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I own a 1922 SMLE No1. MK.V, that has been smooth bored to .410 (it does shoot .303 blanks and the short .410s) its on a section 1 FAC. would it be worth more if I were to get it De-activated or re-barrelled? What is its current value?
Its in nice condition.
I also have a Lee Enfield No.4 with the same .410 set up.
Both are on a FAC section 1, I may consider selling one or both, but don't know where to advertise.
Hi
Your rifle looks to be number 21 of circa 20,000 rifles manufactured between 1922 and 1924. Sadly it's lost it's original bolt, but it would be interesting to know if the barrel serial number matches the receiver and nose cap (number located under the top hand guard).
In the UK, you could argue that this rifle would be worth more as a deactivated example (more demand = higher prices) than in either its current condition or as a live firing .303.
Personally I would like to see it restored to original specification, with a replacement .303 barrel. You appear to have the valuable wood work (often bits missing), original nose cap and sights. Does the safety have a 'V' on it too?
There are specialist Enfield dealers and restorers here in the UK who would probably love to get their hands on this rifle as a project, so don't rush to get it deactivated.
As to value - I paid around £800 for an 'all matching numbers' live rifle several years ago and I expect it would be nearer £1,000+ to replace now. I can't say what a deactivated one would be worth, but generally they go for more here than the FAC versions.
Regards
Mike
I'd say the rebarrelled .303 value would in this case exceed the de-act value (though I can't believe the money people do pay for de-acts!).
As a guide, some fairly average quality rebuilds using repro parts on a No1 MkV receiver (ie the receiver is the only original bit) are being flogged for about £1200.
Your rifle, with perhaps only a mismatch bolt and one or two other original bits missing, would clearly still be a more attractive buy than something that is about 80% repro. Good MkVs seen to go for about £1500 (Fultons prices...).
If you want to meet up, I can examine the rifle and give you a better assessment - also for the No4. If you are in Norfolk then you aren't a huge distance away from a certain good trade RFD in Essex who can rebarrel it with a new No1 barrel.
I'd go for a re-barrel, and get the bolt or a new bolt fitted and numbered to the rifle once it's been rebarreled. Done properly I recon you'd be looking at being able to sell the rifle for upwards of £800, possibly as much as £1000. As a de-ac, you'd only be left with a paper weight and, with a piece of history like this you'd deserve to have it liberally covered in cosmoline and inserted in an orifice where the sun don't shine.
Your choice is 'history' or 'financial'.
It would be a shame to neuter such a (potentially) fine historical rifle, but looking at the financial side, by the time you have paid an RFD to source and fit a decent barrel, (£100's) your best return would probably be selling it as a De-Act.
Another question is do you have, or would you be granted, a 303 slot on your FAC ?. It is obvioulsy listed on your FAC as a section 1 shotgun as the magazine has not been blanked off.
Re the No4 in 410 - I have bought and sold several around the £100 mark, they do not seem to be very collectable / desirable and are too heavy to use for 'ratting'. I have retained one example which is an immaculate Savage Mk1/3 bored out to 410 - it actually cost me nothing. - it came as part of a job-lot of two No4's in 410, at a cost of £100. I sold one to an RFD for £100 and kept the best one
Actually the RFD I have in mind might accept the No4 (to deact) as barter to rebarrel the No1 MkV. He does a very large number of deacts for the trade.
Unless the No4 is all matching and a particularly nice or interesting one, then it'll be worth more as a de-act. No4 barrels are virtually extinct apart from mega-expensive recent new manufacture.
Re-barrel or leave as is the way to go, would be criminal to de-act it, its a collectable rifle regardless of matching or non matching Numbers etc, the wood work, rear sight and extra barrel band are all there and as Gingercat has asked does it have the V on the safety ?
As for renumbering unless your trying to con someone then leave bolt and for most it stands out a mile its been done, may be worth while if TB does have a look at it sometime to check the bolt out for you as I,m always concerned that someone may have just added the bolt without checking anything etc.....
Prices................. the last No1 Mk V I seen at an aution a few years ago went for around £700 + fees, but was an excellent example, there is one on Gunstar at present in the eye watering region of £3500 IIRC
Gentlemen
I'm more likely to either re-barrel if i can get an amendment. or sell as is. I don't really want to sell but as i may be moving to Canada i'm not sure if I can take it with me.
I attach some pics.
I live in Hertfordshire near Hertford and would be happy to meet anyone who can advise. I can supply the G&T!
You can take it to Canada. There is some paperwork but manageable.
PM me
Quote:
Originally Posted by raschippo
PM sent, G&T,s dont seem to agreee with me anymore, slowly making the conversion to Bitter ( or real ale) again.........