No4 Based Target rifles - Collectable?

[jss]

I have seen quite a few target rifles for sale in 7.62 x 51 based on the No4 action which to me as a novice in the Lee Enfield and shooting world seem highly desirable and very cheap.
They are produced by what seem to have been regarded as very professional gunsmiths such as A J Parker, Parker Hale and Fultons and if I was free to collect, I would probably have aquired at least half a dozen by now.
So why do they not sit alongside the L39 and Envoy, and even the 7.62 Conv. rifles in terms of collectors interest?.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Patrick Chadwick]

So why do they not sit alongside the L39 and Envoy, and even the 7.62 Conv. rifles in terms of collectors interest?

Probably because they have no military history/connection, therefore little interest for collectors. And as target rifles they are (usually) outclassed by more modern rifles. So not very interesting for shooters either.

[Thunderbox]

Currently only worth the value of the parts in them, unfortunately.

Ironically, a first generation No4 target rifle is probably all that most target shooters actually need.....

[jss]

Currently only worth the value of the parts in them, unfortunately.

I don't really understand, as I personally find them a more interesting proposition to a modern target rifle. But good news if I can get "Them" to allow me collect a few!.
Just seems odd that the DCRA and SR(b) rifles are of interest here when these are not.

[jss]

Just an afterthougth. Is it perhaps that there are in fact very few variations apart from perhaps the woodwork, thus one is enough?.

[bigduke6]

Currently only worth the value of the parts in them, unfortunately.

Ironically, a first generation No4 target rifle is probably all that most target shooters actually need.....

And a cheap and cheerfull way of getting into the sport, dont forget the hundreds of converted P14,s still out there......

[jss]

dont forget the hundreds of converted P14,s

Yes. A few of those as well!. If only Bisley was on the doorstep!.
Do the P14's have the edge with the supposedly stronger action?.

[newcastle]

I'd collect some if I had any money and could find one. Not many around in California.

[Rumpelhardt]

Actually I'd love to get one but they seem to be nonexistent around here. While I do like the history behind the military issue rifles I like most firearms old and new, military issue and civilian. Particularly bolt action rifles.

[paulseamus]

JSS

Your based in Oxfordshire. The same Shire as Peter Laidler, one of the best sources of information on British Military Firearms.

And you want to collect Civilian target rifles.....how does that work?

Paul

Mind you, I have Parker Hale 4T, plus an old Omark, sitting at my local firearms dealer, awaiting Police approval to pick them up.