I can see why a ross is desirable in this country. But with the large numbers of lee enfields why are they so pricey? I see them over $1,000 bucks and then for a sporter you can buy them for cheap. I am poor so I bought the sporter. For an old surplus rifle I would think they would be about $200 like a mosin. I would like an old WW1 lee enfield but won't pay those prices I hope everybody does the same don't pay those prices and drive the price down.
What is with the crazy prices on lee enfields?
- Thread starter Nelson84
- Start date
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
Are you goning to do the same for the price of gas ? Good luck. Like already discussed on another thread, if the market will bear a certain price, then that's what the value is. Many things, such as art, go up and down in price. Will enfields go down in price--maybe, but I doubt it, at least not for unmolested examples. If you don't want to pay current market value, well I guess you won't be getting an enfield unless you find a deal somewhere from someone who is unaware of current market prices. Or wait it out and see if the market value drops, which might be awhile. You might not want to pay the price, but if you were selling one I'd bet you'd be glad the market is where it's currently at.
No the gas prices belong on the gas forum. Are you baiting me into an argument? If you were able to read I stated that I already have a lee enfield. I was just commenting on the crazy high prices for a rifle that everybody seems to already own. Oh and thanks for your dummy down supply and demand speech. The supply is plentiful and there is not much demand for something most already have.
oh boy, you again...
It's my firm belief that that as every year goes by..and as every new collector appears...
there is an overall sense that the supply of original condition rifles is diminishing, same goes for parts to restore sported versions...not yet a frenzy, but definitely a sense of urgency to get one now, before prices put them completely out of reach of the common man, which ironically drives the prices even higher, even faster
a general shift in thinking that has more people jumping on the "preserve the history" train....
a growing awareness that all but a very few veterans are gone forever, so the rifles they carried in battle serves as a tangible link to their memory
add to that the 100 year anniversary of the start of the Great War to put these arms firmly in the face of new or casual collectors (I'm sure savvy collectors saw this coming decades ago and loaded up while they truly were affordable)
just my take on it...every time I hear someone complain that they used to buy these rifles for $15 out of barrels...I realize that the prices I see now are the best (as a buyer) I will see in my time as a collector.
It's my firm belief that that as every year goes by..and as every new collector appears...
there is an overall sense that the supply of original condition rifles is diminishing, same goes for parts to restore sported versions...not yet a frenzy, but definitely a sense of urgency to get one now, before prices put them completely out of reach of the common man, which ironically drives the prices even higher, even faster
a general shift in thinking that has more people jumping on the "preserve the history" train....
a growing awareness that all but a very few veterans are gone forever, so the rifles they carried in battle serves as a tangible link to their memory
add to that the 100 year anniversary of the start of the Great War to put these arms firmly in the face of new or casual collectors (I'm sure savvy collectors saw this coming decades ago and loaded up while they truly were affordable)
just my take on it...every time I hear someone complain that they used to buy these rifles for $15 out of barrels...I realize that the prices I see now are the best (as a buyer) I will see in my time as a collector.
gunsaholic
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
No I was not baiting you into an argument. You came on here ticked off because you would like to have an enfield but do not want to pay the current market value. Then you propose the unrealistic notion that everyone should quit paying the prices. I didn't want to pay the price for my house either when I bought it but do you think it would have worked if I proposed that everyone quit buying houses? Yeah, you stated that you already have an enfield and yeah, I read you bought a sporter. Then you clearly stated you would like a WW1 enfield, (guessing an unmolested one) but didn't want to pay the price, hence the point of your thread. Then you clearly stated that everyone should quit buying them to drive prices down so, no, the content of your post had more to do than just wondering why the prices "are crazy". But when I respond to various aspects of your thread, which you clearly posted, you ask if I'm trying to bait you into an argument. All I was doing was stating simple facts, which other's have as well, and provided an example. And for what it's worth, read my post again. I never said anything about supply and demand.
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I understand why you say that Lee Enfields are plentiful, and they are. But break that down a bit.
1. bubba sporters
2. well done sporters
3. full wood but rough
4. full wood but decent, mismatched or built in somebody's garage from parts
5. full wood, good condition, all original and matching
6. full wood, good condition, all original and matching with something odd or rare (1941 Long Branch, sniper version, etc.)
