s. They were solid unaltered, unmessed with rifles. You could do worse.
Generally speaking, TradeEx's descriptions are conservative, and the product will be better than described.
 
Tradex has a Mk4 for $369.00

http:// w w w.shop.tradeexcanada.com/content/wwii-british-lee-enfield-no4-mki-bolt-action-rifles-303-british


Just remove the spaces from between the w w w and you can paste into a browser.
 
Seeing as this is my first firearm, and my initial interest in smithing for fun, I probably will want to muck with it a bit. The two Enfields I've seen were in an actual store. I don't know enough about this to say if it's a matching, unfired, cheerleader-pretty rifle, so I'm going to refrain from trolling the store. Hell, I'm not even sure what a long-branch is, unless I can throw down a "That's what she said!"

I might take the coming weeks to read and educate myself before I drop a few hundred bucks. I don't think the world will run out of Enfields in a month.
 
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