lee enfield help

[brybenn]

Hoping someone can help shed some light on this area for me as I admit I'm not very familiar with these
I'm lookin to get a sporter rifle that I can play with and practice general gun smithing on. What I hope to end up with is a decent shooter that looks good with decent sites.
I want fancy wood and a completely polished look. The problem is I don't know which version is best suited for this. Ive seen many over the years and never really had an interest until now.
Parker Hale did some nice looking ones. I'm lookin for a basic rifle not a special edition or anything of value
What # or model is best for such a project?

 

[Timberlord]

The No4 Mk1 would be my choice.
They look good and easily scoped too.
Of course , you'll need to give it a look over for a decent bore , ect.

 

[tiriaq]

Basic sported rifles are not expensive. Great for projects. Don't bother unless the bore is in good order.
A No. 4 is easier to work on - but I think a nicer looking sporting rifle can be made from a SMLE. I'm thinking of the recent top end PH conversions. Even more interesting is to try to duplicate one of the pre-First War factory sporting rifles. These are slender graceful rifles. A tang safety is a nice touch. For an advanced project, a one piece stock conversion is worth considering. I remember seeing a semi finished stock for one at a show, didn't have the sense to grab it.

 

[brybenn]

What exactly is the difference between the smle and the no 4?

 

[louthepou]

Good advices from tiriaq.

The "SMLE" is an earlier version than the No4. Rear sight is on the barrel while the No4 has its rear sight (peep type) on the receiver. Thinner barrel cross-section. (there are other differences but these would be the most important for a sporter project I think)

 

[TheTooner]

SMLE is the abbreviation for Short, Magazine Lee Enfield which is the official designation of a certain rifle. It was replaced by the Number 4 Rifle Mark 1 (No.4Mk1) and subsequent marks, 1* and 2, which is a different rifle largely based on the SMLE but a quite complete new design. So an SMLE isn't a No. 4 and a No.4 isn't an SMLE.

 

[englishman_ca]

The number 4 rifles have more spare parts and aftermarket accessories available. They can mount no gunsmith scope rails.

Many were refurbished at the factory and put into war stores before being surplused. Look for FTR (Factory Thorough Rebuild) or FR (Factory Rebuild) marking on the receiver.

 

[brybenn]

Thank you all