POOR MAN'S RIFLE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- For many people this is considered a poor man's rifle. I've been looked down at because I like them. I think nicely sporterized enfields are just common sense. This Parker Hale is a Heinze 51 parts gun was built to shoot in the mud and the bore and headspace is good - what's not to like?
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Maple Leaf Up
" Beware the poor man with only one rifle, because he likely knows how to use it '..
As a fellow Canadian, I'm appalled to hear about the concept of "gun snobbery" at the range. Right here in Canada! Who cares what mark or age of rifle you have? As long as it and the caliber is appropriate for your quarry and gets the job done. Nobody has the right to judge someone who hunts their own game. Case in point, I've heard from friends who have hunted with Inuit and other aboriginal / indigenous Canadians. In almost every case, they are still using half century Lee-Enfields and Winchester's in 303 and 30-30 respectively. A well made firearm that is well maintained will last forever.
Some people believe that the pre-64 M70 Winchester is the ultimate hunting rifle and anything else is not worth considering. Who am I to say they are wrong? I love that rifle too but can't be brand myopic. I'm too curious for my own good sometimes but wouldn't have it any other way.
Yup, gun snobs need to go!
Legit has killed more moose in NFLD than any other caliber I think. The 303 is great, the bolts are butter smooth and the trigger ain't bad for a military surplus rifle
Gun snobbing or shaming is a real thing in the gun community regardless of where you live, where you're from, what you use it for and or how much it cost. I've had some poor man rifles in my lifetime that some of the expensive ones couldn't hold a candle to. My grandfather would also say that if it works and it gets the task done then use it, be happy and block all of the negativity
Like that here in the USA with any type of firearm. Immature and childish. Sometimes political motivated sometimes someone with mental or physical deficiency making a pathetic attempt to stroke their own ego.
And yeah the dudes I call Beer Hunters show up with their Walmart Special rifle and one box of cartridges.🙄
Agreed Rich. One shot is the number; it can mean missing the only game you've seen in days/weeks, one shot taken un-safely ending in tragedy, or as planned, one shot and a wonderful harvest done ethically.
BEST gunshot imitation ever! Unless I misses it I'll say it for you...Maple Leave Up!
I have hunted all my life with the .303 and never ever considered it a poor man's rifle although I have heard the term. I am proud as peacock with mine and wouldn't trade for a 4000.00 dollar rifle. Nice video..thanks for posting it.
Yes the 303 British
@@gradyhernandez4699 24:49
The .303 - great rifle. Still very popular here in New Zealand. Ive been using my No. 5 Jungle Carbine for over 40 years now on deer - never felt the need to change.
God. Bless you Geoff, I have the same thing and I have only had it half way through time that you have.
The SMLE in it's various types has taken enough game to sink the Titanic and it's sister ships combined. I respect those rifles.
The .303 with the Hornady 150 grain load essentially duplicates the old .30-06 military load that made that cartridge a legend by the time WWI was finished. It's a fine load for deer. I would say though, that the heavier bullet loads are more appropriate for heavier game.
No.5 carbine in 303/ so cool, isn't that Col. Jeff Coopers original scout rifle? Think he got the idea from that rifle or at least I've often thought that.
@@johnnorman7708My SMLE was made the same year the Titanic was lost, 1912. Well used, all original and shoots great. Love her!
Back in the old days, when .303 ammo was everywhere, it was commonplace in my neck of the woods to have a few hunting buddies faithfully toting their .303's. It was easy to recognize them - they were the old farts who always had a freezer full of meat! That also goes for all my old buddies who packed their .300 savage or .250 savage or often a .30-30 too. Those guys stacked deer like cordwood. I think i can only remember one or two who used scopes too .... I don't think we have progressed.
The 303 has put more big game meat on a families table than any other calibre in Canadian history.
@@Riflechair Even today here in the states a lot of folks still put meat in the freezer with a 303.
I had a fine 250 savage wish I still had it , but the brass is hard to find
Seems that folks are morphing from hunters to "snipers" and target shooters, all talking about 600+ yard accuracy. As if that was hunting. MOA? At 100 yards a chest shot +/- one inch is irrelevant to the deer.
Old saying, "Be ware of the man who owns one gun, he is dangerious."
Lured back to that which always gives you the best confidence and comfort. Yes As retired soldier its would seem most likely I would gravitate to a military firearm for everyday use. Surprisingly for most who know me thats not the case...
Yep I see the ghosts of Tyler Henry, Oli Winchester, John Browning all the time and they know what I know. A lever action in my hands is magic. Comfortable like a 2 year old pair of MK III boots.
I fought it most of my life. Bolt action, semi, pump you name it. 98s 96, lee enfield, garand, M1 Carbine. Win 70 Rem 700, 760,
Ruger GSR. Etc Etc. Had them all yet every time when what you got in hand counts I drag out that trusty lever action.
I share your sentiment for the gun that makes you feel ready and well prepared under any circumstance.
Great video
Regards
I think I am going to cry. Thank You.
Wow.
Great comment. My sentiments exactly.
The pairing of a man with a particular rifle is a magical thing, a bonding, that should not be broken once it is realized.
I shoot the Marlin 336 best. At least off hand. It fits me just right, like it is part of my body! I would say that trumps all the data modern gun makers through at you!
I paid 89 bucks for a rifle just like that and I floated the barrel just to where a dollar bill will slide between the barrel and stock. And I bed the kickback block with puddy weld. I set it one inch high at a hundred yards and I can stack five rounds in the same hole or cut the edge of the first round. I have a cheap weaver scope and I’ve only cleaned it after every hunt if it’s raining or snowing. I bought this old rifle in 1982 and it out shoots every other rifle I have. It’s all I’ve ever used. Love your video. Keep up the great work.
