Lee Enfield - accurate?

I've owned Enfileds that would shoot 1.5MOA or vbetter with irons at 100 yards.
My father's #4 Enfield is scoped and has a one piece stock.
it will do 5 in about an inch on a good day.
Cat
 
It was used as a sniper rifle into the late 80's... so ya, the Lee Enfield is accurate. I saw a video of a guy shooting a 1 Meter square target at a 1100 yards, I think he got 4/10 hits with his Mk2, not bad for using Irons sights. But like any other rifle, there are a few exceptions, but most are pretty good if they are in good condition.

EDIT: I should have stated that the Enfields used as sniper rifles until the late 80's were not chambered in .303, but were chambered in 7.62 NATO since the mid to late 1950's. Either way, in .303 or 7.62 the Lee Enfield can be a very accurate rifle. It was used, in .303, as a sniper in both world wars and in Korea I beleive.
 
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The group depends on the quality of ammunition used also. Match ammo will get better results if the barrel is good.
 
"...What kind of grouping..." Depends on the rifle, the ammo and the mount used. A scope won't make a rifle that doesn't shoot well with iron sights more accurate.
The diameter of the barrel has a lot to do with accuracy too. Lee-Enfield barrels can measure from .311" to .315" and still be considered ok. Over .315", the barrel is shot out. Using a .312" bullet, the most common commercial hunting bullet diameter, in a .314" barrel will give mediocre to poor accuracy.
 
The best I did with my Longbranch was 3 shots/100M/1 1/4" with basic iron peep sights, using Greek HXP ammo.
(I doubt I could do it now though, my eyes a re a bit older now!)
 
tootall said:
The best I did with my Longbranch was 3 shots/100M/1 1/4" with basic iron peep sights, using Greek HXP ammo.
(I doubt I could do it now though, my eyes a re a bit older now!)
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I know what you mean. I finally got out to the rifle range recently for the first time ever (new shooter here :D) and one of the rifles we shot was my sporterized Lee Enfield. Frankly I'm doing well to see the printer paper sized target PAGE at 100 meters let alone the black bullseye in the center of it. Given this I was happy to get MOP (Minute Of Paper) results :D

I'm afraid that for other than basic plinking it'll be scopes on everything for me.
 
sunray said:
"...What kind of grouping..." Depends on the rifle, the ammo and the mount used. A scope won't make a rifle that doesn't shoot well with iron sights more accurate.
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I think most fellas don't understand how to shoot with irons properly on a target, or tend to use a bull that is too small for their sights,that is why they can get better results with a scope.
However, you are right in saying an inaccurate rifle will not shoot any better with either....
Cat
 
sunray said:
"...What kind of grouping..." Depends on the rifle, the ammo and the mount used. A scope won't make a rifle that doesn't shoot well with iron sights more accurate.
The diameter of the barrel has a lot to do with accuracy too. Lee-Enfield barrels can measure from .311" to .315" and still be considered ok. Over .315", the barrel is shot out. Using a .312" bullet, the most common commercial hunting bullet diameter, in a .314" barrel will give mediocre to poor accuracy.
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I think also it all comes down to the guy pulling the trigger ! I have seen people at the range with some pretty sweet rigs and not have the best groupings!!
 
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