Where to buy a British Lee Enfield?

**Acousticx** · January 16, 2011, 11:43 AM

Couldn't really find an appropriate sticky for this one Mitch, if this isn't a good place please do lock it and tell me where is a good place. I mainly used this forum as it pertains to the WW1 and WW2 era. Thanks.

First off, I am not a real expert in buying weapons nor a real expert in all of the gun buying slingo used. So try to take it easy on me

. I have always been interested in the SMLE Lee Enfield. I don't have a preferred Mark number, as I don't know much of the differences that pertains to each. I was just wondering where I could buy one in the Texas area that would fire and not be "Sportanized" or whatever that meens (pretty sure that meens it has been changed to better suit hunting and changes the historical accuracy). So, anyone have any clue or knowledge on this gun and where to buy it?

Also. What are the gun laws in Texas like to own a rifle? Age,need of a license?

Thank you.

**Nyxos** · January 16, 2011, 12:21 PM

The internet.

Originally Posted by Acousticx

Also. What are the gun laws in Texas like to own a rifle? Age,need of a license?

You can go to jail if you DON'T own a gun in Texas

**Acousticx** · January 16, 2011, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by Nyxos

The internet.

You can go to jail if you DON'T own a gun in Texas

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Quick question. When a gun shot goes off in France, does everyone run into their homes and raise a white flag?

**Piledriver2311** · January 16, 2011, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Acousticx

Couldn't really find an appropriate sticky for this one Mitch, if this isn't a good place please do lock it and tell me where is a good place. I mainly used this forum as it pertains to the WW1 and WW2 era. Thanks.

First off, I am not a real expert in buying weapons nor a real expert in all of the gun buying slingo used. So try to take it easy on me

. I have always been interested in the SMLE Lee Enfield. I don't have a preferred Mark number, as I don't know much of the differences that pertains to each. I was just wondering where I could buy one in the Texas area that would fire and not be "Sportanized" or whatever that meens (pretty sure that meens it has been changed to better suit hunting and changes the historical accuracy). So, anyone have any clue or knowledge on this gun and where to buy it?

Also. What are the gun laws in Texas like to own a rifle? Age,need of a license?

Thank you.

If I were you, I would look at what the auction houses in your area have. Also, I would look in eBay as well.

**ctsolaris** · January 16, 2011, 01:43 PM

EBAY DOESN'T HAVE GUNS lol
Sorry for the double post.

**Acousticx** · January 16, 2011, 01:54 PM

Thanks everyone and especially you solaris.

I am indeed looking for one that will fire. Also, I probably won't be looking for one that is online as the transfer(as you said) fee is very expensive. I prolly will go to a gun auction/shop here in Texas and see if I can find one. If the owner sounds like he knows what he is talking about, I will get one there.

I was actually looking at more of a Mark III as the NO.4 has the feature of the barrel sticking out. This brings me to my next question, which is more expensive (or harder to find) the Mark III or NO.4?

**Admiral Van Tromp** · January 16, 2011, 01:56 PM

Just out of curiosity, how much would a Lee Enfield cost? (euros please)

**Piledriver2311** · January 16, 2011, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by ctsolaris

EBAY DOESN'T HAVE GUNS lol
Sorry for the double post.

hmm, I may have been looking at a different website.

**Okuto** · January 16, 2011, 01:40 PM

auction houses are your best bet or gun shows. I picked up some of my antique guns in that manner. lee-enfields arent too hard to pick up but I see the jungle carbine versions more often than the orginals

