No4 Based Target rifles - Collectable?

[jss]

I have seen quite a few target rifles for sale in 7.62 x 51 based on the No4 action which to me as a novice in the Lee Enfield and shooting world seem highly desirable and very cheap.
They are produced by what seem to have been regarded as very professional gunsmiths such as A J Parker, Parker Hale and Fultons and if I was free to collect, I would probably have aquired at least half a dozen by now.
So why do they not sit alongside the L39 and Envoy, and even the 7.62 Conv. rifles in terms of collectors interest?.

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[Patrick Chadwick]

So why do they not sit alongside the L39 and Envoy, and even the 7.62 Conv. rifles in terms of collectors interest?

Probably because they have no military history/connection, therefore little interest for collectors. And as target rifles they are (usually) outclassed by more modern rifles. So not very interesting for shooters either.

[Thunderbox]

Currently only worth the value of the parts in them, unfortunately.

Ironically, a first generation No4 target rifle is probably all that most target shooters actually need.....

[jss]

Currently only worth the value of the parts in them, unfortunately.

I don't really understand, as I personally find them a more interesting proposition to a modern target rifle. But good news if I can get "Them" to allow me collect a few!.
Just seems odd that the DCRA and SR(b) rifles are of interest here when these are not.

[bigduke6]

Currently only worth the value of the parts in them, unfortunately.

Ironically, a first generation No4 target rifle is probably all that most target shooters actually need.....

And a cheap and cheerfull way of getting into the sport, dont forget the hundreds of converted P14,s still out there......

[jss]

dont forget the hundreds of converted P14,s

Yes. A few of those as well!. If only Bisley was on the doorstep!.
Do the P14's have the edge with the supposedly stronger action?.

[Beerhunter]

Yes. A few of those as well!. If only Bisley was on the doorstep!.
Do the P14's have the edge with the supposedly stronger action?.

In the "olden days" the received wisdom (Which I later found out was based on fact.) was that the Mauser actioned P14 was better at shorter ranges for example 200 yards but the Lee-Enfields better for longer ranges, that is to say 600 yards and out; due to the "self-compensating" nature of the Lee action.

[jss]

Currently only worth the value of the parts in them, unfortunately.

Apparently so. Just phoned about what looked like a nice A J Parker TR going for £150. Sold in a day to a dealer for the receiver!.
What a shame. A rifle that is probably as it was when it came out of the A J Parker works is to be stripped for its receiver and probably turned into another fake No4. Like buying a Lotus Elan and putting the engine back into a Ford Cortina!.

[bigduke6]

Apparently so. Just phoned about what looked like a nice A J Parker TR going for £150. Sold in a day to a dealer for the receiver!.
What a shame. A rifle that is probably as it was when it came out of the A J Parker works is to be stripped for its receiver and probably turned into another fake No4

There are 3x P14,s on guntrader at present £95, £100, £120, the £95 one has had a big stock fitted ( its in your neck of the woods), but comes with a PH sight, the others have no pictures, maybe worth a call. one of them maybe a Fulton or AJ Parker ?

[Simon P]

Theres also a No4 7.62 Whitaker rifle on the Gun Mart site:

Bolt action : Whitaker Special 7.62 Match Rifle