Help selecting my first enfield, my first buy

[wallyss]

Hello,

My previous post was lost in a computer glitch, so I will recap...
I asked a couple of days ago about getting into Enfield's. Everyone gave me great advice. I will get Skennerton's book for Christmas hopefully, and then I will be dangerous.
But anyway, i purchased a Enfield today from a fellow friend and M1 carbine collector, who was running out of space. It set me back $150.00 It is marked No5Mk1 ROF(F) 6/45, serial 042. Everything matches. It does have a wood screw in the forearm. I could find no import marks eve after disassembling the rifle complete. It does have 042 on the stock, along with the cartouche ORD arrow 1956. The stock is very greasy. The bore looks bright and shiny. Did I do ok?

My stepfather in Florida purchased (if my memory is correct) a No1 MKIII in 1962 from an ad in popular mechanics. So I mentioned to him about this NO5, and he said if i wanted he would sell me the No1 for whatever he paid for it. I have been after him for years to sell me that rifle, guess I finally pestered him enough. I should see that around Christmas time.

Information

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[mack]

Depending on barrel condition, you did very well with your first purchase.

Looks to be a Malaysian return rifle from your description and pics. Others can correct me if I am wrong. The forend screw was present on most of the Malay rifles I have seen, but listen and see what others have to say.

If there is no import stamp, it could be an older import before that was required in the mid-60's. All the better if there is no stamp.

Good luck in your collecting. I have the first one I bought in 1962 and it is still a joy to get it out and work with it or just clean it up.

[jmoore]

$150 is a great price for a No5 rifle. If it's fit to shoot you've done very well, indeed. Seen absolute junk No5s sell for more.

[wallyss]

I am pretty excited, I am going to reload some cartridges for it this weekend, and hopefully shoot it soon. It is is well below 0degF where I am at so it might be a bit. My friend had never shot the rifle, and I will ask him today when he purchased it, as I completely forgot to ask.

[RJW NZ]

You did good, and these are a fun rifle to shoot, you've reminded me I still want one for my collection. If you have a shoulder pad for shooting take it with you to the range, if you're putting more than a few rounds down range it can wear on the shoulder a little.

[harry mac]

Good score on the $150 No5. I'll be really jealous if you get your relative's SMLE for what he paid for it. It'll probably rush you all of about $9

[wallyss]

Good score on the $150 No5. I'll be really jealous if you get your relative's SMLE for what he paid for it. It'll probably rush you all of about $9

Yeah great memory he bought it for like $9.55 shipped, when he was 15 in '62. He bought several rifles like this with his allowance and from his law mowing job. He had to pick it up at the rail office, and walked home with it. The SMLE is the only one he kept, mainly because he forgot about it. He put it in the attic in the shipping box then got caught up in cars, then Vietnam, next thing he knows its 2001. He and I are cleaning out the attic and he discovers it. It only needs the front guard screws which I just ordered, It even made it through Hurricane Camille, and countless other storms.

I am 33, and cannot imagine mail ordering a rifle at 15 and getting it with no background check, or even an ID check. We have the CMP here in the states which kinda comes close....Wish I could go back in time with some cash.

[wallyss]

You did good, and these are a fun rifle to shoot, you've reminded me I still want one for my collection. If you have a shoulder pad for shooting take it with you to the range, if you're putting more than a few rounds down range it can wear on the shoulder a little.

Yeah I have a strap on recoil pad. It really works well. I imagine the recoil is going to be like a Mosin Nagant M44. I am betting it will be a week or so before it gets warmer. Just can't wait.

Thanks to all for the replies!

[841NER]

Good Luck at the range, I look forward to a report.

In Australia, No.5s are going upward of AU$600, I am new to Lee Enfields and starting a Lithgow collection (no no.5s made there) but I am very keen to own one. SMLEs (smellies in Aus) have a special place in our culture. Picking up my first No.1 mkIII (heavy barrel) in January after jumping through many hoops to satisfy our new(ish) laws.

[Badger]

Yeah I have a strap on recoil pad.

I realize you're shooting a JC, but if you start collecting and shooting Enfields in general and get some No.4's, keep your eye open on eBay.

~Angel~ uses an add-on Lee-Enfield No.4 muzzle brake. It simply pulls over the muzzle and straps on the bayonet lug. You hand tighten the screw and you're good to go. She uses them on her No.4(T)'s and finds a recoil reduction of at least 50%. She's able to shoot for hours without tiring and makes a day out more enjoyable, although I suppose technically it's cheating as compared to shooting them the way they were issued.


(Click PIC to Enlarge)

Regards,
Badger