which enfield?

[wudjalike2no]

im wanting to get some early 1900's military bolt actions, and i dont know which enfield to get, the mk 1 no. 3, or the mk 4 no 1. i would assume the mk4 is better since it is the newer model, but i always see the mk1 for a higher price

 

[Desert Dog]

Get both...

 

[wudjalike2no]

i wont have enough room in my gun case after i get a mosin, 8mm mauser, enfield, new 12 gauge pump, and a 10/22

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Do like I do after my safes were too packed, disassemble some of the long guns. You forgot the Mk. 5 Jungle Rifle, BTW. Gotta have one of those too.

 

[Tamara]

While the No.4 Mk.1 is a better rifle in every way, the pig-nosed WWI Smelly is infinitely cooler.

 

[BryanP]

The sights are much nicer on the No.4.

 

[4V50 Gary]

What BryanP says. Sights are better.

 

[S_O_Laban]

Intresting. Am I right then,based on what's been posted in this thread that the #4 would be the one to get if your more intrested in shooting it than just collecting it. Are any of the Enfields more accurate than the others?

 

[PATH]

No. 4 Mk. 1 is the way to go if you must choose. They ar eboth nice though.

 

[Leatherneck]

Second the vote for both SMLEs--they're very reasonable, and the cosmoline doesn't take more than an entire weekend to remove.

TC

 

[michael t]

Now Leatherneck don't fib. It took my wife nearly a week out in the garage before mine would pass my inspection

 

[lee n. field]

2A or 2A1. An SMLE with better ammo availability and slightly bigger boom.

 

[jefnvk]

Both, to start out with.

Then you need a 1917 and an Ishapore 2A/1. Don't forget about the jungel carbine, too.

You'll get dragged in quick

 

[dfaugh]

Personally

I like the No.1 MkIII better....I guess 'cause its the "classic" SMLE...Mine is WWI vintage which I like, too...

 

[nobanforme]

I just bought a mk4 no1 but have not had a chance to fire it yet, can't wait!

 

[greg531mi]

Find a 2A Issy, cheaper surplus ammo out there in 308........ Though, I pick up 303 PMP at Dumhams for $5.99 with their super Sunday sales.....

 

[DT Guy]

Hey, where's the button for the #5?

The only Enfield a person under 6'4" can carry normally...


Larry

 

[Drue]

I'm with Tamara, get the the No.1 first ( and get the No.4 later). The No.4 is a later model (1939??) that has better sights and makes a better shooter. The No. 1 Mk 3 is more "historical" since it served in both world wars plus countless other conflicts. However, the No. 1 is not a "bad" shooter. I read, on one of the boards, that there was a speed/ accuracy contest in 1914, before the war started, in England. The drill was to hit a 12" black circle on a white paper at 300 yards as many times as possible in one minute, prone, starting with a loaded rifle. Sergent Instructor ( someone whose name escapes me ) won with 38 hits in one minute. This is 38 aimed shots with 3 (2 clip ) reloadings in one minute with a bolt rifle. The rifle was a No. 1 Mk 3 Short Magazine Lee Enfield.

Drue

 

[Gewehr98]

Collect the whole set!

The classic looks of the NoIMkIII* SMLE just ooze "battle rifle":

And while the No4Mk1 is indeed nice, the ultimate refinement of the No4Mk1, as intended for fighting in thick cover, is worthy of one's gun collection, too. (No5Mk1 "Jungle Carbine")

 

[Tamara]

Actually, my holy grail of Enfields would be the No.1 Mk.V, with its classic "pignose" profile combined with a receiver-mounted aperture sight...