Advice for a first time Enfield buyer?

[lyon13]

sporterized or not?

Not I hate when people do that to rifles and I would only buy one if I was certain that I could get it back to mill spec

[enfield303t]

So I just had this pointed out to me 303 is almost impossible to find in stores and is kinda pricey online. But while doing some poking around online I round the Ishapore 2A1 an enfield that was designed to fire 7.62x51. So what is the Ishapore 2A1 a in my case a more economic way to get an enfield?

The 2A1 is a great gun and where I live nuts for price. I think more were imported into the US than Canada as they seem to be at a premium price up here.

[browningautorifle]

So what is the Ishapore 2A1 a in my case a more economic way to get an enfield?

Yes...for you.

[capt14k]

While a 2A1 is an Enfield you can't invoke Rule .303 with one. Rule 7.62x51 just doesn't sound the same. Get a No4. There is still plenty of HXP .303 from the CTD deal that pops up for sale occasionally.

[Stanforth]

I shoot 3 Enfields. One is an Ishapore SMLE MKIII. Apart from a new barrel and new wood it is original The next is a Savage No.4 Mark 1* in near perfect condition and the last is an Envoy in like new condition.
As you will see I use both 7.62x51 in the Envoy and .303 in the others. Here in the UK I find that .303 can be purchased cheaper than the 7.62 (.308) It doesn't affect me as in the last 30+ years I have never bought factory ammo (except .22 LR) and the two rounds in question cost the same to reload. I use the same powder type (Hogdon 4895) and weight (43 gns.) in both.
The funny side is when I renew my Firearm Certificate the enquiry office doesn't understand why there are no entries in the Ammunition Purchased section. Peter Laidler will know about this. The quality of firearms officers has taken a dive since Peters day.