My current 303 is a LE #1 sporter with a Lyman receiver sight and a 5rnd mag. I feel this is about the best configuration for the Lee Enfield to avoid using a scope and still offering good function overall.


Lots of emotion for the 303 British here.
The M1 rifle made this WW1 design obselete in the late 1930s IMO.
Only superb Commonwealth soldiers with this old design forced on them speaks volumes of thier soldiering abilities and mastery of improvisation.
Think about this for one second; If you were on your way to Korea as a Commonwealth infantry rifleman and by chance you were given a choice between a No4 LE with adequate ammunition, or the M1 30-06 rifle with adequate ammunition, which one would you choose for the defence of Seoul from the regular Chinese PLA?
rant off
This one is almost the same as the Simpon-Sears 'custom' special I started out with,a few years back.
My 1st center fire was just like yours & it shot very true with Mk VII ammo, I dumped a fair pile of deer & other critters using that ammo. Most folks figure that hard points are pin holers & unethical for hunting, but the Mk VII's I used would tumble upon entry and create a better wound channel than any commercial ammo I tried back then.
Growing up in an ammo depot with 4000 acres of private hunting area sure had it's advantages fer sure, along with a healthy supply of free ammo.
If ye get bored of that No 1 Mk III Johnn, please let me know.![]()
This one is almost the same as the Simpon-Sears 'custom' special I started out with,a few years back.
My 1st center fire was just like yours & it shot very true with Mk VII ammo, I dumped a fair pile of deer & other critters using that ammo. Most folks figure that hard points are pin holers & unethical for hunting, but the Mk VII's I used would tumble upon entry and create a better wound channel than any commercial ammo I tried back then.
Growing up in an ammo depot with 4000 acres of private hunting area sure had it's advantages fer sure, along with a healthy supply of free ammo.
If ye get bored of that No 1 Mk III Johnn, please let me know.![]()
Sorry bud, I had picked it up in a swap earlier. And as I already had the Jungle Carbine, I ended up trading that No. 1 in a deal that included a Savage model 311 SxS 3" 410, destined to become my new 'Ditch Chicken' gun.
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This one is almost the same as the Simpon-Sears 'custom' special I started out with,a few years back.
Sorry bud, I had picked it up in a swap earlier. And as I already had the Jungle Carbine, I ended up trading that No. 1 in a deal that included a Savage model 311 SxS 3" 410, destined to become my new 'Ditch Chicken' gun.
![]()
View attachment 63955
Dang, too bad . I'll have to keep me eyes peeled fer one like that. Had one of those 311's in 12 ga. in the late 70's. Pretty basic sxs, but it worked good on grouse.![]()
View attachment 63955
Dang, too bad . I'll have to keep me eyes peeled fer one like that. Had one of those 311's in 12 ga. in the late 70's. Pretty basic sxs, but it worked good on grouse.![]()
Yes, it is that for sure,but it should work good as my 'Ditch Chicken' gun to take along on Moose hunts
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View attachment 63955
Dang, too bad . I'll have to keep me eyes peeled fer one like that. Had one of those 311's in 12 ga. in the late 70's. Pretty basic sxs, but it worked good on grouse.![]()
Those were often seen at weddings also..
Ditch Chicken, I have never heard that term. I like it.



Since this is the "Hunting and Sporting Arms" and the vast majority of folk in this section would be hunting deer and/or big game, your comparison between the M1 30-06 and No4 LE 303 does not apply here.Lots of emotion for the 303 British here.
The M1 rifle made this WW1 design obselete in the late 1930s IMO.
Only superb Commonwealth soldiers with this old design forced on them speaks volumes of thier soldiering abilities and mastery of improvisation.
Think about this for one second; If you were on your way to Korea as a Commonwealth infantry rifleman and by chance you were given a choice between a No4 LE with adequate ammunition, or the M1 30-06 rifle with adequate ammunition, which one would you choose for the defence of Seoul from the regular Chinese PLA?
rant off
Since this is the "Hunting and Sporting Arms" and the vast majority of folk in this section would be hunting deer and/or big game, your comparison between the M1 30-06 and No4 LE 303 does not apply here.
While the M1 would be a better battle rifle, I would NOT lug one of those 10 pounders around for sporting purpose, choosing a sporter 303 every time.
The OP made reference to the military history of the 303 and it's connection to Canadian troops. Not sure about my "very own ruler" in this but rather wanted to state how the LE 303 was a better rifle than the M1 for CDN hunters post WWII. Dirt cheap pricing of the 303s here in Canada had much to do with it and the fact that a 303 could be easily sporterized into a much lighter/handier rifle than the M1.So, using your very own ruler, the OP's comments regarding the use of the 303 in past battles also has no bearing on this sub-forum.
Correct?
I was referring to the "dirt cheap pricing" of 303 rifles, not ammo. Most hunters don't use (and should not use) military surplus ammo for sporting use anyways.Dirt cheap pricing of 303 ammo=Ancient history.
The modern, hyped up beyond all reason age ye mean. Fook it! I done a pile of good hunting with a No.1 Mk3 back in my youth and the rifle never let me down & folks that have a good shooter have nothing to worry about as far as game getting goes.![]()
I was referring to the "dirt cheap pricing" of 303 rifles...




























