My little trip down to Cabela's

Being a newbie to military surplus weapons, I decided that a field trip was in order. After all, you can look in as many books as you want but, without the experience of actually holding the weapon in your hands, you miss out on so much. After gazing at the 1903 Springfield's at the local Scheel's (all they had and not, in my very limited - ok, no - experience worth the $1,500 price tag), I headed over to Cabela's, to the "used" section. Glancing at the Mausers, Springfield, Remingtons and Arisakas (one of them was totally trashed, but another was in good condition and had the 'mum - taken from the battlefield?), I found the item I was looking for - a Lee Enfield No4 Mk1. Actually, it was a Mk1/2, having gone through FTR in, I believe 1949? (how sad that my memory fades), and had been fitted with a Mk1 back sight (and a Canadian foresight), but it was nice to see that the serial numbers on receiver and bolt matched (the magazine didn't, but it was in good condition with no dents). The bore was clean with no obvious wear, and the stocks were remarkably free of significant dings and appeared to be orignal, at least as far back as the FTR (some little marks, but who cares?). Cabela's were asking $300 for it and, if I were not married, I would have jumped on it. I still might, if anyone thinks this might be a reasonable price (comments, anyone).

They also had another Mk1/2, but this one had been cobbled together from some other sources (Savage upper hand guard, Canadian foresight, etc) and I was unable to clearly see the serial number on the bolt. It also had the Ishey screw, which I had only read of in these forums, but it was a pleasure to see something like this, recognize what it is, and what it was for (all due to you guys, by the way - thanks for the education). This other rifle was also going for $300, but it did not hold my fancy.

Lastly, they had SMLE MkIII that looked in pretty good condition going for $450, but I have not done any research on SMLEs, so I could not make even the slightest guess as to whether this was a fair price - but it did look beautiful.

Now I must go off and dream of Enfields....

From what I have seen recently $300 does not seem unreasonable for a decent example. Here, in Manitoba, finding a complete Lee Enfield of any mark is becoming very hard. At the last gun show I went to the only complete Lee Enfield was a rather dirty Pakistan #4Mk2 and the asking price was $425(C). In fact $300 would only get you an obviousely bubad sportster. Cabela's, since taking over Sidney I Robinson (SIR) in Winnipeg, do not sell mil surp rfles. Which is a shame because SIR always had an interesting selection on hand.

I hear you. I will be going to a local gun show in 2 weeks (I missed 1 in Carson City today because they didn't advertise it at all - grrr) and will be on the look out for Lee Enfields and comparing prices. Who knows, if that No4 is still on the shelf at Cabela's in 1 month, I might be able to bargain them down a little. If someone else buys it, then I will just have to be patient and save up my pennies lol

Best price I've heard of for a good condition L-E in a while, though I have not been actively shopping for one.