WWII 303 British Enfield Rifles
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Here is a look at my modest collection of my WWII British Enfield rifles. I have a #4 fullsize battle rifle, a #5 Jungle Carbine, and what I call my #4.5 Enfield, it's a sporterized #4 to resemble a jungle carbine. I also briefly look at a comparison to other WWII cartridges, and some thoughts about reloading for the 303 British cartridge.
Like it was yesterday, I remember my father and I going into an Army Navy Store in Southern California along with my summer earnings from mowing and odd jobs and coming out with my very first Lee Enfield No1 Mk3. I paid $12.00 for a very nice "shooter" and 50 rounds of .303 British ammunition....still have it to this day as it rides with me in my vehicle everywhere I go.
+Frank Carvell sounds like you got a heck of a deal....nice
Sounds like it may have been sporterized from a No1, which is an older version, from the WW1 era. The rear sight was mounted ahead of the action, at rear of barrel. My Enfields are NO 4's from the WW2 era, and were designed to be made quicker, and possibly less refined. Rear sight was on rear of receiver. Ammo is not too terribly hard to find. Military surplus is harder to locate, but modern sporting ammo with proper bullets for hunting is easier to locate. Good luck, I'd like to see a vid
These seem very popular in the uk. I remember shooting these back when In was a Cadet You could cycle the bolt without taking your eye from the sight. Much more accurate than people think if The rifling is good. Poor shooters tend to have worn bores hence the idea they are not as accurate as a mauser
Bought my first Enfield when I was 14 or 15 through the mail from Kliens. This was probably 1959 or 60, think it cost me a little under $20.00. I wanted a Swede carbine but couldn't afford $25.
Wish I still had it but I prompley took a hack saw to it and thought I made it beautiful. Sorry.
Now have three Enfields.
No.1 Lithgow in beautiful condition with some coachwood stock.
No.4 FAZ 1954 Irish contract, not in the wraps but light usage and shiny bore.
No.5 Jungle carbine, authentic 1945 BSA been around but good shape.
My pop bought his first and still got it in 1955-59 he was about 16 it was 28.99CAD I can’t find out what it is. It looks the same as from the magazine (I got a pic somewhere.) it looks like the one on top/Jungle Carbine but it has a different sights both rear and front are different and a older receiver. Stamped 1914.
that top one is the closest ive seen to what mine is. but its still not the one i have...
My Dad, in 1958 bought a "sporterized" 303 infield----thru the mail. He saw an ad in popular mechanics magazine, for the gun, two magazines, four small boxes of ammo all for the astronomical price of $15.99. Im not sure but I believe that was including shipping. The barrel was shortened a little and a "sport" front blade sight was installed along with a new cut down stock. He kept the gun till his death with both he and I using it for deer hunting. After his death my mom gave it to me and it is still in VG condition. I (now age 76) will pass on my entire gun collection to my grandson. Just this evening he was curious what all was in the collection that he hadnt seen, so I pulled out the .303 and 2 of the m1 carbines that I have-----he Had to ask "now when exactly are you giving these to me"? My answer was "hopefully not soon"
My British school used to have a big long bomb shelter at the bottom of the playing fields After WW2 they turned it into an underground shooting range, and back in the 1970's they let us 12 and 13 year old boys shoot old WW2 Lee Enfield 303's. Great fun.
I have one identical to your number 4. The model with the full stock. Can you tell me where I can find a bayonet?
Nice video. I have five enfields, all different models. Check out my videos.
WHEN I MOVED TO ALABAMA THESE GUNS WERE STACKED IN EVERY PAWN SHOP GUN SHOP EVERY WHERE YOU WENT AND CHEAP, NOW YOU HARDLY SEE THEM. I COULD KICK MYSELF FOR NOT PICKING ONE UP. THANKS FOR SHOWING US YOUR GUNS.
Good job on the video, very helpful
The top 303 is a sporterized military rifle. From your description I would guess that is what you have. Folks shortened barrels, cut down the stocks, to make them lighter and handier. I've also seen the magazines cut down so they fit more flush with stock.
I had one, I believe a type 4 that was my great grandfathers. Was stolen 21 years ago along with my much loved Ithaca 16 ga side by side that also belonged to my great grandfather. I really miss those guns. Great video, thank you.
I would look at gun shows, or GunBrokerdotcom. You may get lucky at a gun store, but chances are they won't last long. The No 5's don't linger long, before someone buys it. Good luck.
That would be a No1, which was from the early 1900 era. Used in WW1 and later. Unfortunately I do not own a No. 1, so it was not part of this video. It would be cool if I ever found one, when I had extra cash in my pocket. Thanks for watching.
Enfields are an awesome military bolt gun, quick to cycle, and hold 10 rounds. Maybe they can be used for defense, if we loose our rights to keep semiauto rifles?