Keep on making videos, there's alot of us out here like you.
Thank you for the video. I am a budget minded individual, I guess because I grew up low in a low income family so I learned to appreciate quality tools and firearms that didn't break the bank to purchase. My grandfather hunted with an Enfield with open sights and took many deer with it. My dad, who's 75 now, still hunts with the same Remington model 742 in 30-06 that he bought used in 1975. There's no telling how many deer he has taken with that rifle.
I do not hunt much simply because of time and the lack of a good place to hunt.
I’m just like your father except I use a 760 model.👍🇺🇸🙏🏽✌🏻😎
I shot my first Impala and Warthog with a Lee-Enfield about 20 years ago. It’s a hunting buddy’s rifle, I really love that rifle, almost as much as my cheap FN ex military Mauser action in 308 Win. Two years ago I hunted with that 303 British again, and that I really enjoyed. God bless from South Africa.
I enjoy your vids 303 are my go to high power rifle the one i use to hunt was my fathers ive been shooting it since i was 11 very seldom did we sight it in on paper it was usually high about 3 inches at 100 so we adjust the rear sight accordingly changing front sight was never mentioned our backgrounds are very different im on a farm in sask i dont go far to hunt probably withing 5 miles i was brought up hunting and trapping and fishing so to me its a great tool and gets the job done and like you said if there is a miss its me not the gun any way fun fact my great grampa said the way you tell a good hunter look in his freezer! this Enfield has filled a lot of freezers ! thanks and happy hunting!
It's funny how sometimes the old workhorses can be so appealing. Despite having more expensive rifles that group better I still would rather take my Springfield 840 that I bought for 250 bucks and shows a long life of usage.
Hi Mike correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the Springfield 840 also the Savage 340?
@@Riflechair Yep, it's a cheaper version. Lower grade wood. I put a scope on mine for a season and then took it off and now have a barrel mounted red dot. The scope took away from the feeling of a light and handy rifle. Which was my first thought when I picked it up. Neat gun, bolt action 30-30 and it really likes the heavier grain bullets.
@@mikef3808 Must feel a bit weird to be able to run a 30-30 wit spitzer pointed bullets! I have been very attracted to these rifles for a long time but never had an opportunity cross my path.
@@Riflechair You can load them, personally I never have. For where I hunt your shots are close in so I never really saw the need. I have more expensive rifles but I still gravitate more towards it. If you see one definitely don't let it pass by. Mine was just 250 bucks, I'm also fond of the 30-30 as it really is not an incredibly performing round. It's a 200 yard and in cartridge for the most part. Which I like as I don't want a cartridge that can shoot terribly far, I see the poor termin performance as somewhat of a safety net. If I want to shoot at distance then the 270 is coming out. But for a gun that is absolutely lethal at ranges you commonly get in the eastern woodlands the 30-30 is hard to beat. Effective, light gun, and the recoil doesn't beat you around. Fun gun to shoot and more importantly carry all day.
@@mikef3808 Most calibers can out perform me. What I'm most interested in is finding the caliber and rifle combo that best works for me (not the other way around). Each person is different and if the rifle strikes a chord in you then logic dictates that you explore that experience further. Well done sir.
Purchased a Fulton regulated Lee Enfield no 4 mark one long branch with Parker hale target sights a month ago and love the the old girl it shoots so so well and I’m left handed so had to learn to shoot it right handed
I am planning my first hunt with it here in the Uk in November
Love your videos please keep them up
I bought a .303 in 1964. I was 14 and paid $15 for it at Sears and Roebuck sidewalk sale. Loved it. Unfortunately my mom had to sell it to pay a bill. Great brush rifle in Texas. Wish I had another one.
100% agree with everything you said RC, the one problem we are running into these days is being able to find and afford factory ammo not just to hunt with but practice with. The #1 hardest thing for us canadian handloaders to come across for supplies is Primmers. When you due see them for sale, we'll us poor hunters can't afford.... at $200 to $400 plus for 1000 primers is just crazy.
What? I remember when 1000 LR Primers used to cost $50
@@Riflechair I picked up my last at $70 per 1000 about a year ago and then all changed. If you look on CGN & Gunpost for them, they are more expensive the wife's lawyer 😁 😂
The scarcity of loading supplies coming into Canada has made many become extremely greedy trying to market off of others desperate need to stock up. Check out gunpost and you will see. A regular going price for a pound of powder is between $100-120 but still see it at $150-200 often.
And primers are just insane. A regular price for a brick now is $300. I’ve seen it as high as $500 for 1000. There’s selling to profit and then there is complete taking advantage or people.
@@bigboreleveraction933 Man, that sucks. Sucks bad.
I'm fortunate in that I learned long ago to always have a good stock of reloading components on hand. My wife in particular would question why I bought primers, bullets and powder in amounts that would last for years. Now she understands. Ammo and component shortages mean nothing to me. Powder and primers stored in a cool, dry basement last for decades.
I have a Marlin 336 my dad gave me from 1979 that shoots beautifully for an old gun. I’ve been thinking of putting some weaver mounts on it and a 1-4 power optic for just a tidbit of magnification to place more accurate shots out to 200 yards. You’ve sold me on it
I nearly consider the Lee Enfield to be more Canadian than British
You have an argument there. It stopped actively serving in Canada's Armed Forces on June 2019 - the same day I retired from the CAF
They were also manufactured in Australia at Lithgow.They always were /are popular in NZ/Aust .
