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Author Topic: Buying a rifle  (Read 314 times)

Offline apcampbell

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Buying a rifle
« on: March 10, 2009, 10:16:50 AM »
As I have an historical interest, (and I don't intend on staying in california longer than I have too) I've been looking into buying either a Springfield 1903, a 1917 Enfield, or a Lee-Enfield (SMLE).

Internet doesn't seem to have much on availability, so for you firearm experts, what's your thoughts?
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Offline wrag

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Re: Buying a rifle
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2009, 11:00:57 AM »
Quote from: apcampbell on March 10, 2009, 10:16:50 AM
As I have an historical interest, (and I don't intend on staying in california longer than I have too) I've been looking into buying either a Springfield 1903, a 1917 Enfield, or a Lee-Enfield (SMLE).

Internet doesn't seem to have much on availability, so for you firearm experts, what's your thoughts?

I still see a few SMLE's but not many of the other 2.

Go to gun shows and local gun shops and you might find one.

Last I heard those aren't on the Kalifornia list YET.

Check the bore very carefully!

GL.
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Offline Makarov9

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Re: Buying a rifle
« Reply #2 on: March 10, 2009, 11:11:21 AM »
All three are excellent rifles. I have a SMLE No.4Mk1 and a 1903-A3. Both are fun to shoot. You can probably find a SMLE for a much lower cost then the 1917 and 1903s.

The one thing to consider is ammo availability and cost. It's harder to get decent quality .303 British surplus now, with .30-06 being a little more available. You can always buy new factory ammo, but prices have gone up a lot. I went the reloading route for both calibers.

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Offline SmokinLoon

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Re: Buying a rifle
« Reply #3 on: March 10, 2009, 11:21:44 AM »
Both the Springfield 1903x and 1917 Enfield will cost you a much higher chunck of change vs an Enfield No.4 Mk1/2, or even a MkIII version.  I rarely see an '03 for less than $700 and veyr near that for a 1917.  An Enfield can still be had for less than $200 if you're not in teh hunt for a pristine and unfired or a rare collectable version.  These days, the '03 and 1917 are more sought by high rolling collectors than enthusiast like you and me.  The only down side of having an British Enfield is that most of the surplus .303 British ammo has corrosive primers or powder so you MUST clean it with hot soapy water or else you'll develope rust in the bore and in the action.  OR... buy very expensive commercial ammo,... OR ... you can do like me and reload your own ammo.  ;)  

I'd set your sights on an British Enfield in .303 British and then do your best to find the non-corrosive .303 surplus ammo.  

Also, dont be afraid to check out the Russian/Soviet Mosin-Nagant in 7.62x54R, a k98 Mauser in 8mm, Italian Carcano, Jap Arisaka, etc.  Lots of good stsuff out there.  But, the Enfield is still the best if more ways than one (price, ammo availability, etc).  :)    
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Offline Fencer51

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Re: Buying a rifle
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2009, 11:41:04 AM »
I have a 1903 Mark 1 (1920 if I remember right) which is an excellent rifle.  Anyone has a pederson device hidden away, I will give ya $10 for it.  ;)

I bought a Mk III SMLE Lithgow (Australian) a few years ago but have never shot it.

Best darn rifle is the M1 Garand.  I love all of mine.
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Offline Vulcan

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Re: Buying a rifle
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2009, 07:41:32 PM »
Quote from: apcampbell on March 10, 2009, 10:16:50 AM
As I have an historical interest, (and I don't intend on staying in california longer than I have too) I've been looking into buying either a Springfield 1903, a 1917 Enfield, or a Lee-Enfield (SMLE).

Internet doesn't seem to have much on availability, so for you firearm experts, what's your thoughts?

New Zealand is rife with cheap SMLE's. Lots were used as deer hunting rifles up until the 80's.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Sports/Hunting-shooting/Rifles/mcat-0005-0386-2156-.htm   (our ebay equivilant, search on 303)

Or
http://www.guncity.co.nz/xurl/function/prodlist/filterflags/0/pointer/0/searchtext/534D4C45/grpid/0/content.html

Oh and US$1 = $2NZ roughly.
There are lots of other online gun stores here with them. Though I think most have been 'sporterized'.



Dunno what the story on getting them exported to the US though.


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Offline rstel01

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Re: Buying a rifle
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2009, 08:16:15 PM »
Quote from: apcampbell on March 10, 2009, 10:16:50 AM
As I have an historical interest, (and I don't intend on staying in california longer than I have too) I've been looking into buying either a Springfield 1903, a 1917 Enfield, or a Lee-Enfield (SMLE).

Internet doesn't seem to have much on availability, so for you firearm experts, what's your thoughts?

The 03 is the best Match Grade Rifle of the bunch but, The Short Magazine Lee Enfield would take my vote if I could only have one. Both calibers 30.06 and 303 British dont show on any evil scary ammunition lists so supply should be plentiful (massive run on .223 right now!)

I love the vintage iron myself



It took about 17 years to really get them, it is the main battle rifle for every WW2 Combatant.

The prerequisite was to be un-mutilated, all headstamps and markings complete (Including German "Nazi" Waffenmat and Japanese Imperial Chrysanthemum). They all had to be built in 39-45.

The Top is my 44 Built Springfield M-1 Garand

Next is 1943 Mosin Nagant M44

Then 1943  IV Lee Enfield

Then 1941 Mauser 98K

And Finally 1944 Arisika Type 99
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