Lee Enfield sporter

NOSLEEP

I have an opportunity to purchase a Lee Enfield sporter "303 British"
SER# W17502 it apears to be in reasonable shape stock is clean ,brass butt
plate is clean. I dont intend to shoot it. MK1 RN303 2222
I just think maybe I should have one. [:p]

I can get it for 150.00 too much? or good price?
Anyone know what the DOM is?
THANX.

jbw1776

With that limited info, I'm gonna guess it's a No4 MKI. If so then the SN would match up with no.4's made at ROF (Royal Ordnance Factory) in Maltby, England, and made in 1942.

As far as being a good deal, I think it way overpriced if it has had extensive "sporterization", stock cut, handguards removed, etc.

I was paying $50-70 for excellent condition sporters a couple years ago, and original configuration no.4's were bringing around $100 about a year ago. They look to have gone up a tad bit. If you want it, buy it, but don't buy it with the intention of putting it back military config. and coming out ahead. The biggest thing that determines value on these Enfields is numbers matching and being original, even if FTR'd. The bolt will have a SN on it as well and should match the receiver if it hasn't been replaced.

For your first one, I'd suggest looking around a bit longer for an original one, which you should be able to pick up for around what they are asking for the sporter. A good place for info on Enfields is here:

http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=44

Good luck.

Ben

TWalker

I frequently see these for sale for $99 locally. $150 isn't too much if it is a nice rifle that you want. I own one made in Australia and it's a great shooter. You could do much worse for your money.

reddnek

If you want it for a shooter grab it. if its sporterized it won't increase in value, but they're great shooters/hunters. I had a few when the local stores sold them for$19.95 and always liked them

sandwarrior

I just paid $129.00 for an all original that showed some use and abuse. But the barrel had outstanding rifling and the action was very tight so I got it. Yes, I think $150.00 is a bit too much. Keep looking or see what you can get one here on GB for. If there are none around and you want one then $150 might not be so bad. I would at least opt for an original though.

NOSLEEP

Because it is a "sporter" does that imply it has been modified?
Sounds like its a little on the pricey side as well.

jbw1776

quote:Originally posted by NOSLEEP
Because it is a "sporter" does that imply it has been modified?
Sounds like its a little on the pricey side as well.



NOSLEEP, This is an original, military configuration Enfield No.4 (courtesy of surp.rifledotcom)



This site shows what the typical "sporter" Enfields look like. Usually the stock has been cut back exposing the barrel, barrel bands and sight protector removed, made to look like your average hunting rifles.

http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/sp1.htm

There was a company in the 50's-60's called Golden State Arms that
did a lot of Sporterizing on various milsurp rifles, called them SantaFe models. There is becoming a SLIGHT collector intrest in these models, but they still will usually bring less than one in original military config.

http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/sp1.htm

Ben

NOSLEEP

I SEE, said the blind man.
Thanx for the great info. I will pass on this modified rifle.

Regards.