Looking for a Enfield No.4 MK1 What to look for

[TransAm1991]

I'm sure it's been posted 300 times, but the search function that makes me wait 20 seconds, although it's reason is understandable drives me nuts..

So, I'm looking for an Enfield No.4 Mk1, well, because they're plentiful, And I don't want to use something too... 'Fancy' as a hunting rifle.
I know the Remi 700 is accurate, but I think it would be much more fun to me if I was using something out of the norm..

I know to look for barrel wear, and if the wood is very damaged, but is there anything mechanical I should look out for? I've been reading a few things on here about a cracked bolt, and I understand they make replacement parts, but I just want something that I won't feel bad taking it out into the woods for a weekend.

Thanks, KP.

 

[cote_b]

Look for all matching parts (especially bolt), full wood, bore condition, cracks in metal. Avoid enfields with DP or ZF markings on them. I would tend to avoid Pakistani refurbished enfields.

Im sure theres more to it, but thats generally what I look for.


Edit*** it seems like you are after a sporterized enfield, so dont worry about full wood or full millitary configuration.

 

[TransAm1991]

When I figured out the search function, I came across one where someone was buying their first gun.. and they wanted an LE for it..

Is the kick that bad? It surely can't be worse than my 870 pump, or even that NR davis 16 gauge with the half missing plastic shoulder pad...

Edit*** it seems like you are after a sporterized enfield, so dont worry about full wood or full millitary configuration.

Having the full wood would be a big positive, the bayonet mount I could live without.

 

[SeamusMac]

The kick is nothing to be concerned about, it's even less noticeable if you buy an Enfield with full wood.

 

[cosmic]

Buy a commercially done sporter - such as a Parker Hale. They were done properly.

 

[TransAm1991]

Buy a commercially done sporter - such as a Parker Hale. They were done properly.

I'll have to check one of those out, are they readily available?

I was also hoping for a resto-project for the summer time.

 

[cosmic]

If you want to retain/restore originality, the PH conversions are not suited, as they have a chopped barrel and a D+T receiver.

 

[TransAm1991]

I have an offer for one factory refurbished in Engand in 1956, what is redone on these?
And it sounds like they're missing the wood, but I'd replace it.

 

[cosmic]

There were tens of thousands of LE sported by many companies, large and small, there's no way of knowing what was done. Get a pic, or even better go see it. The good news is - when a rifle was chosen for sporterizing is was usually in pretty good shape. The bad news is - with the passage of decades of use, the condition can be a wild card. This is particularly true of the bore, due to the effects of corrosive military surplus ammo. So check the bore, the rest you can eyeball...

 

[TransAm1991]

There were tens of thousands of LE sported by many companies, large and small, there's no way of knowing what was done. Get a pic, or even better go see it. The good news is - when a rifle was chosen for sporterizing is was usually in pretty good shape. The bad news is - with the passage of decades of use, the condition can be a wild card. This is particularly true of the bore, due to the effects of corrosive military surplus ammo. So check the bore, the rest you can eyeball...

I don't know if the seller is still checking this thread out, but here's a pic, it's the top one. It looks in pretty nice shape, he said it has a thicker barrel, can the front hand guards be added with the thicker barrel?
It also has a ladder peep sight.

 

[plinker 777]

Hmmmm, The barrel has been chopped on the No4 bud! Don't waste your time with that one IMHO. A "tanker" full wood isn't a "Full Dress" Enfield,you'll be putting good money after bad on that one. Or buy it and shoot it as is. If you want to restore, buy an all matching sporter in good shape that the barrel hasn't been chopped, you'll notice bayonet lugs on No4's with full length barrels

 

[TransAm1991]

Hmmmm, The barrel has been chopped on the No4 bud! Don't waste your time with that one IMHO. A "tanker" full wood isn't a "Full Dress" Enfield,you'll be putting good money after bad on that one. Or buy it and shoot it as is. If you want to restore, buy an all matching sporter in good shape that the barrel hasn't been chopped, you'll notice bayonet lugs on No4's with full length barrels

I am after something I can fix up for field use, I kinda like the look of full wood, but I'm not really after a museum piece, it will probably spend it's time in the woods anyway.

Would a normal wood dressing fit that barrel, or is there something special needed?

 

[plinker 777]

Full wood looks like it'll fit.......It'll just end up looking a little weird though....But then again perhaps "unique" is the look your going for?!.....If the later is the case I say go for it....Your gun! You Go Girl!!!!

 

[cosmic]

Well - Theres not much point trying to restore that one - you can get one that hasnt got a chopped barrel, and matching numbers for 150$. Your going to pay 175 + large ones for a wood set and metal bits, and an original military spec rifle can be had for 350 -400$... Do the math...