Poor man's mine by choice Savage sport 3×9 like new LOVE IT... Even made 100 rounds 309 shot gun primer 168 gr. 308 Blackpowder rounds just to have . Home made black powder fun and accurate 300 yards hit paper plate good for me , with Abbott & Babbitt 2 or 3 inches at 300 yards just a gas.
Good evening all . So happy to see someone talking about the 303 , I'm from Barbados which is an island settled by the British so of course the first rifle I ever shot was the 303 . I now live in the United States where I was able to purchase a old 303 (1922) the rifle still shoots really great but I'm having trouble finding a gunsmith that's able to mount a scope on my 303 , I'm hunting white tail deer
As long as a rifle has the essential elements it doesn't matter where or what it is. Good trigger, inherent accuracy, length of pull, not a boat anchor.
I've always lived on the "poor side of town", so to speak. Over the years, life caused me to part with my firearms for one reason or another. After my wife passed 3 years ago, some of my kids got me interested in shooting and hunting again. In February I purchased my" new" poor man's rifle, a sporterized K98k from 1943 in 7mm Mauser with a 6x Leupold scope from 1998 for 450USD. And it shoots 1.5 MOA with factory ammunition. I will smile at the haters all the way to the freezer with the venison. Nice rifle and good video.
About range snobbery, a true story, long but worth it. I was zeroing off the bench for the first time an old #3 Enfield with military sights and mismatching stock components which cost me a whole $110 Cdn. It truly was ugly. One other guy was shooting the breeze with me and going to spot for me. A young fellow pulls up to the shack in a lifted 4x4 and hauls out a 300Win Mag with glossy finish sporting about 2 pounds of glass on top. I let him set up a target. As he walks past me he literally sneers and makes a snide comment about my rifle. No etiquette whatsoever. I let him shoot while me and the other fellow watch. 3 shots at 100 form a 5 inch triangle somewhat centred on the target and Mr. WinMag seems pleased with himself and lets us know as much. My turn to shoot (factory CIL). I take my time and send one hitting left and low about 8 inches. There is a loud snicker from Mr. WinMag as he watches through his scope. I hold point of aim and send the next one. My partner yells out " one inch left of first shot". I hear a grunt from Mr. WinMag. I send the third round and my spotter hollers "half way between the first two shots". A one MOA grouping from the ugly stick. I comment out loud "I'm shooting for group". There is complete silence from Mr. WinMag and my buddy is biting his lip to keep from laughing. I stand up, grab my kit, sling my rifle and say to Mr. WinMag, "I'll give you some peace and quiet now so you can work on your groups." The look on Mr. WinMag's face was priceless. Technique is everything. I had my spotter witness and date the target and I sold that rifle for a profit. Kind of wish I had kept it. 🇨🇦👍
The comment on multiple shots being taken on game has me thinking about something else too. In this modern market of 6mm everything, it's important to remember that making an ethical shot and killing your game cleanly and quickly should be at the top of your priority list. Choose the right bullet for your hunt, don't just stare at the ballistic coefficient the box. BC doesn't kill. These animals deserve a fair and quick death. These guys taking elk shots at 800 yards with 6.5's just make me sick. Great video!
Very Well said it’s all about long range shooting which is great for the range but when it comes too killing it’s a whole different ball game I have a 6.5 but it’s a 264 win mag , I agree totally with you work on your field craft
I think you hit the nail on the head. Terminal ballistics is not taught in hunting education courses and in my opinion that has caused a lot of problems for a lot of people.
Couldn't agree more.
Back in 2019 I shot a whitetail with a sporterized M96 Swedish Mauser that cost me $325 the fall before. Last fall I did most of my hunting with a K98 Mauser that I bought cheap because I needed to repair a duffel cut on the stock and buy a few pieces of the hardware to get it all back together. None of the rifles in my safe that I hunt deer with were bought new.
I lament trading my self sporterized M96 6.5x55 swede. It was a tack driver. I cut it back to mirror the ski patrol 6.5x55 swede that my cousin had. Had an expert cut and crown the barrel. It shot sub 1/2" groups at 100 yds and under an inch at 200. I reloaded the old Nosler solid base 120 gr, (the predecessor of the ballistic tip) I sure miss that little rifle
I had the little 94 sweed calvary carbine but unfortunately thieves took it
I have had a 1915 Danzig M 98,in 8mm, sporterized by Interarms, since 1979. Over that time I have bought and sold a bunch of different rifles, but the Mauser is what I take hunting. It just shoots well for me. I hope that in 2115 one of my Great Great Grandkids will like and use it as much as I do.
I just acquired the same rifle. Parker hale sporterized 303 with the exact same style of stock. I really do like Parker hale stocks, and for a "poor man's rifle" it sure does feel like a quality piece of equipment. I'm even using the same weaver rings as you. I'm very excited to see how she groups and hopefully take a deer with it this fall! I am truly amazed that you can remove and remount a scope and have it that close to zero! Incredible. Thanks for the great video.
Nice gun noises. A man who can mimic gunshots has spent his time around plenty of gunfire.. 👏
That's exactly what it sounds like!
Good to see you upload again. My buddies called my LEE ENFEILD .303 a tire a "jack handle" like the .303 because it has a massive role in the ALLIED FORCES effort WW1 + WW2. Finding the best load for it is critically important. I am a fan of all the iterations of the LEE ENFIELD and I have a great affinity for the Pattern of 1914 rifle. Consistency is unparallelled. Funny how some guys try to zero a rifle with gloves on.
The Lee Enfield is a Great Rifle. Built tough and reliable. .303 is a Bangin round.
The Penial measuring contests means little if they can't handle the tool.
Any snob that owns one, I'll be happy to take it off their hands.
