Sporterized Enfields

[clutch5473]

All, I know this is not easily answerable, but what should value be on sporterized Enfields? i generally off less that what the gun blue book says is 60% values, or less than $200.

I found a 1916 BSA No1 MkIII at a gun show priced at $145, still had front and rear volley sights, no magazine, and the forearm cut back to just rear of the nadguard band.

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[newcastle]

generally for a sporterised No.1 or No.4 , if teh metal is intact and it is restorable (bear in mind I'm in CA so it's more expensive) they tend to be available for anywhere between $100 - $200. I got a well sporterized NO.4 'T' 6 months ago for $200, and I got a Cogswell adn harrison sporterised No.1 mark3 for $75 in reno in january. funny thing is that if they have been done properly with ramp sight etc and they look nicer, they are not generally restorable without significant workm but they tend to be pricier. teh ones that have the original front sight there that can be restored actually look a bit rubbish and tend toward the cheaper end. Which is fine for restoration purposes.

[clutch5473]

I have a 1918 BSA that I have had for nearly 20 years. It is Canadian C broad arrow marked, and has a T on the barrel. It is my most accurate, with iron sights 2" at 100 m. The T is odd to me since it is otherwise a standard No1 MkIII*.

Down here (Alabama) I do find a sporterized one from time to time. I like to hit up pawn shops, and if I see one talk them down to below $200. i use the latest blu book to get them lower. I have no intention of selling any I opurchase, I like to put them back into as issued condition.

[teleman]

I bought an FTR 1945 Maltby for $150 CDN. New barrel cut back and ramp sight. Nice shooter, have taken 3 Deer with it. Most others I have seen are around that price range. I would however pay more for a Parker Hale Sporter.

---------- Post added at 09:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:54 AM ----------

The "T" is a sniper is it not?

[clutch5473]

Well, its not outfitted as a sniper. Here is a pic of it. Its a BSA, made for Canada. No holes tapped anywhere.

[teleman]

That is odd. Perhaps a senior member could shed some light.

[Quantrill]

Here in Missouri I've only seen sporterized ones for sale, and they go for $200-225.

[limpetmine]

Attachment 38796It is hard to put a definitive percentage on the discount. If the metal is intact, and all it needs is wood and a piece of this or that, it is worth more than one that has had the barrel bobbed, or three grotesque holes drilled and tapped in the sidewall, or receiver bridge, or worse yet, a chunk of steel MIG welded to the receiver side. These are the poor buggers whose value is in the collection of parts rather than the whole.

Unfortunately, in chasing good wood and bits to rebuild these, others are disassembling whole rifles and parting them out and doubling their investment. On the whole, not a good way to ensure the hobby carries forth.

My rule of thumb for buying sporters is it has to be a unique or unusual rifle make/mark/year/marking, worth the additional cost of making it right. Roll stamped 1941 ROFM is one that comes to mind. 1941 Long Branch rifles is another.

The most unique sporter I've bought was a 1932 Trials No. 4 (T) which was barrel bobbed, ramped, muzzle braked, loading bridge chopped, stock fully cheeked up so bad it's hard to know what it once was. I need a whole lot of parts and pieces for this one. And a remarkable gunsmith to help me!

I'll pass on the 1943 Long Branches', Savages, Maltbys, etc. Unless they are cheapcheapcheap!!