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SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:12 pm
by TattooedGun
I don't have a slot to acquire one of these beauties just yet, but I've always been fascinated by the "Jungle Carbine" and if I was going down the path of getting an old rifle, although part of me would like something that could have quite possibly been used in battle in WW2, I think I'd go towards one of these.

Anyone know where I might be able to find nice examples of a Birmingham Made No.5 that's original. that is to say, not a No.4 modded to look like a number 5.

What price range would one expect something like that to fetch.

Why do I want Shirley Made?
Because I live 20 minutes from Birmingham :p

Also Ammunition, is .303 milsurp still available to get, readily? I've only ever reloaded .223 and .308, but for something like this that would be taken out occassionally I think Milsurp would be more than adequate.

Thanks in advance :)

TG

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:22 pm
by Steve E
Milsurp .303 is likes hens teeth and what is available will be corrosive primed( not a problem), and quite frankly not of good quality.
Privi (PPU) readily available and reloading the brass is the best option.

Where to get a Shirley No5?, just ask the dealers in classic arms to keep an eye open for you. You may wince at the price though.

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:24 pm
by snayperskaya
Pm sent

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:27 pm
by saddler
Not cheap

Last one I saw was about £500, though it was in excellent condition & had not been shot much so had a good bore

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:34 pm
by TattooedGun
I've just been informed of one for £199, but there's at least 3 things that are non-original - flash hider, cheekpiece added to stock and stock collar replaced.

I'm not sure, but if I get one I think I'd like something in good condition that I won't look at and think "I wish I'd gone for something with all the right bits" - if you know what I mean.

I've seen a few but can't recall whether they were FAZ or BSA - Ranging from £500-£750...

As for that being not-cheap. I guess it depends on your definition of cheap. I spent £715 on a HK416 in .22lr that I'd consider cheap, whereas this is a rifle with history and personality, and whilst it might be more expensive compared to a No. 4. that price range doesn't make me wince... :)

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:52 pm
by Tommygunn
I know where there's a Faz made one but I think it's at £850

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:06 pm
by TattooedGun
Fultons appear to have a Faz one also.

I think I'd be persuaded to part with cash for the right looking rifle.... I mean, I know they're there to shoot, but if I found a Faz one with a stock that had a particularly nicely figured grain/flame, then I wouldn't be so picky. but otherwise, BSA for me :)

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:08 pm
by DL.
TattooedGun wrote:
I've seen a few but can't recall whether they were FAZ or BSA - Ranging from £500-£750...
Let's hope you don't get this one that Ray was selling, because a friend reliably informed me this rifle was a dog.


http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9144

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:13 pm
by TattooedGun
DL. wrote:
TattooedGun wrote:
I've seen a few but can't recall whether they were FAZ or BSA - Ranging from £500-£750...
Let's hope you don't get this one that Ray was selling, because a friend reliably informed me this rifle was a dog.


http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9144
Oh :o Just wouldn't shoot, or some other reason?

fingerscrossed I don't get that one too!

Re: SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 5:20 pm
by DL.
TattooedGun wrote: Oh :o Just wouldn't shoot, or some other reason?

fingerscrossed I don't get that one too!
Yeah, It spat big groups, the prospective buyer was fed a healthy dose of bull from the seller too.