Beautiful Enfield's man. I'm getting more into military surplus guns here lately. I just bought my first 91/30 Mosin about a week ago, and its really fueled the fire. Shot a video if your interested. Thanks for sharing the video brother. Take care.
If you put up a video, with a good look at it, I'm sure you can get help with identification. I'd offer my help, if you are able. There are lots of Enfield collectors on UA-cam, and some of them are in the UK, Canada and Australia.
The sights are in yards, not meters. Just a small clarification for you.
303 ammo used to be much less costly, but milsurp ammo is almost nonexistent, since no military has used 303 for almost 30 years. I have some Greek milsurp stashed, but most of my shooting now is with reloaded 303. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your new projects.
The #5 jungle carbine is getting harder to find here in the states too. Light and handy, and smooth to operate. They make a great shtf weapon without doing any mods to it. It is a shame they are hard to find in their home country. Thanks for adding to the discussion
Jon, some original concept scout rifles ya got there...
That's good to know. I recall the US considered smaller than 30 caliber rifles for a time, but military planners nixed the idea as too radical.
which enfield has the really blunt nose end w/ no barrel showing?
I did not know about the plan to go to the 7x57. I do remember the Brits were considering going to a smaller caliber. Thanks for adding to the discussion.
I remember those glory days of the Enfield. I believe the Mosin Nagant is in a similar heyday. Some day they will be scarce too. But the Enfield, in my opinion, is a vastly superior bolt action Milsurp rifle. Thanks for watching.
I'm really thinking about getting a Mosin before too long. I'd like to do a comparison to the other WW2 rifles I own. I will check out your vid. Thanks for watching.
Neat, I had heard that a lot of Canada shooters use the 303 for deer and moose. A 175-180 grain bullet should be pretty effective for that purpose. Thanks for watching
Thanks Birchbarkjohnny, I like Enfields quite a bit, I'd like to do a side by side comparison to a Mosin some day. Just to see why YT is all afire about Mosin Nagants, and not Enfields.
Ok, thanks for correction. I generally just use basic peep, and have not gone long range yet, at range.
My uncle had one, think he came home from ww2 or Korea with it , never said much
Sounds like a great buy. These Enfields seem to grow into favorite rifles, just naturally. Thanks for watching.
great selection of the different types of enfield and love the no.5. ive got a no.1mk3, bren and webley revolver
Thanks, i really enjoy the old Enfields. I think they still are an effective and credible fighting rifle, in bolt guns.
Yeah man, I love my enfields! They are awesome. Like I said I have five, all different models....
FC45LC, I seem to favor short rifles. They are quite handy for a short person like myself
I buy winchester ammunition is it significant to clean after each use?
40 bucks a box of 20!!!
The SMLE (Short Magazine Lee Enfield), the main UK rifle for WWI. The No 4. mk 1's in WWII had the tip of the barrel protruding, as well as some other minor changes to make them easier to manufacture. Love a nice Old Speckled Hen.
i love those rifles! I have a long branch(canadian) an Australian 2,M'5s a Savage and a Brit ! And i ve shot them all with Pakistani Ammo that i was lucky enough to buy a few years ago. Good video! 1st time viewer I suscribed!
Sounds like you have the Enfield bug ere828 , your collection sounds awesome. I only wish ammo was more available and cheaper. Thanks for adding to the discussion and subbing.
I had mine handed down from my grandfather, I shot down my first bull moose when I was 17 using his rifle which is now mine
The .303 was going to be replaced by the 7x57 but the war stop'd that ,think if I remember 1889 was the first .303 .
i`v been looking for a good enfield jungle carbine do you know where i could get one?
Nice Enfields. Is that only once fired brass with the rings? I'm getting set up to reload 303 and the brass I've saved so far doesn't have rings for only being shot once. I've got 2, no4mk1 and mk2(FTR).
customvan sixtyfive those brass were several times reloaded. I do find some headstamps are more problems than others, S&B seems to have shorter life. Good luck with your .303 reloading.
The enfield locks up in the rear and that promotes stretching
7,9mm calibre... why do people pick such random numbers
VicariousReality7 curious decision.
My grandfather gave me his, a No 4 M-I and it's been sporterized too! Great vid!
That sounds great Larry Coffer you should treasure that rifle from your grandfather. Thanks for watching , Jon.
I really like those 303's great video!
also check Proxi-bid
Do some budy nose imformation on 303 no5 mk4
Definitely a nice collection :)
Christopher Sumpter Thanks buddy, you have some great firearms too.
Very interesting video. Thank you.
Thanks for watching kidguzzi and your positive comment, Jon
Cool guns
Thanks Mikol Murcia I think the British Enfield is one of the best Military surplus rifles available.