Astonished at prices of L42A1s

[Thunderbox]

I think the prices have actually fallen a little here in the UK over recent months. Probably a number of reasons, not least people's uncertainty over the UK economic outlook in the near future.

My own view is that its more do with a very finite UK market for all firearms let alone specialist historic arms, and the fact that 4(T)s and L42s are now priced far beyond what might be considered reasonable for the rifles. £3-4k was just about doable for someone of average means who had a burning desire to get a 4(T)/L42, but £8-10k is quite ridiculous. For far less money you can get a brand new AI with a decent S&B scope or similar, and thats what people are opting for instead. Its been very noticeable at the Bisley arms fairs for the past few tears that people will spend up to about £3.5k on a s/h modern precision rifle, but won't even glance at Enfield snipers. I personally won't touch sniper kit now, as its proving really hard to move on.

[Roger Payne]

I don't think it's all just one reason or another. I was speaking to one of the country's leading purveyors of historic weapons very recently. He is based in Wiltshire & is renowned for attaining 'good' prices (if one is a seller), & he feels that the Brexit uncertainty is a major factor; indeed we are seeing this in retail generally anyway; one only has to watch the news at present - 'Xmas spending on the High Street down' etc. At times of economic uncertainty people tend to cut back on luxury items first. It is not the only factor though; many are worried about buying 'modern' military rifles & accessories in case they get a knock on the door at 06.00 by the MoD police, as well as the uncertainties over the future of some of the pokier calibre rifles. I'm sure the point that you make is also pertinent Thunderbox, although the reluctance to spend a lot of money on 'military' rifles could also be explained by the above. A more certain economic outlook would definitely not hurt.............

[Promo]

Hey Roger, did you in the UK already introduce the latest EU regulation which includes the magazine ban for large capacity magazines on semi-automatic rifles and handguns, etc.? I wonder if you still take over those regulations with the Brexit.

[Roger Payne]

I know it was in the Directive, but I've not heard anything of it being introduced here yet. I was told the Home Office didn't like it as it was not seen as 'an issue' here. Maybe others in the UK know more???

Every cloud has a silver lining: maybe I'll now be able to get hold of ten shot mags for my GSG MP44! I only have the higher capacity mags presently & it's very awkward trying to fire a MP44 in the prone position with one of those things burrowing its way into the gravel...... I asked about getting a few ten shotters a while back & was told that they were all reserved for the US market!

[GeeRam]

I was speaking to one of the country's leading purveyors of historic weapons very recently. He is based in Wiltshire & is renowned for attaining 'good' prices (if one is a seller), & he feels that the Brexit uncertainty is a major factor

I would imagine the same person that I bought my 4T from

Every cloud has a silver lining: maybe I'll now be able to get hold of ten shot mags for my GSG MP44! I only have the higher capacity mags presently & it's very awkward trying to fire a MP44 in the prone position with one of those things burrowing its way into the gravel...... I asked about getting a few ten shotters a while back & was told that they were all reserved for the US market!

I would have thought reserved for the EU market.......?
Does the 10 round mag restriction issue in some US states include rimfire then, thought it was only centrefire?

25rd mags for the Stg44 are pretty hard to get in UK now, I was having trouble getting any for ages 18 months ago, and bought the last 3 that Portsmouth Gun had left at Pheonix Meet in 2017. Not seen anyone with any for sale since!
I don't shoot mine prone that much, so not a big issue for me, and when I do I shoot as the Germans did, at an angle.....sort of works

[Roger Payne]

Who knows if I'll be able to get any, but if GSG now have to ramp up production of 10 shot mags for Europe then perhaps there's a better chance.......
A pal got me two 25 round mags & two of the equivalent pattern for GSG's MP40 direct from the UK importer.
We'll see.......!

[Promo]

EU directive does not regulate .22 rifles, at least not over here.

[Roger Payne]

That would probably explain why we've heard nothing to date, then. Full bore self-loading rifles & most pistols are already section 5 status.