My friend, no shame involved. I use my 1905 G98 Mauser in 7.92x57mm. Iron sights with no issues.
I started out with an old N4 M3 Sporerized Lee enfield. As my hunting changed and the ranges went from 150 yards max, now I can reach out past 400. I have spent a ton of time over the past 15 years to get there. Like almost every weekend. I shoot a tuned up ruger these days but I never ever look down on someone with an inexpensive rifle.
Excellent video and very sound advice! Love 303’s wish I had never gotten rid of mine!! Keep on making these super videos, thanks again!!!
I fell in love the the Mosin PU sniper years ago with added help of your earlier vids on it, still use same one today for everything. Talk about poor man's rifle stigma, until it rings steel at 600 yards some people can't hit with their new wonder cartridges and wizzbang rifles.
Only poor man is the guy who can't hit his target.
Your depiction of gunshots echoing is hilarious and a very genuine sounding reproduction.
AGREED, when he did it I ducked down.
I shot plenty of Deer with my British Enfield which is Sporterized and scoped I agree with you on practicing.US Marines call it BRASS.. I reload using a 150 gr so from Speer and Sierra. It's hard to find factory ammo and when you do it high rollers. Good luck hunting this year.
I have 'those' rifles that are light and accurate etc., but, when I pick up my 50' long branch or my other wood and metal surplus rifles to go to the woods I have to admit, it is a comforting carry!
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My poor man’s rifle is a sporterized Longbranch No 4. Had it out at the property today trying to sight it in at a 100 (open Sights) Shooting about 8 inches high at a 100. Got put more work in on it and get it figured out. Really want to take a hog with it.
I believe Liberty Tree Collectors still has taller front sights in stock.
That’s a great hunting rifle! I would never be the one to alter an original, but I would not hesitate to obtain and enjoy the heck out of it.
The rifle you grew up with, will always be the rifle you grew up with. 20 plus years of muscle memory is hard to beat. The .303 round has been putting game in the freezer since before there such a thing.
Good to see you online again Riflechair, featuring the Lee Enfield! Take care of yourself mate, from Portsmouth, England.
And here I've been proudly showing mine to friends! The history of this rifle in and of itself is incredible. It's the one firearm in my collection that I'll never get rid of. Mine's a Parker Hale stamped '45.
I like the German # 1 too. I had luepold install one in a 6 x 42 mm fixed power scope. I have it mounted on a 7 x 57 that I had since I bought it in 1976! Nothing wrong with that Parker Hale, I would be more than happy to go hunt moose or my local white tails with it. You being Canadain there is an attachment to the 303 and the Lee Endfield it was the Crowns service rifle for 70 years. Lots of them were re done as sporters, Just as 1903 Springfields here in the States in the 30-06. I got one that was done by Griffin and Howe. They got there start sporterizing 1903's back in 1922. Or so. Its a heavy gun at about 9 lbs. I do sit in the woods with it come rifle deer season just because I can. As for mounts, I like them in Steel and being well made, Talley's are what I use these days. Some of the weavers these days and they are not the same as they were 40 years ago the metal is a bit soft and to easy to strip screws. Nice shooting rifle, a German # 1 is never going to be a precise as a Duplex but plenty and then some for big game hunting.
I think you should shoot what you are used to and prefer for who you are and how you are used to over years of experience. I bought a Tikka T-3 in 30-06 and put a high end Bushnell on it. Learned that I didn't care for the synthetic stock idea at all. I ended up giving it to my son for Christmas later that year and he LOVES that rifle, and probably even needs it for it's light weight and weather proof qualities for the mountain hunts he does. But me?....I ended up going right back to my beautiful old Remington 700 CDL 30-06 and my vintage Savage 110L .270 with the plain Jane Leupold 3-9 scopes. But same as you, it's what I really liked and made the mistake if thinking I should be "keeping up with the times." Phooey on that! I'd love to have the option of trying out some of the old mil-surp rifles like the Lee-Enfield but as a left handed shooter they aren't an option. Thankfully Remington and Savage make wonderful rifles for us southpaws for years. Happy hunting.
Good advice and thoughts. Unfortunately, like almost all things, the quality sporterized military surplus rifles have gone up in prices to the point some of them are now collector guns. Yep, people who have the money can look down on the old refurbished war dogs, but their is growing number of them who want a pristine WW I SMLE, Springfield, or Mauser. I am not forgetting the Moison Nagant, because they are almost a specialized collectors area.
Hi Kevin - Up here in Northern Canada I still see sporter enfields go for about $275 - $400 depending on condition. Ammo costs and availability on the other hand is has reached the level of lunacy (all calibres). That's what happens when we elect clowns into office but this time I think its going to hurt for quite a while.
I was so pleased to see a video from you pop up on my feed! You are preaching to the converted here. I laughed when you showed the rings; I yelled out "WEAVER" because I have a wack of them in my vault and I am old school. I have rifles ranging from inexpensive to "why did I pay that much". A favourite is a true #5 Enfield in rather pristine condition with matching numbers on stock, mag, bolt and receiver that I paid $129 Cdn for back in the early 80's. It came in grease and had never been fired. I love it. 🇨🇦👍
When I started shooting, range work, the only rifle I could afford was the Mk111. For 15 yrs, I handloaded for it. Then a P14. Now - some 40 yrs gone by, I have 3 - 303's. A Ross, Mk111 and No4.
