WANTED: Lee-Enfield Mk III/III*

[BriBri]

Hi there,

I originally posted this in the Swap & Shop forum, but I didn't know if it should more appropriately belong here. So, here you are:


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

[Adam Helmer]

Brian,

Both the MKIII and MKIII* are nice rifles. I prefer the MKIII with the windage adjustable rear sight. Some also have the mnagazine cutoff. In 1916, the MKIII* dropped both the magazine cutoff and windage adjustable rear sight.

I would look to ensure the numbers on bolt and receiver are matching, i.e. that they are the same number. Some rifles will have "FTR" stamped on the left receiver wall. That means the rifle went through "factor through repair", and that is a good thing. I would check to be sure the bore is bright. If the stock is sound, you will have a decent military arm.

Adam

[Gil Martin]

I was in a gun shop today that had several original No. 1 Mark III rifles on the rack. The condition varied a bit and the prices were around $200.00 or a little more. If you are interested in speaking with the shop owner (who is an FFL dealer) send a PM to me. All the best...
Gil

[buckhunter]

Check out Four Seasons Firearms in Woburn. No guarentee's but I have seen them there before. They alway have some old military hardware.