Collecting Enfields -How many?

[rayg]

What constitutes a complete collection - it is never complete but I am reasonably happy with my collection of rifles chambered for the .303 cartridge - only a few more rare ones to go.
Come on youse pommy forumers - opportunities like this do not exist forever - I travelled around the world to take advantage of Peters generous offer and without even the free lunch!

That's what I call "rounding" out an Enfield collection,
Seriously, a beautiful collection, Ray

Information

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[Rowdy]

Badger - There are much better examples of the snipers in your existing montages.
Newcastle - No cape guns - only a well used Jeffery double in .303.
Unlike most collectors I like diversity - the only common thread is the chambering.
Therefore I find sporters interesting also - bubba usually messes around with the sights.

[Gingercat]

Hi

I can't really call myself a 'seasoned collector', as I've only been collecting Lee Enfields for just over 3 years and prior to that Martini Henrys. I currently have 9 Enfields in 303 calibre and waiting for another 1:1 variation to hopefully make 10.

For the purposes of my local constabulary, 3 rifles in the same calibre required justification of building a 'collection' ("... you have two 303s already...") and I wrote to them, telling them about membership of HBSA, LERA and the reference books I have, the types of accessories I've collected etc to convince them that I am a genuine 'collector'. I also pointed out that I occasionally like to shoot (I have access to local MOD ranges with a Norfolk club) and the police allow me a small amount of ammo for 'occasional test firing'.

I think that security (as has been mentioned) is a major factor in 'how many' to collect in the UK. 12 seems to be the magic number, beyond which you require an intruder alarm for the house and to 'spread the risk' between multiple gun safes.

For me the decision on the rifle is based on 'condition' (especially bore), originality - matching serial numbers and patina (I hate reconditioned wood and re-blued metal). As to type - well I am favouring the SMLEs in my collection, although I have a No.4 Mk 2 (UF55 series, being one of the last 303s) and a No.5 Mk 1 carbine too. My latest purchase, a 1943 Lithgow, fills the slot of a WW2 SMLE and also an Australian manufactured one, in my small collection.

As has also been mentioned, in the UK, price seems to be a determining factor too. You don't see any decent MK III SMLEs (with volley sights) for under £550+ retail and the Mk I SMLEs £800+. I paid £850 for a very good condition, matching SMLE Mk V last year and that I think was a modest price.

When collecting anything, probably the soundest advice is to view as many as possible, do the research thoroughly and buy the very best example you can (and can afford) from a reliable source and you shouldn't go too far wrong in the long run.

All the best
Mike

[newcastle]

Rowdy I see cape guns. If the rifle barrel is in 303 I'm very jealous. I'm jealous of the rest too, but more jealous of the cape gun/ drillings.

[enfield303t]

Here in Canada I don't know a single person that classifies themselves as a collector due to the current ownership regulations. I would like to get into the abuse of power by some against legitimate collectors but know Badger would frown on that.

No matter how many you have there's always another one you really want.

Be happy with what you have and over time enjoy them.

[SpikeDD]

I have to agree with all of the above and with only one addition. It can be stressful enough at times trying to decide what to buy among the items you find on your own, then there is that good friend who always manages to wedge one of those "hey, I found a rifle you would be interested in" into the mess of it.

Peter, HUGE is not quite accurate enough to describe what you have there at the SASC. MASSIVE is the first descriptive that comes to mind and I'm not sure that's even adequate enough.

Thank you again for the fantastic opportunity and sharing your time, Knowledge and of course... tea ! It was an experience I will not forget.

[Promo]

Rowdy,

May I request further pictures of the P14s you got in your collection? Do I see it right that there's a shortened P14 (third rifle above on the right sight) hanging at your wall? And please let us have a look at the P14 sniper

Thanks,

Georg

[Peter Laidler]

If you want to see a MASSIVE, complete collection of P'14's in the fles Promo, join JSS on a trip to Warminster. When I've gone, those days will have gone too

[Promo]

Well then, let me know when the trip is planned.

Thanks,

Georg

€dit: which Warminster do you mean?

[Rowdy]

No shortened P14 - just distortion of the fisheye lens.
Only old photos at the moment - sniper well worn and mismatched - the other is a Winchester that has probably been a range rifle.