first LE? investigate further or keep looking?

[henry r]

while i'm not in the position to buy right now, (license and permit to acquire) i'm asking around trying to collect stuff like brass etc and keeping an eye out for the "right" rifle.

what i'm looking for is a full wood rifle, on the accurate end of the spectrum, with iron sights, that isn't to nice to use fairly regularly. my first preference is for a Lithgow built rifle. accuracy is far more important than matching numbers as this one is to use (small club level service competition, plinking and maybe the occasional shot at a feral deer or goat for a family member). if it happens to be matching and fairly correct as well as accurate i won't complain though.

i came across this one, it fits most of the main criteria. early action, H barrel, full wood etc. the price is fair, the owner knows i cannot take possession yet and is not in a hurry to sell it. should i investigate further or run away?

Attachment 66058
Attachment 66059
Attachment 66060
Attachment 66061

it has a "MOTTY" heavy barrel, has been bedded by the looks of it and the nose cap has been heavily clearanced. i'm not sure if it has the original rear sight base or what the hand guards are like, i have only seen the pictures above.
the seller says the barrel is very nice and it shoots well.
to me it looks to be dated 1915, were enfield making mk3 star's by then?

thoughts?
thanks.

Information

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[Frederick303]

Match rifles have a collectable value and are a distinct area. If it speaks to you (that is you like it) consider it. A warning, collecting match rifles cane be very addictive.

[Seaspriter]

full wood rifle, on the accurate end of the spectrum, with iron sights, that isn't to nice to use fairly regularly

Your best bet is to find an FTR (Factory Thorough Repair) rifle that was completely overhauled after the war. I have a 1917 Lithgow that underwent FTR in 1946. Every part on it is 80% or better in terms of life expectancy. You can shoot it, display it, and cherish it. Purchase price for mine early this year was $325 USD.

[Ridolpho]

henry r: I agree with Seaspriter. An as original, conventionally "bedded" rifle would make a better first LE. The rifle you show has, obviously, been tweaked in search of accuracy and who knows how reliable the modifications might be- especially if it involves all manner of shims and fiberglass. If you start with a good Lithgow that has survived as set up at the factory you'll be well down the road to happy LE ownership. My 3 Lithgows are probably the best set up of all my No. 1 rifles.

Ridolpho

[bigduke6]

It sounds the right rifle, depends on price I guess, one thing it has that you would probably be looking for is the target sight, they don't come cheap anymore regardless of make (it looks like a central or Austral one ?)..... one thing to remember is what some folk describe as "shoots well" may not be the same as your own description of shoots well.

With the nose cap work and barrel who knows what lies beneath..

[RobD]

Henry, you write "accuracy is far more important..." - my 5c worth is that, if you are looking for accuracy, a plastic stocked Remington 700 with a heavy barrel, bipod and scope in .223 cal will probably outperform this, or any other, Lee Enfield .303.
The reason the forum members here go dewy-eyed about Lee Enfields is that we are sentimental fools - not because the rifles are uncannily accurate.

[ActionYobbo]

Henry, you write "accuracy is far more important..." - my 5c worth is that, if you are looking for accuracy, a plastic stocked Remington 700 with a heavy barrel, bipod and scope in .223 cal will probably outperform this, or any other, Lee Enfield .303.
The reason the forum members here go dewy-eyed about Lee Enfields is that we are sentimental fools - not because the rifles are uncannily accurate.

I think you missed the bit about service rifle shoot and because he is in Australia that basically limits him to bolt action rifles from WW2 or earlier

[henry r]

thanks gents.

the main use will be for plinking, the service shooting is to cover me for part of my licence requirements in my state. i want to be able to shoot at a range, so need to have target shooting as one of my "genuine reasons" on my licence application. for that you need to be a club member and to keep it you need to shoot 4 times per year at your club. there are only a couple of guys who shoot service rifle at the local club. all of whom have many many years of shooting under their belts. for me it will be for fun and to learn from very experienced shooters rather than any expectation of winning.

i know that a lee enfield will never come close to a modern rifle as far as accuracy, but i'd rather eat my genitals with a plastic spork than buy a new plastic rifle... i have wanted a smle for over 30 years and getting one is the whole reason i'm getting back into shooting.

i'm hoping for sub 3" groups at 100 yards, not 6"+.

to put the accuracy over originality comment in to perspective. i talked to a guy who was selling his '43 Lithgow that he unpacked from grease in the 60's and never fired. it wasn't cheap but was a good price for what it was. i desperately wanted it but passed as it is a collector rifle, far too good for what want. i would guarantee that i would have dinged the stock within a week.

[newcastle]

i would have got that Lithgow. if you ding teh stock then you ding the stock. They got worse in the trenches, deserts paddy fields etc and still kept on going.

[CINDERS]

Henryr depending on what you shoot governs the class, that rifle being modded would be I think a Spec - 2 modified and have to shoot in modified class, better going for a Spec-1 as issued and as alluded go or try to find an FTR and as far as having fun that is the essence of the whole endeavor.