WANTED: Lee-Enfield Mk III/III*

[BriBri]

Hello,

I am interested in buying or otherwise obtaining an original or reproduction Lee-Enfield Mk III or III* chambered in .303. I enjoy reading about the weapons used during WWI and WWII, and I would like to add, particularly, this rifle to my collection. I plan to use it occasionally for big-game hunting (deer, bear, etc), though not as my primary rifle, and it will mostly sit on a rack (or most likely in my gun safe) for me to admire every now and then.

I have only a fundamental knowledge of this rifle and would appreciate any thoughts or opinions on what I should look for, in terms of condition of the rifle - i.e. pitting, rust, stock-wear, etc.. Depending on the condition, I hope to be able to find a knowledgeable gunsmith who could do a once-over of the mechanisms and non-working parts of the gun to ensure that it doesn't blow up in my face.

My budget?....Well, that would depend on the condition of the rifle. I do not need an original in mint-condition. I simply need a working, servicable firearm to add to my collection.

Thanks.

-Brian