Lee Enfield No4 Mk2 still in the mummy wrap...

So I've been wanting a No4 Mk2 for a while and while I've come across a few I've been holding out for one in excellent condition. One has been brought to my attention that is still in the mummy wrap and includes a matching bayonet. The cost would be well over what I've paid for any of my other No4's... 3 times more. Even at that price I'm considering it despite knowing that once I have it, it won't stay in the mummy wrap long (I'm a shooter, not a 'collector'). And it would force me to put some other projects on the back burner.

Am I a fool for considering this or with prices going up and supply drying up should I bite the bullet?

Your call, and your decision only!

If you want it, go for it.

I just imported a late (1955) No 4 Mk II from Germany, because there are none similar (in near new condition) in the UK at the moment.

I paid probably what I would have to pay here, or a little more, if there were any available, but there weren't.

The difference in your case is paying three times as much for a mummy, but the principle is the same.

I have a principle that if something comes up that I want, I grab it, because if someone else grabs it, you don't have the choice any longer.

Unwrap it and the price will be severely reduced . If you want a shooter No4. Mk2 buy a shooter, you will save money and something that isn't being made anymore will be preserved for the collectors out there.

I would watch the auction sites here in the US. I have seen many for sale that looked like they were unwrapped and fired very little. I would leave the mummy wrapped ones in the wrap as you would overpay for what you are really looking for if you buy one and unwrap it.

Here's an example that might meet your needs:

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/766621034

Brian B

As David said, your choice .... But as our Peter always says on these occasions,
"they ain't making any more"

Personally I would leave it in the wrap. These late wrap No4's are getting very scarce. There are still excellent shooting Mk2's about, like Davids.

With no licensing restrictions, or the stupid "use it or lose it" rule they keep trying to enforce here in the UK, why not buy the mummy wrapped one AND a shooter? Surely you can curb your enthusiasm for a while after buying the "Mummy", for as long as it takes to find/acquire a second one?

Here is the thing how many mummy wraps are for sale out there.
Hmm I bet there are scads more used not abused No.4's out there I say quit faffing about buy the thing then move on to find a good shooter preferably the same make and year as the Mummy then when you get tired of shooting sell them as a pair with a nice profit margin.

Here in Australia the mummy wrap No4's have skyrocketed in cost (i say cost, not value, as believe the premiums being paid are getting ludicrous)
An associate of mine purchased one, "cos he wanted really good shooter" its now unwrapped and regularly fired - he says different, but i believe he has bit remorse ever since. especially when the likes of myself and others post better scores with our well used No4's.
Id say buy it if you can afford it, put it away as a investment (and to save it from those that will just unwrap it and use as any other old No4) then find yourself a good condition No4 with decent barrel, within spec head-space and well set up orig spec bedding and shoot on and enjoy.

It may not matter... I’m talking to someone about an already untapped but unfired Mk2. Whether or not it’s unfired doesn’t really matter, but it looks to be in immaculate condition.

I could never understand the attraction of buying a "mummy wrapped" No4 except possibly for investment purposes. You can't even admire the looks of this pristine No4 MkII let alone fire it without it loosing a large part of its value. If you want a shooter, wait until you find a No4 Mk II in excellent unwrapped condition.