2 versus 5 groove, date of manufacture, sight type for no4 mk1 enfield?

[lxvnrsw]

Looks like I'm going to go ahead and pick myself up a no4. mk1. You guys have provided a wealth of information, for which I am very grateful.

A few last questions:

Is there any significant difference between 2 versus 5 grove barrels in terms of accurate in a match setting/barrel life?

Are there any dates (pre war, during war, post war) that one should look for/avoid?

And I'm looking at one particular rifle with a C type 3 rear sight fitted. For matches is there a better sight you guys would recommend? Does anyone have a picture of the sight I could see perhaps?

Thanks again,

Alex

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Thunderbox]

There is no discernible difference between 2, 4, 5 and 6-groove barrels either in accuracy or longevity. If no significant variation could be detected during Army trials using factory rifles and test equipment, then the modern short-range hobby shooter is not likely to be able to notice anything.

There are no performance variations between any of the No4s built in different times/places. Even a rough-looking No4 can shoot superbly. Principally, so long as the bore is clean and unpitted, and the forend fit within specification, then any No4 should shoot well.

Just buy the first No4 that appeals to you, and take it from there. Once you've got used to one rifle, you'll begin to appreciate the way they work and thus have more experience when you come to buy the second, third, fourth....

[Badger]

Some past threads on the subject from a site Google CSE search ...

2 versus 5 groove barrel

Long Branch 2 and 5 groove barrels

Merits of 2 and 5 groove rifling

2 groove barrels versus 4 groove barrels?

There were a lot more threads, but I thought these would be enough to get you started ....

Regards,
Doug

[RJW NZ]

T Box is right on, good advice.
Don't pass up a good rifle based on the sight, you can easily change sights later, cheaply, to get the best one that you like. For more info on enfields go to enfield resource.com, for the best advice and source for enfields if you're in the USA got to BDL Ltd, Brian Dick, hands down recommended by many satisfied customers on this forum.

Hmm, what No4 to buy? The best ones are the post WW2, 1955'ish No4 Mk2, they are very accurate, and available in very good conditions. If you really want WW2 models, ie a No4 mk1, then you will find comments that Canadian Longbranch and USA Savage made rifles are nicely made, as befits products from a factory not actually being bombed. If you want WW2 brit they are pretty much an equal bag quality wise, it all depends on the hard life or not of the rifle you find, choose the rifle based on what you can see, ie not too aged or worn, shiny bright bore with plenty of rifling, wood not too knocked around, etc.
See Brian, he has a website, also listed in enfieldresource.com

Go to gunbroker.com to see a wide range of enfields and their prices.
and ps welcome to the forum,
$5 says you have more than one in the next 6 months,.lol

[newcastle]

2nd vote for Brian he's the only place I would buy and L E from without seeing the rifle myself.

[brownie]

what you need for target shooting is a Parker-Hale PH5C receiver sight. These fit on the Enfield#4 where the military sight is and a longer ejector screw is used also.

[lxvnrsw]

Yeah I've been looking for a parker-hale PH5c sight on ebay a bit. Anyone have one they'd be possibly willing to part with at a reasonable price?

[David TS]

Yeah I've been looking for a parker-hale PH5c sight on ebay a bit. Anyone have one they'd be possibly willing to part with at a reasonable price?

Also consider other aperture sights - Central and A J Parker Twin Zero 4/47 spring to mind (I have the latter on my No 4 Mk II). The AJP is reckoned to be more robust than the PH5c.

There are a number of butchered/worn sights around, the most important thing is to find one that is in useable condition.

There are two versions of the PH5c - 1/4 MOA and 1/2 MOA, plus a lightweight aluminium version, the latter generally considered one to avoid.

If you already know all this, my apologies

[lxvnrsw]

No this is all news to me! The TZ 4/47 looks significantly more robust too. Anyone got one perhaps for sale?

[Alan de Enfield]

No this is all news to me! The TZ 4/47 looks significantly more robust too.

AJ Parker 4/47 TZ Sight

The TZ4/47 does not pull the elevation screw into engagement in line with the barrel like the 5C (which leads to a twisting effect in engagement of the rising dovetail). Instead a strong spring loaded lever pushes the screw (and the rising dovetail) sideways out from the action. This maintains good bearings on both side of the rising dovetail and equalises wear.

Unlike the 5C you don't have to undo/retighten the lock screw to adjust the elevation setting. A better functioning and better built sight than the 5C in all respects.