Thinking about getting a Enfield

[Dimitri]

What should I look out for when it comes to Enfields ??

I'm asking this here as I'm sure if anyone had good information to pass down it would be here!

Before anyone asks what exactly I think I'm looking for I'm looking for a Longbranch No.4, year of manufature doesnt matter, wood condition as long as its in full military wood without big marks doesnt matter (can refinish ), metal finish doesnt matter as long as its not rusting and I can "patch it up" (I dont know how I'd do this thought! ).

Thoughts suggestions etc ??

PS. I know its been covered on many websites (dont think I saw a similar thread here) but its my first firearm purchase so I dont want to mess up.

Dimitri

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Riflechair]

Dimitri
I am assuming that you want a good shooter?
Not so fussy about a collector if this is your first?

Assmuning you want a reliable shooter...
The barrel is the life force of any rifle.
Ensure the bore contains mirror bright rifling with sharp grooves (all the way out to the muzzle).

Secondly have the head space checked.
This can be tricky but usually if the bolt and the receiver numbers match you are OK (usually). Either way head space is usually easy to fix with enfields by going up one bolt head size larger. Recommend finding someone that owns head space guages.

This just makes good sence for anyone considering an ex-service rifle.

Be prepared to pay a little more for a piece you know is a quality piece. You will probably save yourself money in the long run if you end up requiring the services of a gun smith to rectify any issues.

Off the top of my head that about does it.

[Dimitri]

Riflechair,

Thanks for the reply!

Yes I'm just looking for a shooter, do some hunting with it possibly etc.

PS. How much do you think a good shooter would set me back ??

Dimitri

[Claven2]

I would expect to pay at least $250 for something I'd call a "good shooter" with a matching bolt that isn't a restored piece. You might have to give as much as $350.

Best bet would be an FTR'd No.4, one of the Brit makers and the North American made ones aren't alot better and go for alot more money due to collector interest this side of the pond.

[stencollector]

Theres a LB sniper (but with British scope) on the gunnutz site. It's $4K, but should be considered an investment.

[Dimitri]

Theres a LB sniper (but with British scope) on the gunnutz site. It's $4K, but should be considered an investment.

I wish I had that kind of money!

Dimitri

[Cantom]

I wish I had that kind of money!

Dimitri

If you want a Long Branch Canadian rifle(who doesn't?) expect to pay $450-$650 for anything you'd want to own.

Be prepared to jump on one fast, as soon as it appears. They are a hot commodity...
Cheap ones don't appear to exist.

Buy a good rifle in the first place. Don't even think about refinishing the stock on a collectable rifle.

[stencollector]

I wish I had that kind of money!

Dimitri

Sell your car and ride the bus. It's a LB sniper man!!!! You don't get a chance like that everyday..maybe only once or twice in a lifetime.

[Cantom]

Sell your car and ride the bus. It's a LB sniper man!!!! You don't get a chance like that everyday..maybe only once or twice in a lifetime.

It's a mismatch though...is that a good buy at $4000?? A Bitza...even though the LB is in good shape it's non matching...still nice yes but...

[stencollector]

The rifle is matched, so it is not a bitza. Scope is not the right one to the rifle, true. The seller aparently saw the matching scope sold at auction with another T in the US.
I already have one of these, but I did flinch when I saw the ad. I checked with the seller to see if the serial number might be consecutive with mine, in which case I was going to consider it. You can almost double the price of a normal T when it comes to a LB.

Look back on this deal in a year or two. You'll dream of a price like that. Then you can sound like an oldtimer when you say "I remember seeing those for just $4K.
It was only 6 years ago we were still buying Ts for $800. The scope bracket sells for that now.