For a long time, I could not hunt. When I got back to it, I had a pick a much lighter rifle. A bargain 30/30 with a lot of wear. But good peep sights. Having used these - and never wavered - I know the quirks of each rifle. And I refuse to shoot more distance, than my mind knows I can hit. When there is a club shoot, I know who I am taking. Cheers!
have a sportorized U.S. 1917. I've had it 45 years. It will do what ever I need it to
I bought my Enfield back in 1963 out of a Barrel full of surplus enfields for only $8 at the time. Great rifle that I was taught how to shoot high power on. The owner of the hunting club I was working at taught me everything he know about the rifle, as well as the art of precision shooting. First thing every morning for years I was forced to shoot 4 rds every day I worked the hunting club. And made a shooter out if me on the Enfield
Younguns these days can't believe those stories. I remember barrels stuffed with milsurps for 10-15 bucks in army surplus stores.i was only about 11 at the time and my dad wasn't interested in "that old junk" (his words).
I am australian and own 2 lee enfeilds. Both smle no1 mk3*. The 1st is a matching number rifle produced in lithgow in 1942. It was never issued for service but my research indicates that the military picked the best they had left after the war and issued them as parade rifles. My gun has a highly polished shellac finish on the timber along with a polished barrel band and heavy scuffing on the brass buttplate. I also have matching bayonet and scabbard along with 2 magazines, the original pull through and oil bottle in the buttstock and several stripper clips. I bought it in 2001 from a guy who bought it from the defense force in the mid 60s. He used it to win a local service rifle competition and then stored it and never fired it. I have fired approximately 30 shots through it since I've owned it.
My 2nd rifle is a 1942 lithgow made action that has been sporterised and changed to 303/25. This cartridge is pretty much identical to the .257 roberts with regard to ballistics. I started the process of refurbishing it in 2008 before life got in the way and I lost interest. I have recently recommenced work with it and consequently searching for lee enfeild videos to spark my enthusiasm. I'll get it back together 1 day but videos like this remind me of the end goal. Great video mate and I'm really happy to see someone still using these rifles effectively. They are great old rifles.
Didn't Australia confiscate all weapons an destroy them
My father-in-law has a Montgomery Ward 30.06. Nice looking wood stock. Action is butter smooth and has taken several deer. The only thing I would improve on it is put a better scope on it. Old guns are more interesting than these modern guns with plastic stocks that are out now.
You sure got that right.
Good to see you again, RC!!!
I've done most of my deer hunting with a cut stock, iron sight 7.7 Japanese rifle that granddad brought back from Okinawa. It's killed more than a few hogs and deer.
I'm a huge advocate of surplus rifles and taking the time to accurize and reload for these firearms for the sake of big game hunting.
My elk gun is a scoped Mas36 and loaded to. 308 specs I will put it against ANY commercial rifle out to 600 yards.
It ain't the gun, son. It's the man holding it. Great accuracy out to 600 yds doesn't make a man a hunter, either. Think of all the pioneers and the quality of their firearms.
@@finallyfriday.: You missed the point son. That being that a relic, mass produced firearm (as well as many old war horses, part of what the video above is about) is or are capable of such accuracy to begin with. I'm in agreement to the extent that long distance shooting doesn't necessarily make you a hunter. Neither does sitting in a blind or stand in my opinion. I've stalked and killed way more game in tight chaparral brush, with the aforementioned 7.7 than I ever will at distance.
Edit; but thank you for the compliment!
@@brushwolf Not a compliment but an old saying: "Not the gun, son but the nigger on the trigger." Sometimes made politically correct by saying the guy with the eye, the sight used right, etc. etc.
Yup, lots of older firearms that do the job. 100+ year old pieces that can bring home game like they have back in the day. Deer, bear, squirrels have not changed. But too much focus is getting put on technology rather than putting in the time to acquire the skills. So a gun doesn't qualify as being still good cuz it can match modern space age rigs out to 600 yds. .22 cal rifles have taken enough game to feed Bangladesh. If it's comfortable and you can shoot it, whether it's a Arisaka, Mauser, Enfield or an old Sears Roebuck catalog ordered shotgun, it'll do its job- if the son on the gun does his. Heck, anyone can call in a HIMARS strike on a bunny rabbit. But that takes the "hunt" out of hunting.
@@finallyfriday. ; You are preaching to the choir. I have hunted my etire life in the thick brush of deep south Texas, in the Cotulla area. I took a fancy to surplus firearms early on, and a fancy to utilize them in the field. I have only ever shot one deer with a scoped rifle. The old iron sight 7.7 mentioned being my work horse all these years, sprinkled in with 6.5 swede, carcano, krag, vz24, m1903 and even a .58 cal Zouave . So, as you are saying, "hunting", getting close being the name of the game. There are no blind and no bait, two rules of the owner. We still honor those rules even though he has passed. So I'm very well aware of what hunting, TRUE hunting is. However, again, my initial comment is in response to what is being said in the video. I'm an advocate of surplus rifles as a substitute for out of the box, store bought accuracy. There is something very appealing about taking the time to work up a load to get the most from these old rifles. An in that respect I repeat my comment that I would put that my Mas36 against any contemporary rifle off the shelf at the sporting goods store (edit, the technology you mentioned), and to make aware of what these old rifles can be capable of.
Your gun shot impressions are spot on! Heard it many times.
Being an American hunter ,I use an model of 1917 Winchester in 30.06. Never lets me down.
Interesting to hear you describe it as a Parker Hale 'parts' gun. I went to them in Birmingham looking to buy one having spoken to them on the phone shortly before they closed, in fact they more or less had stopped trading. The inside of the building verging on being derelict. He didn't have a complete gun but said he could put one together from 'bits', it was my first full bore and I wasn't sure if it was the right way to go....
A friend said if this guy wants to build you one then let him, it'll be a good one! He did in 7.62 and the clincher for me the price, dirt cheap, almost giveaway.