You will find that the price climbs for each level, just like anything else. As far as $200 full wood No 1 rifles, that was a long time ago and I doubt you will ever see prices like that again. You may, however, find a decent looking mismatch No 1 for $350 - $400.
Also keep in mind that there are some sellers that have the same crack suppliers as Rob Ford. These prices stick in your mind because they are outrageous. Their rifles don't tend to sell quickly, if at all.
1. bubba sporters
2. well done sporters
3. full wood but rough
4. full wood but decent, mismatched or built in somebody's garage from parts
5. full wood, good condition, all original and matching
6. full wood, good condition, all original and matching with something odd or rare (1941 Long Branch, sniper version, etc.)
You will find that the price climbs for each level, just like anything else. As far as $200 full wood No 1 rifles, that was a long time ago and I doubt you will ever see prices like that again. You may, however, find a decent looking mismatch No 1 for $350 - $400.
Also keep in mind that there are some sellers that have the same crack suppliers as Rob Ford. These prices stick in your mind because they are outrageous. Their rifles don't tend to sell quickly, if at all.
Sites like these that's why.
It's kind of a self -feeding hysteria.
New entrants to the system get excited about a certain type of firearm and as mentioned above, supply and demand kicks into place, and those that have see the desire of those that don't and the prices go up.
It's kind of a self -feeding hysteria.
New entrants to the system get excited about a certain type of firearm and as mentioned above, supply and demand kicks into place, and those that have see the desire of those that don't and the prices go up.
For a Lee to be worth $1000 or anything close to that, it needs to be something special. Full military pre WWI, sniper model, new in wrap, etc... A run of the mill SMLE or No.4 in full military guise is doable for $300-$450 depending on condition, matching numbers, whether or not it's a restoration piece, etc... Just keep your eyes peeled, the good deals get snapped up quick. Epps seems to have a few go through now and again, and P+S Militaria has the odd one at a reasonable cost as well.
They aren't making any more though, prices will continue to rise. Use your judgement, buyer beware, and definitely get one!
They aren't making any more though, prices will continue to rise. Use your judgement, buyer beware, and definitely get one!
Ive picked up a ncie clean 1940 no1mk3* Lithgow sporter (numbers matching) for $100. Also got a 1918 no1mk3* enfield sporter for $75, as well as a globco no4mk1 sporter for $80. Both the No1's are pergectly restorable.
Ive seen 'restored' to full wood with purly reproduction parts with an asking price of $300-400, for that price I'd rather buy one thats seen survice and a little beat up. I can imagen a lee-enfield having value, spaciley one thats seen action. Unlike the SKS, such a commen rifle but people buy them, walk out of the store then post them for double for what they bought it for....
Ive seen 'restored' to full wood with purly reproduction parts with an asking price of $300-400, for that price I'd rather buy one thats seen survice and a little beat up. I can imagen a lee-enfield having value, spaciley one thats seen action. Unlike the SKS, such a commen rifle but people buy them, walk out of the store then post them for double for what they bought it for....
I wouldn't waste your breath with this member, he's either is a troll with nothing better to do or can't comprehend basic knowledge. Somehow he keeps finding his way back into the milsurp forum to launch personal insults at knowledgable contributing members and start flame threads. Hopefully he will get bored and leave, or perhaps maybe the mods will eventually step up and ban him for good (Any mods care to explain why he's managed to still be here?).
-Steve
I'm waiting for his next thread.... "Why wasn't the Enfield chambered in 7.62x54r ??? .303 British is too expensive!!!!"
infideleggwelder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
buddy of mine called me up and asked if $75 was a good price on an old LE. i said that was a good price on anything. next day he called me over to his car and hauled a 1943 No4 longbranch original out of the trunk. beautiful, original. missing a mag. i gave him one of my spares after i told him he could sell it for 700 to 800. he likes it too much. i may have posted this story before, but it just shows that they are out there. not everybody is on CGN.
I agree with the above^^^^
I guess he only got 6 months off, he was banned I remember.
It wasn't long enough MODS.
My point is I sure hope we don't loose good members simply because the OP was allowed back here.
Rant over.
