The "best" lee Enfield

[zzr1100]

The next slot I'm hoping the to fill on my FAC is the .303 one .. Either a p14 or more likely an Enfield ... I know this is probably down to personal preference but which is the best Enfield to go for ? (a 4T is out of the price range)

[meles meles]

You're unlikley to go wrong with any Enfield, but we'd argue for a Winchester made P14. Robust, reliable, accurate, stronger than a Lee. Downside is the reduced rate of fire from the 5 round magazine.

[Charlotte the flyer]

Late no 4 mk2. 50's vintage. Although Canucks were often of the opinion that the Long Branch ones were better.

[DaveB]

Late no 4 mk2. 50's vintage. Although Canucks were often of the opinion that the Long Branch ones were better.

Agreed, on both counts

[saddler]

SMLE for fun

P14 for a bit refinement

[Watcher]

A 1950's Long Branch if you can find one.

[Dombo63]

Depends what you want it for. If it is just to have a Lee Enfield then a good shooting late No4 Mk 2 from the mid-50s would suit, about £450-550 depending on condition, silly money if one of the "new" in the wrap rifles that are drifting over from the US. For fun I would go with a No5, Jungle Carbine but expect to pay £250-300 more.

[bnz41]

+1 that's been posted before except the No5 jungle carbine unless you like recoil.

I would agree late 50's No4 is an excellent choice or a No4 that was converted into a target rifle by Parker Hale with there 5C target sights still in .303, or if you want a rifle with some history then for around the same money you could pick up a WW1 or pre/to WW2 SMLE.
With the SMLE stay clear of the "New" rebuilt ones that are available some have had trouble with them.

[Blighty]

Do tell about the problems with the 'new' ones. Have eyed them with some suspicion given that throwing a load of unissued parts together would make an object that looks like a smelly, but not something that necessarily shoots like one.

[Sim G]

Are those 7.62 "Indian Enfields" still around? Always fancied making a Scout Rifle out of one...