I was tempted to buy one back in the early 70's from a war surplus dealer who was an acquaintance of my dad's. The guy had two locations in Edmonton with a fenced-off yard and what looked like truckloads of helmets, Jerry cans and random pieces of military scrap. His Lee Enfields were sold at $20 each. When I mentioned it to my mentor (a Canadian veteran Spitfire pilot who opened a gun shop close to our family business), he said "You think that's a good price? You want to know what they sold for after the war? A buck a ton. A buck a ton!" Jack (God rest his soul) was a Mauser fan. Back then (as a kid) I would have to work a day and a half to earn enough to buy one of those Lee Enfields.
I suppose it's like so many things. Back in the day the price was lower, but people earned less. When the price had gone up to $250-ish, it took a few hours work to pay for one.
Army Navy used to have them stacked in a wooden barrel for $20 a pop as well. No shortage of Lee Enfields back then. I remember .303 British ammo in a nondescript white box for $2 per 20 FMJ rounds as well.
I suppose it's like so many things. Back in the day the price was lower, but people earned less. When the price had gone up to $250-ish, it took a few hours work to pay for one.
Army Navy used to have them stacked in a wooden barrel for $20 a pop as well. No shortage of Lee Enfields back then. I remember .303 British ammo in a nondescript white box for $2 per 20 FMJ rounds as well.