Most Accurate

[mrkurtz]

I currently have a 1903 Springfield, 1917 and a Garand. I would like to add an Enfield. I enjoy shooting my guns, not just looking at them. There are so many manufacturers it makes my head spin. Which ones should I look for to find the best shooters? Which ones should I avoid? Thanks

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[Maxwell Smart]

It depends upon what sort of shooting you want to do, and what sort of accuracy you expect.

The most common Lee Enfield models are as below.

The SMLE ("Rifle No 1" series) has a light, whippy barrel and a mid-barrel mounted v-notch rear sight. Is capable of reasonable accuracy but needs a bit of work. Slick, light bolt action and a pleasure to use, as long as your eyes can see the sights and the target.

The No 4 rifle has a heavier barrel, and a better rear mounted aperture sight. Generally more accurate out-of-the-box than a No 1.

The No 5 rifle is a shorter barreled, lighter version of the No 4. A good rough-hunting gun at ranges up to 200 yards. Kicks stoutly when fired from prone position.

There are other less common variations around, which I'm sure other forum members will mention, but I'll stick my neck out and say that a good No 4 rifle, with a 5 groove barrel and a 1300 yd adjustable rear sight would be a good starting point. Remember, you probably won't stop at buying one only!

[mrkurtz]

The Mark 4 is the type I was interested in

[mrkurtz]

Sorry Type 4, not Mark 4 is what I am most interested in. Not familiar with the nomenclature yet.

[Peter Laidler]

First thing, without meaning to sound glib or offhand, get some books and read up, go to a few shows and ask questions last. It seems that you're looking for a No4 but there are several variants of it that you ought to read up on

It's like saying that you want a family car but you'd like a Ford

[RJW NZ]

While you're researching and looking around it can be useful to know this;, in case you bump into one at the right price, the model that we generally accept as the most accurate from stock as issued is the No4 MK2, and if you bump into one with a 1955 date, it will serve you well. Because the 1950's era did not see war service they can be found in good to very good to new unissued condition. They're are reputed to shoot 1.5 moa, which is very good for a soldier's rifle. The No4 Enfield is often rated as the No3 top rated combat rifle of all time, although this sort of thing is very debatable and subjective.

[muffett.2008]

Strewth, RJW, those ugly offshoots of a real rifle just make me want to spew.
Tell the kid to get a real Lee Enfield, a No.1 derivative.

[MJ1]

Strewth, RJW, those ugly offshoots of a real rifle just make me want to spew.
Tell the kid to get a real Lee Enfield, a No.1 derivative.

Your reach is beyond your meaning.

[Brian Dick]

Shot a few test targets yesterday for No.4's I have left in stock. I was just checking zero a on a 1" paster at 25 yards with FNM 71 Portuguese Mk.7z ball. Shot two post war ROF(Fazakerley) Mk.1's with 5 groove barrels and one wartime Long Branch Mk.1* with a 2 groove barrel. The LB won hand over fist with just short of a ragged hole. The Faz's both shot just under an inch. Of course, those two groove barrels aren't worth a crap! LOL!!

[RJW NZ]

Strewth, RJW, those ugly offshoots of a real rifle just make me want to spew.
Tell the kid to get a real Lee Enfield, a No.1 derivative.

I agree 110%, that list of the top ten is an odd mix, (ps we're talking about the top ten list on enfield resource, currently top 4?) They way they're compiled is open to debate, I know for sure tho is that if I was offered a pressed sheet steel ak47 versus a long range steel and brass bolt rifle what feels better to hold and shoot.