Even 'straight out of the box' I was impressed by the accuracy, this poor man is over the moon and very glad to have bought Lee Enfield.
Thank you for sharing this. I wonder who he was and his story in the world of enfields. Cheers
No shame when you're using the best of them all. You just can't beat an Enfield.
Lots to talk about,
1. Outstanding video to start with.
2. All of my rifles do not keep scopes on them let me explaine.
3. I use Leupold QR rings and bases. They always return to 1/2 MOA!
4. I took a friend hunting for elk a few years ago , he had gear that totaled $10,000 but did not bring warm clothes.
5. I practice cold bore shots and still have boxes for over 10 years. One shot one kill.
6. Keep ammo cool not hot, I live in AZ.
7. After 30 min my second shot then 30 min later my third .
8. I store all long guns in safe without scopes.
9. Fact more guns and scopes get messed up during transportation and at home than on the hunt.
10. I like long action but am switching to short action 308,264 and 204. Easier as I get older.
11. I watch my crown and protect them with a cover such S a soda cap one drop on the crown and you need to re do poi.
12. I don’t like muzzle breaks in fact hate them. If you can’t take the recoil shoot something milder, really sucks at the range.
13. I can take a savage 12 fv from Cabelas add my leupold qr rings and bases and a $200 scope and for $700 buck outshoot most hot shots at the range.
14. Over the years I have not taken as many shots as I have taken, just being out in woods and knowing I had the shot is satisfying.
15 I took an elk one year and had to carry it back 8 miles with the help of some gents I found in the woods. I hunted a no vehicle zone, elk was dead but I thought I would never make it out took 12 hours!
16. I find my finest hour behind the rifle is with black powder lately. Something primitive and more fair to the game me thinks.
17. I have such respect for the creatures and when they outsmart me, I chuckle at just how well they are adapted and how I pale in comparison to the noble creatures.
18. The smells, the feeling of being out of your element it is like a living painting.
19. Lastly, when after hours a animal appears and you do take the shot, you owe it to be a humane shot.
Sorry for the rambling but I can see by you video your compassion and love for the hunt.
My best sir,
Thank you for painting the picture. For me it's spiritual and I think (from what I just read) it's the same for you. Maple Leaf Up
This was an very good video. I'm set up with lefty Ruger Hawkeye 270win, lefty scout 308win rifle, lefty 338win ruger alaskan. The scout rifle and 338win rifle have irons as well and I use proper shooting slings. Getting into the field and practicing with my rifles and high angle shooting is challenging and one of my favorite activities. It has allowed me to become nicely proficient.
Better optics and good slings have been an tremendous aid for me as has just practicing bolt manipulation practicing and practicing just holding the rifle. Manipulation practice is free other than just time. Getting familiar with your optics is also worthwhile.
I think that giving yourself the gift of time to explore your interests is critical. Making this video allowed me to talk about something that I've been thinking about a lot (over the last few years). A lot of people could really improve their situation simply by finding someone who can train them. Unfortunately many of the people who really know how to shoot don't think of themselves as mentors.
Yes that's true. A mentor can really speed up the learning curve and get one on the ground running and it can save an lot of money especially in this day and age. I consider myself a blend of an modern shooter crossed with precepts of Townsend Whelan. I study their old tech, gear, and practices and using a blend of new and old.
I bought my first rifle back in the 1970s from Tisdalls in Wellington, NZ. It was a cut down No.4 mk1 Lee Enfield and cost me $27 with a box of cartridges thrown in. Over the years I've hunted with a .303 and have never been let down in the field. Just a thought worthy of mention is the cure for worn out barrels. Rechamber to 30/40 Krag with a new barrel and then you have a 30 cal which allows the use of a larger range of projectiles and will be flatter shooting with the exact same pressures making for a better rifle on a tight budget.
Crekote is making modern .303 barrels for sale if your rifles shot out
I have a No.4 SMLE that I've built into a scout rifle. I can't think of a much better all around firearm for North American hunting. All the shots I've taken at dear and black bear over the last 40 years have been at 200 yards or less, so I have no need for the latest and greatest Creedmoor Super Wizbang Magnum chambered in a $4000 precision chassis rifle with a massive 24x power scope. My buddy's son has a setup like that and when we go hunting all he wants to do is sit on a rock and look for a 600 yard shot that has yet to come.
Great video, sir. I enjoyed it. As an older hunter, 72, I can relate to much of your info. We learn from our mistakes and from others and from our experience. I'm still hunting in Colorado high country and bagged a nice 5 point bull this year and packed out the meat with a backpack. It pays to keep yourself in good physical condition, know your gun and gear and practice with your rifle. My favorite elk gun is a Ruger M77 338 Win Mag. I reload to moderate pressure loads so it isn't all that bad to shoot. I hope you produce other videos. Good hunting, if you get time to go.
When you come across a snob with a high dollar rifle package, challenge them with your poor man’s rifle and that will humble them a litrle😂
I've hunted here in New Zealand for many years with a 1944 SMLE .303 and now use a 1916 Lee Enfield. O have a few vids of them on my channel. I have a Howa 223 and 308, but there's something special about hunting woth a 303!
I love the Lee Enfield rifle.
