What gun to get next?

[I.H.1989]

Thanks. I think i will get one after i come back from my next deployment overseas. i make it a habit to get a WWII rifles each time i come back.

What sort of things should i look for on a Lee-Enfield to ensure that i am not overpaying or being taken advantage of?

what sort of markings show that it is a WWII rifle, and how ca ni ensure that it will continue to be a good shooter for a few more decades?

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[Seaspriter]

What sort of things should i look for on a Lee-Enfield to ensure that i am not overpaying or being taken advantage of?

what sort of markings show that it is a WWII rifle, and how can i ensure that it will continue to be a good shooter for a few more decades?

All the Lee Enfields are marked with a date -- that will tell you if they were war issue. All Canadian and American Enfields were made only during the war. A few of the British models were made after the war, but are clearly marked with post war dates.

To be sure its a good shooter, be sure the barrel is not worn out, bent, or bulged. Either have a gunsmith check the wear, or you can use a bullet in the muzzle to see if at least 3/16ths of an inch is exposed (Captain Laidler is wincing, maybe screaming, and definitely chastising me for even thinking this way -- he says a barrel gauge is the ONLY way -- but most of us don't own barrel gauges -- sorry Peter, I don't mean to get your dander up, not really).

The reason I like the FR & FTR guns is because an Armourer, at the end (or close to the end) of the war, determined all the parts in the gun had 80% life span left. Some of these FR & FTR guns were used in the Korean and Middle Eastern conflicts and got pretty banged up, but many just sat in a warehouse; you can usually tell by the wear on the stocks and metalwork. Be selective -- wait, watch, and buy only when you see good quality first -- even if you have pay a little more. The cheapest gun is seldom the best value.

---------- Post added at 12:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 AM ----------

my next deployment overseas

Good luck on your deployment. (Did that a few times myself in a former life).

[I.H.1989]

All the Lee Enfields are marked with a date -- that will tell you if they were war issue. All Canadian and American Enfields were made only during the war. A few of the British models were made after the war, but are clearly marked with post war dates.

To be sure its a good shooter, be sure the barrel is not worn out, bent, or bulged. Either have a gunsmith check the wear, or you can use a bullet in the muzzle to see if at least 3/16ths of an inch is exposed (Captain Laidler is wincing, maybe screaming, and definitely chastising me for even thinking this way -- he says a barrel gauge is the ONLY way -- but most of us don't own barrel gauges -- sorry Peter, I don't mean to get your dander up, not really).

The reason I like the FR & FTR guns is because an Armourer, at the end of the war, determined all the parts in the gun had 80% life span left. Some of these FR & FTR guns were used in the Korean and Middle Eastern conflicts and got pretty banged up, but many just sat in a warehouse; you can usually tell by the wear on the stocks and metalwork. Be selective.

---------- Post added at 12:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:42 AM ----------



Good luck on your deployment. (Did that a few times myself in a former life).

I've heard of using a pullet in gauging the the barrel so it's something that i've done befire (and it's probably put me on a hitlist as well lol).

Thanks for the information. a FR or FTR would probably be best for me since i want to ensure that i can enjoy these rifles for the next few years at least. When i get this, i need to move to maybe the SBRs from WWII. I doubt i will be able to get WWII, but maybe some replicas will be good enough.

I found this article about semi-auto MP-40s comeing to the states: WWII German MP40 in 9mm GunsAmerica Digest I will definitely get those when they come.

[Seaspriter]

I might also add, one really good option for your needs is a No.4 Mk1* from either Long Branch or Savage that has been FTR upgraded between 1950-56. (I have one). These will be re-marked on the receiver Mk1/3. The British versions are marked Mk1/2.

This means the triggers have been upgraded, new furniture, and often have a new barrel. You get a WWII gun with Post War improvements. Upgraded models will last you a long time and generally not much more expensive than those without the upgrades.