Astonished at prices of L42A1s

[Florey55]

Hi - I'm reasonably new here and I know that I know nothing, but how come prices of L42A1 rifles so high?

They can't be that good could they?

Lee Enfield L42A1

Information

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[Gloworm]

Properly set up and fettled and in capable hands they were very capable for their time.
Given the legacy of the No4(t) they were derived from and that just over 1000 were converted, they are pretty rare.

[Roy W]

That's not an expensive one!

[chosenman]

Hahaha! That’s a very reasonably priced one!

[mrclark303]

Florey, it's simply down to supply and demand, in the case of the L42, demand far outstrips the available number.

That sets the price...

As said, the example shown is actually rather well priced, prices of around £10,000 and higher for a complete CES with a good shootable rife are quite common..

[tr63]

What has a complete CES have in it ? Mine has every thing but the plastic bottle that holds the scope clean lens brush .

[scharfschutzen63]

I have fired two different L42a1s and I can tell you that I was amazed at how accurate they are. I have shot many sharpshooting rifles and these are some of the most accurate.

[mrclark303]

I have fired two different L42a1s and I can tell you that I was amazed at how accurate they are. I have shot many sharpshooting rifles and these are some of the most accurate.

They certainly shoot beautifully, lovely rifles.

[Roger Payne]

I think the prices have actually fallen a little here in the UK over recent months. Probably a number of reasons, not least people's uncertainty over the UK economic outlook in the near future.

[Thunderbox]

I think the prices have actually fallen a little here in the UK over recent months. Probably a number of reasons, not least people's uncertainty over the UK economic outlook in the near future.

My own view is that its more do with a very finite UK market for all firearms let alone specialist historic arms, and the fact that 4(T)s and L42s are now priced far beyond what might be considered reasonable for the rifles. £3-4k was just about doable for someone of average means who had a burning desire to get a 4(T)/L42, but £8-10k is quite ridiculous. For far less money you can get a brand new AI with a decent S&B scope or similar, and thats what people are opting for instead. Its been very noticeable at the Bisley arms fairs for the past few tears that people will spend up to about £3.5k on a s/h modern precision rifle, but won't even glance at Enfield snipers. I personally won't touch sniper kit now, as its proving really hard to move on.