What would you consider to be the best-looking Enfield rifle ?

[Surpmil]

Yes, I'd go with the Lee Enfield Carbine. Still regret not buying a pristine one many moons ago, for what was then a whopping $350. CAN.

That is for aesthetics only I have have to add, as the flattened knob, bent bolt and 5/6 round mag make the rifle inferior to other LEs for practical purposes.

But then of course, if we're not restricted to military pattern rifles, some of the Lee Speed sporters are truly lovely.

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[jmoore]

Yes, I'd go with the Lee Enfield Carbine. Still regret not buying a pristine one many moons ago, for what was then a whopping $350. CAN

As well, the example that haunts me is an RNWMP marked carbine with an excellent scabbard that was US$700 ~25 years ago when I only had $600. A few more have turned up since, but not as nice nor any scabbards.

[Nigel]

Just a little toy that I made up - easy to return to its original form (have all the bits in a safe place).Attachment 26643

[Surpmil]

Just a little toy that I made up - easy to return to its original form (have all the bits in a safe place).Attachment 26643

Very nice. The "M.K. Special" I'll call it. Have the bits to make one up in 7.62. Must do that sometime. In my case the bits came individually so nothing had to be removed from an original state.

[Lucite]

While I love my No.4 dearly I think the No.1 mkIII or the 2A1 are the best looking all because of the muzzle cap.

[conec]

Just a little toy that I made up - easy to return to its original form (have all the bits in a safe place).

Tell me you didn't drill and tap a what appears to be a beautiful
No.5 action...

[Nigel]

Tell me you didn't drill and tap a what appears to be a beautiful
No.5 action...

THe action is from a genuine No.4(T) - just fitted a No.5 barrel. forend and butt which can all easily revert to the original configuration

[Anzac15]

There's just something about the classic blunt nose! Absolutely love these rifles.

[FHG918]

Made it through the entire thread, and, well, they are all beautiful of course - that is why we are here. But if forced to pick.... the No 1 MkIII WITH the 1907 (No 1 MkI) bayonet - that is the icon. Having said that, the Pattern 1888 bayonet is the most beautiful blade, and that straight-sided 6th variation nosecap for the Ishapore 2A should win a prize for aesthetic design.

And to push it a bit, the initial post asked for the best looking Enfield Rifle, not the best Lee-Enfield. My purpose-built MkIII Snider-Enfield 3-band is a beauty.

The most deadly/martial in appearance? The L42, no contest. Unfortunately (for me) I have only seen pictures of that rifle, never have actually seen one in the flesh.

[No4Mk1(T)]

Well my EAL is not bad looking and has amazing wood:



Just look at the butt stock:



However for the most dashing I’d go with the Mk.V:



Still best looking would have to be the L42 as already suggested.