Whitworth MK 4 .303 Sporter for moose?

sweetheart

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I want to buy a Whitworth conversion of the Lee Enfield Mk4 .303 , it has the Whitworth barrel and a Scope mount. Nice Sporter stock with a scope friendly cheek riser and a pistol grip style. Is this an oddball or OK for hunting moose and bear. Its for my husband as a surprise gift of Moose season. Should I or pass it up?
 
Thousands and thousands of moose have been taken with sporterized Lee Enfield rifles.

Sounds good. Can the seller verify its accuracy?
 
I would use it moose hunting! Lots of sporterized 303 rifles are afield.

Nice thoughtful present for Ed.

Cheers
Jay
 
Well, we can see why you are called sweetheart.

It was a very good service rifle when it was manufactured and a good hunting rifle when Whitworth converted it. It is certainly suitable for moose, bear, etc. If it hasn't been abused or neglected it will be a good thing for him to have. If the price isn't outrageous, yes, buy it.
 
There is a lot of history with the LE 303 in Canada through World Wars and and endless number of folk who hunt with the rifle. Most of our fathers and grandfathers got them at greatly reduced prices on the surplus market after WWII at a time when there might not have been a lot of cash for a new M70.

It is loved here and for good reason, but given the choice I would rather a modern 30/06 bolt action over a military surplus 303 for any hunting.
 
If you know that your sweetie is interested in this kind of rifle, go for it.
There have been lots of better sporting firearms made since the days of the Lee Enfield, but.....they served admirably in their time, and laid out lots of big game.
The .303 British cartridge is a first class game cartridge hampered by limited choice of loadings in the retail marketplace.
 
I have one and I've used it on Moose , Elk , Bear and Deer , none of them complained lol . My late father took more Moose with it than I can remember . If it's a decent price with a good bore , take it . Your husbands a lucky man , I'd be happy to get one as a surprise .
 
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