**ctsolaris** · January 16, 2011, 01:42 PM

Acousticx, I am an avid collector of WWII era rifles, as well as more modern weapons. If you want to get your hands on an SMLE, i recommend going to (if you want to take the internet route) gunbroker.com. I use them. Now, the world of surplus rifles is interesting, and a good SMLE is hard to come by. Do you want one to shoot or display? Anyway, you want one that is un-sporterized (i.e. hasn't been modified by some ******* over the years), preferably one with a SHINY (not DARK) bore (also you don't want pitting),and that the outside has a good even bluing (little to no rust). You need to find a local gun shop to transfer the gun to you. I dont know gun laws in Texas, but i know you must talk to the gun shop, ask them if they will transfer you the firearm (yes they will charge you gor that), and see if they can tell yo anything else. BE CAREFUL! Once you get one, bring it to a COMPETENT gunsmith to make sure it is safe to shoot. For ammo, i like Sellier + Belliot. Go to cheaperthandirt.com and search for .303 British. Make sure you buy NON-CORROSIVE. If it is in a can or if it doesn't say, assume its corrosive. Search google on how to clean corrosive ammo if you end up using it. There is loads more i can tell you. You'll want to get some gun-cleaning supplies, make sure you save your brass at the range (in the future you can sell it bulk, or reload it youself). The Lee-Enfield series of rifles are AWESOME and my favorite to shoot. I own a NO.4 MK.I make in 1944. The SMLEs have some noticable differences. In most states (at least in CT) you need to be 18 to own a rifle/shotgun and 21 to own a handgun. I'm not sure f you need a liscence to own a rifle, but get a permit if you can. Firearms can only be sent to an FFL holder (like a gun shop owner), however the SMLE can be considered an antique. This means you can have the rifle shipped to you IF you posses a C&R liscence. Just go to a local gun shop and they'll hep you out. Good luck and please ask if you have anymore qustions.

**ctsolaris** · January 16, 2011, 02:17 PM

Well, the general price for a MK.III is higher because they're older. But they were made longer so it comes down to condition. The average price for a No.4 MK.1 is $400 or about 300 euros. However, the price is probably cheaper in europe due to the import cost to get them into the U.S. Gun laws are much more restricted in europe as well.
Acousticx, its probably harder to find a nice no.1 mk.III. Now for a shooter wanting a rifle in decent condition, this is a good example http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=211523698. I say shooter because many collectors prefer matching serial numbers. Here is a decent No.1 Mk.III http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=211392718. If you search around for a deal you can always find one. I learned this the hard way when i found a PERFECT no.1 mk.III it had a magazine cutoff, a pre-1915 cocking knob, and VOLLEY SIGHTS!!!! It was buy-now for $900. I waited and decided to sleep on it, only to wake up the next day to see someone else bought it, i still regret not getting it to this day. It is unique items like that that are hard to come buy. Some officer probably got it, and left it locked in a case for almost a century! In short, don't jump on every deal you find, but don't wait too long either

**Acousticx** · January 16, 2011, 02:23 PM

You think I could find one cheaper at auctions/gun show?

One more thing, if I do go to an auction/gun show. What are some things I need to look out for that could be scammish? Also what are some basic requirements that it should have?

**ctsolaris** · January 16, 2011, 02:52 PM

Hmmm. Well i've never delt with auctions, however if you go to one it depends on how bad someone wants an item. You can get the same bidding wars online. I bought 1 rifle (an M1 Carbine) at a gun show up in MA. It is definately different. You'll probably find something there, however you need to be able to deal with people. Don't be afraid to bargain. Remember that everyone isn't trying to rip you off, but still be careful. Before buying it, ask for a bore light to check the bore. Make sure it looks clean, shiny, and that it doesn't look frosted or pitted. Make sure the bolt or action works smoothy. Make sure the wood isn't cracked or gauged too severely. Also look for rust, un-even bluing (bluing is that nice dark finish on most rifles), and heavy grease on the outside. If there is grease (probably cosmoline [ a heavy rust preventative used during the WWII era]) in the barrel, be sure to clean it with some kind of solvent (like laquer thinner) before firing. Before shooting your rifle, bring it to a gunsmith ( i never have but for a first time shooter and someone new to the world of guns you really should {not worth losing your life}). If it checks out ok, bring it home, clean it up. The SMLEs don't really need to be dissasembled, however this site is helpful if you must http://www.surplusrifle.com/index.asp. You can also buy cleaning and care books through them. Make sure you always have a light coat of oil on the metal, and you may want to put some lube where the bolt rides in the action. This makes it even smoother!. I use a special lithium based lube (the lube i got for my M1 Garand) and that works well. Some tips for when you're shooting is to get some stripper clips for it. Make sure the rims (base of the bullet) don't overlap, or else it'll jam. You can find the stripper clips online, heck i'd even sell you some of my own (i have plenty) if you like. But it's probably easier to buy them with plastic off a site than mailing me a money order.

Edit: When you go to a gun shop, ask about any shooting courses. They are usually required to get a pistol permit, they will help you get familiar with guns.

**Okuto** · January 16, 2011, 05:10 PM

ah gun shows.....I remember stalking a trap door springfield rifle till the owner's wife took over his stand and grabbed it for 600 dollars. But yeah gun shows are a mixed bag but they have stuff that is out of the blue, I completed my arisaka collection with the flag attachment.