In America you have to be rich to hunt with a enfield lol ammo is rare and pricey
My father was a Korean war vet where he met British solders and was exposed to the Enfield 303 and fell in love as far as he was concerned there was only 2 calibers the 303 British and Springfield 30-06 period
I have a friend who just turned 92 who was in the Princess Patricia Light Infantry at the battle of Kapyong. in Korea. His platoon, down to 19 men, was hit very hard by wave after wave of Chinese sporting auto Burp Guns. The Pats has Lee Enfields and could put out 15 rounds a minute. Finally after 1000 plus Chinese attempted to overrun them they called an artillery strike in n their own position. In the morning over 500 dead Chinese lay 25 yards in front. This was in April and mud and snow were everywhere and the Enfield handled it all with minimum service if any. My friend said the U.S. troops had to constantly clean their Garand rifles. And because the Enfield had a 10 round magazine whereas the Garand had only 5 the Enfield could be operated literally as fast as the Garand with both using stripper clips. And my friend was a qualified rifleman shooting a right handed rifle even though he was left handed. The Princess Pats received a Presidential Citation from Harry S. Truman as they stopped the Chinese from going to Seoul.
My Dad was hit when returning to his own tank (Sherman) after helping another tanks gunner with a jam which was hit after about 10 paces from said tank cursed his tank commander till the cows came home so to speak and yes that 10 clip was what he really raved about the Enfield and the durability @@DavidMScott-cs8pp
RC good to see you again. I agree in the worth of a decent condition or better Enfield. As previous post noted, the problem is the cost and availability of the .303 ammo.
I think the only way forward is to buy up brass and bullets at every turn. If manufacturers see and uptick in demand, it is hoped for that they will respond with an increased production. I'm doing my part buying new PPU components when I can find them. I did buy 40 rounds of factory stuff this past weekend at a gun show.
I've never understood the disdain that so many in our rifle aficionado community feel for "parts guns", "poor man's rifles", sporterized military rifles, etc. I have a number of milsurp rifles in original condition and would never alter one myself, but many years ago, this was the only way many shooters could afford to obtain a decent hunting rifle. I also own a beautifully sporterized Venezuelan Mauser rifle in 7x57mm, in addition to several modern purpose-built Remington, Winchester and CZ hunting rifles. I don't own a sporterized .303 - mine are in original military configuration - but a dear friend has one, with open sights, and it is quite accurate enough for him to take deer at 150 yards, or, at least, it was when we were younger and could actually SEE. I have great respect for the .303 cartridge and the rifles chambered for it. Most of the modern magnum calibers for "long range" hunting exist primarily to generate sales, using ballistic data that are indeed impressive, but are much more "measurable" than they are "noticable" for most shooters. I now lean towards my 6.5x55 and 7x57 rifles, simply because they are effective and much easier on the shoulder than even my 8x57 and .30-06 rifles. Oh, and by the way, you're at least as well at 100 meters with your "poor man's rifle" than I can do with my Remington 700 BDL .270 Winchester with careful handloads. Great video as always, and greetings and respect from your southern neighbor.
Well call me a poor man.
Oh my, RC, I haven’t seen you since before Covid. Welcome back to my screen.😅
I live in the US and I know what you mean about Range and Gun Snobbery.
Some people here would take offense to a sporterised Enfield. Me personally I think in your case where nothing matches up its fine.
But I am a little jealous about that rifle. I am somewhat of a collector and I have been always been looking for a perfect utility rifle.
Not the newest and greatest but something that just works. To me that rifle and scope combo encompasses my idea of the
perfect utility rifle. I had the chance to but one somewhat like yours at a gun show and still regret this day not buying it.
They dont make them like that anymore
It’s not rich gear that’s kills animals. It’s a hunter who knows his equipment and how to effectively use it!
303 ammo now very hard to find since covid. Hopefully stocks replenish. Ive found few boxes around here and there...
Upwards of 75$/box!!! However i have a sporter #4 from Globe Arms. set up with
A parker hale sidemount with a vintage bushnell 1.5/4×20 scopechief. VI. Shoots great. Mine has the 2 groove bore. Believe a longbranch cut down.
I've been hunting with Enfield 303 for ten years ang I'm grateful..
My poor man's rifle a Remington 700 ADL in 270 which I bought new for about 170 dollars way back when is more than enough for the deer, hogs, coyotes on our property. My wife's Remington 700 ADL in 270 which I bought for 300 dollars from a friend is more than enough for her. I have family, friends, and aquaintances with their 1000+ rifles and our Remingtons hold their own and put meat on the table every year.
ive use my 303 brit and my 32 special since i have been 14 years old and fill our freezer every year here in canada you can have your big fancy rifles that cost you thousands proud to be canadian and will always use my poor mans tools have great day and true words on shooting and setting tools right have a wonderful season ours just starting moose it is the deer
Every Canadian should have a janky old sporter Enfield. I have jacked up old no.4 longbranch open sights and it will forever be my go to gun. Moose, bear, Deer.
That was the first high powered rifle I ever shot back in the late 60s my dad bought it for 59 dollars out of the back of a magazine it came to our house in the mail before I was born my dad gave it to me in high school for my first deer hunt without him that was 1972 still have it and will never get rid of it shoots very good now I'm old and can't see the iron sights very good but can still shoot out to 100yds but that's it I'm retired now think I will drill and tap the receiver for scope mount since I have the machinery to do it on retired machinist too much good to say about 303 British Enfield love it nice to hear someone else that likes them too very nice video thank you
My dad bought my first rifle and yes it was a Sporter No4Mk1. Never got to shoot it - burnt up in a house fire - however that gift began a series of decisions later in my life that carried me through to this rifle. Love it. Thank you for sharing!
I dont know where you are from, but any WW1 or WW2 rifles are almost worth their weight in gold!
