Enforcer range and accuracy

[spinecracker]

A quick question. Who of you have enforcers (real ones, not clones), and what distances do you shoot at, typical sizes of groups, ammunition used, etc. I am trying to get an idea of how enforcers compare with other sniper rifles. I have found some resources regarding enforcer specifications, but I would like to hear about forum member experiences. I may be in the market to buy one, so I want to know what I am getting myself into

Information

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[neal455]

I have one . . . . . !

[spinecracker]

Do you get to shoot it? If so, how does it perform?

[Thunderbox]

They're essentially identical to L39s and Envoys - there is no discernible difference in performance between the Enfield hammer forged barrel (L39/L42/Envoy) and the chordal turned barrel of the Enforcer. The Enforcer barrel was intended to be optimised for short- to mid-range (up to 600 yds) but seems adequate for long range.

I've had eight or nine Enforcers, and still have three. I've shot them at 1000 & 1200 (Bisley Stickledown), on both optics and iron sights. (I rarely use the Pecar, as the eye relief makes it very difficult for most people to get a comfortable sight picture).

In accuracy testing, I find that all of the heavy-barrel Enfields work best with decent quality 144 gn NATO ball. 155 gn target ammo seems to give no improvement, except possibly at 1000 yds with variable wind direction (as you'd expect with a heavier bullet). Decent RG ammo gives about 1 moa at short to mid-range, out of a reasonable barrel. I've seen slightly better with Green Spot, Lapua Match and IMI Match .308.

I'd say that a decent Envoy probably has a slight edge over an Enforcer at all ranges. Best performance always comes using a single-point sling; the Harris bipod (on those rifles where one was fitted) seems to spread the group a little.

If you are buying one - caveat emptor. There are an increasing number of fakes around, some built with genuine wood and parts salvaged from scrapped Enforcers. Any properly-built "gunsmith" 7.62mm Enfield is pretty much identical in performance to a factory version; the difference is that the factory engraving makes the Enforcer five times more expensive than an identical clone...

[spinecracker]

I've had eight or nine Enforcers, and still have three.

SO YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S CORNERED THE MARKET!!!

[rhodders]

I have a clone with the L42A1 barrel and all the bits regulated by Fultons and even today it will hold its own with some of the best around. It does seem to perform best from 500-600 yds and this with the original 5C sight.

rhodders

[neal455]

Sorry i wasnt being much help with that last post !
Its awsomely accurate, out to a long way, the scope runs out of minutes at about 7/800 ish yards but i just aim off. Shot it at 1000 yards a few times and ran with the big dogs ( well hit the target) so thats pretty fair in my book! My friend was a Police "Rifleman" he said shots over 100yards were just not made . . . .To hi a miss rate He doesnt remember an Enforcer EVER being used in anger. . . well maybe a Deer or two !
I use mil surp ammo i got a big job load of RG and its good. My Enforcer is a very late one (high 600 number) If you find one make sure its real! I do know that no 2 are the same thou i have had 3 together, all different, so good luck on that one !
By the way i have new Enforcer woodwork . . .

[enforsore]

I shoot mine in standard configuration (With pecar scope) and RAHS 3 rings
100 yd zero.
I use 144 grain Radway (difficult to find now).
You will get 600 yds of elevation from the scope and i was regularly getting
high 40 scores, with the iron sights you will get to 1000 but i think the 144gr
bullet is too unstable at that range, resulting in larger groups.
In short it's as good as any other 1970's -1980's target rifle.
Alan de Enfield posted some grouping pictures last year of his enfield
looked pretty tight.

[spinecracker]

Thanks for the very informative replies. I am glad to hear that these rifles are being given days out at the range, as a rifle that is not shot is essentially an expensive piece of pipe with extra fittings (but there are plenty of exceptions). I am aware of the issue of Enforcer fakes (there is always someone who wants to make money), and I will be careful in my search.

[bradtx]

spinecracker, Later L42 production used the chordal barrel. In a business where range is always an issue, I certainly wouldn't expect performance to suffer compared to a standard rifled barrel in like condition...if this was the intent of your question.

Brad