Unsporterize an Enfield No.4 Mk.1

[Bruce_in_Oz]

If it has "commercial" markings that point to its "conversion" it is not just another "Bubba in the barn" job.

Whilst not nearly as valuable to collectors of the original, it sits in a class of its own.

There are a LOT of "non-military" Lee Enfields floating about; think of all of the "sporters" built by many British gunmakers, especially pre-WW1. In Canada you even had a "government" sporter; the EAL rifle.

So you could start with collecting well-made "sporters" and then slowly (and expensively), track down the "properly configured" originals as a companion / comparison piece.

If you can get them cheaply enough, perhaps keep them in a (dark) corner in your gun room sign-posted; "Bubba Was Here".

You might even find the odd "sporterized" Snider or Ross to add some more "local character". (You may ALSO find ORIGINAL Snider and Ross sporters lounging in odd places as well. I was given a pile of parts some years ago. In it was most of a "small" Snider sporter, in what looks to be .400 Rook, (or something equally obscure), with a broken stock, and no "hammer"; bore is almost mint. Another "rainy day" project!

Such things may even make useful "trade goods" in your bargaining to save a "nice" original of something, someday. (Common collectors "justification" line!)

We can't all afford to be purists.