The Lee Enfield is a robust rifle that served well in WWII. I have a Parker-Hale "Standard No 4" conversion - AKA Lee Enfield No4 MK1*. It's my go to bolt action survival rifle although ammo is expensive and hard to find. Lee Enfield's are not low-priced surplus any more. All $400 and up. Parker-Hale did a nice job on their conversions and are far from being "bubba'd" and were done in Birmingham England by skilled craftsman. They cut down the bbl and put P-H sights on the front. Mine started out as a Savage made No 4, fought in the war as a lend-lease (Stamped US Property) and was later converted by P-H into a nice sporter.
Nice! $400 seems like a lot of money but in the grand scheme of inflation and prices its really not that bad. I've seen Savage Axis rifles going for the same money and figure the Lee Enfield still might be considered "The Poor Man's Rifle". In any case thank you for joining the conversation!
There are few things more satisfying than a rifle that fits you, and that hits what you aim at, and that never lets you down. Why change it?
Thanks for taking the time to make the video. Great content. I love all my rifles, it doesn't matter how much I paid. And I have to say I really like yours 😁
That's a Pileated Woodpecker that's calling.
I thought it might be a red breasted sapsucker but you're probably right - it was a large bird with a strong set of lungs.
Any of the surplus rifles used to be a "poor man's" rifle, today those Enfield's and Mausers/03 Springfields are costing considerably more than a basic Savage, Remmington or Winchester. You can buy a Savage Axis for $350 in .308 or 30-06 while surplus rifles are $600 for a "decent" rifle. Man, I understand about the recoil, I wanted a 77 Ruger and got a deal on one in 7mm Mag. I shot that rifle 6 times before I traded it for a 700 Remmington in .243.
Good stuff. 303 rocks. I want a scope I can look under and use my iron sights if I want.
I agree - nothing wrong with 303 or 308 for anything in north america. My only gripe with 303 is the die I have is cut "short" - really crushes the brass and wears it out super quick. Sorted out with calipers and the hornady tool I can't recall the name of that measures the shoulder to base length. Lack of bullet selection is a bit disappointing but with the speed and energy involved cup and core bullets do just fine.
Well.... If my supplies have dried up then the Enfields will need to collect dust for a while. Prices for anything are through the roof right now.
@@Riflechair Yeah, Cabelas tried to charge me $80+tax for 1lb of cfe223 - I declined that extortionate offer.
R u kidding me? Poor man’s rifle. I’d love to own that rifle. It doesn’t matter what kind of rifle you own . Ur getting out there doing what you like to do. I’ve never been to a range where u have to b embarrassed for what gun u have. I shoot all sorts of rifles and love everyone. I just picked up a 1967 savage 340 in 222 REM. Was a $79. 00 rifle, weaver scope included in 1967. Todays price is $550. Anyway what I mean to say is it doesn’t matter what ur shoot - as long as ur shooting
I agree with you - we're on the same page
I still have a Savage 110L that was purchased new in 1966 that gets regular use. Not to mention a sporterized 98k Mauser. Enfield's, Mausers, Krags, and a host of others are under appreciated, in my opinion.
Funny thing Riflechair, the stigma of the poor mans gun when we were kids were most likely a Sporterized or Military issue Rifle from the 2nd World War. Now I Beg to differ and maybe its me ,But my Buddy purchased an Mk2? version of that same Rifle and I wondered why He never parts with any Ching when buying a Rifle? Now 40 years Later,I look at that same rifle with such lust! The Rifles today, Hi-Tech and Tactical, Can't come a Patch on that ol Rifle not even close.There is so much more soul and Beauty in wood stocked guns.The Older the Better.Period. Thanks for your great videos ,from the States!
My Go to is a Yugo M24 Mauser 8x57 set up like a scout rifle with an old Redfield 30mm scout scope. I have an M77 and a 111 Savage to choose from and I always go back to the Mauser. The Mauser shoots half inch groups at 100 yards with a starting load of 4895 and 180 grain bullet. Nothing special at all.
I totally get it and a smart combo. I think the LER scope with the option to reload with stripper clips was Col Cooper's original scout rifle concept. I've been using IMR-4064 for my 8X57 loads and the results have been amazing. Very special in my opinion. Good choice.
I absaloutely love the Lee Enfield. Had my original No4 Parker Hale sporter for about thirty years now.
I have one that I have had since the late 60s I love it and would put up against any high dollar stuff
Good vid lots of people don't know how too properly bed a lee does not matter the # mod.they can all be squared.great hunting round I had a sub min of angle 5t in the 1990s should have cut mounts to it one holer I'm building a dodterd #4.in my old age .have a great day good hunting.
DON'T LET TRUDEAU SEE YOU SNEEZE ON YOUR TH-cam CHANNEL, HE WILL SAY YOU HAVE COVID19!!😂😂😂
That's what happens after you sweep your chimney! #trudeaumustgo
Old rifles like yours are beautiful, at least to me. There is just something about them regardless of how inexpensive they may have been when purchased. They will certainly more than do the job. They're like an old sweatshirt that is your go to shirt. Your wife might tell you it's time to retire it but it meets all of your needs and is familiar.
This is proof of a person knowing Thier equipment. Just a little bit of adjustment,and this rifle is dead on out in the field. Meat on the table. No fancy gagets or high prices rifle needed. Plain Jane gets the job done. Keeping it simple.
Lee enfields are deadly.
Got 6 minutes into the video & agree! The Enfield that's still in spec is one of the best basic rifles to walk into the bush with. The biggest problem for recreational hunters is time (Not trying to make excuses) ... Time at the range, amount of time for the hunt and amount of time for the purchase of equipment and research into that purchase. The marketing that sells makes the hunter believe no effort is required to hunt that particular game with their product; "One & done!" And totally agree with your philosophy on safety: You can't take back a fired bullet... Last thing I'd say is a hunter's ego v.s. the grasp of their own skills will determine the outcome of their hunt.