Lee Enfields in 303 British... Great Hunting Rifles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 มิ.ย. 2024
- I wanted to take a moment to talk about a truly great hunting rifle, which also happens to have been a great battle rifle. And in my humble opinion the greatest battle rifle of WWI and WWII only equaled by the M1 Garand. And while the Lee Enfields weren't technically as good as some of the other great battle rifles of that era, it became the best because the Brits and Commonwealth Nations built on it's strengths and minimized it's weaknesses. And the lesson I think we can learn from that is you have to work with what have.
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About 60 years ago, I went to buy a .22 Cooey. I was a few dollars short, so I got a MkIII, and a bag of surplus ammo. It knocked me backwards every time I fired it, but I learned to shoot it well. Still have it. I don't think they would sell one to a 10 year old anymore.
I don't think they would sell the ammo to a 10 year old now! LOL Times have certainly changed since then.
Lol good ol Cooey's. To think at one point they cost more than the Enfield. Looking at a Model 60 hopefully this weekend 😍
I've got a single shot Cooey. Dad found on the side of a creek in early 70's and the stock was rotted so of course he made a new one. Still gettin grouse with her. Also have the 303 British and use every hunting season, iron sites, and was my Grandfathers in the 40's Saskatchewan, then my dads then my brother then me.
Have a single shot 12 guage Cooey and love it also currently , a 1944 -303 ,love it also ,perfect egodinamics , up ,on sight , shoot -5 seconds at most ,never missed . And beautiful mechanicly
I shot a No 4 at thirteen .
Continued to shoot them 5 years.
Had the same rifle issued for contest for five years.
A 1943 no 4 made by Enfield .
The stock was multi-coloured due to combat service and replacement.
You can fire one aimed round a secound, but recharging costs the time and has to be perfect.
Your charger has to be perfect.
Your stacking has to be perfect.
Your W spring has to be perfect.
Get that right, and it's fast and accurate.
As a life long mauser 98 fan I can say there is no rifle as smooth and quick as an enfield action!
I am Canadian and I learned to shoot with a lee enfield 303 so it has that sweet spot in my heart even after 30 years of shooting
I live in Newfoundland, Canada there has been countless number of moose taken with these rifles here. I got my moose two days ago with my No4MK1 with iron sites. Love this rifle....
This was my first rifle as an adult. $45 at a pawn shop while in the service. Sold it when I went overseas. I wish I still had it.
Sir, what a marvelous video, I am an English man and I have shot with a Lee Enfield many years ago, what a wonderful rifle it is. This rifle was the main battle rifle of our country and commonwealth for many years as you say, and it is good to hear some praise for an often forgotten and sometimes underestimated rifle. I thank you for your honest and obvious appreciation of this rifle. Many thanks.
It's still being used in some places to this day, I'm in the u.s and had a friend sell me one him and his dad found leaning against a wall in an estate sale that was going to trash everything in the house. The barrel has a bit of rust wear and the stock needs some work but all the mechanical functions are still good to use, I plan on taking wild boar with it this summer as it's ruggedness fits the role I need it for perfectly 👍 great rifles!
The 303 and M1 defiantly the best rifles during WW2, my Dad said the 303 saved his life many times along with the Gurkhas he was with. He was a dispatch rider all through WW2 and mentioned the 303 replaced his Sten gun and that alone reduced the risk of being shot as bumpy roads (no roads mostly) caused his Sten to fire occasionally. Incidentally he lied like many and entered the war aged 17 being an orphan he at least got to eat regularly he said and already being able to ride a motorcycle sealed the deal.
That had to be some adventure for a 17 year old! When my grandfather joined the Army he said they didn't have a uniform with a small enough waste to fit him but that it didn't take long for him to grow into his uniform getting 3 meals a day. He thought the Army was greatest thing ever. He got 3 meals a day and boots. Those were very different times.
Mate what an outstanding video ! 100% agree SMLE were the best battle rifles of their day !Tom you have made my night and inspired me to be thankful for what I have and to make the most of it . Thank you on behalf of all us shooters and hunters here in Australia . God bless and good luck for your deer season .
I'm glad you enjoyed it. And when I make videos like this one it's to remind myself to be thankful for what I have and to make the most of it. It's easy to say that but it seems to be getting tougher and tougher to actually do.
And just so you know there's actually a little Australian influence in the things I do. My gun cabinet was built by a late family friend that had duel U.S. and Australian citizenship. He grew up in Australia and served in the Australian Army in Vietnam before moving to the US. He was a true craftsman and a big influence on my approach to woodworking. And a lot of my hand tools came from him. Bob would get a kick out of knowing someone from Australia was watching a video made here!
I had a 25/303 SMLE Sporter, one of many Australian 303 wildcats back in the early 1970's. Fitted with a Zero bridge mount and scope it was an excellent rifle and cartridge combination.
If you got a 303 you got a gem of a gun and a keeper. Always keep them . I love 303 british. 303 british forever.
Amen, twin brother from another mother in the Down Under. Tom always has the history of a piece such as this and what is valuable about it.
Thank you for calling it a Lee Enfield, as opposed to Enfield, and thank you for pronouncing Lithgow correctly. My dad was an Australian soldier from 1946 to 1976 and used and loved the Lee Enfield. He said it was soldier proof, which means you couldn't break it if you tried. I owned one too at one time, a 1918 BSA that still shot like brand new. Wish I never sold it! Thanks again Tom!
That's got to be the first time I've ever been credited for pronouncing anything right! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed it.
My first deer was taken by a 303 mk3
Such a pure joy to listen to a man that definitely knows his guns, from heel of butt to exit of muzzle. No hype or jargon, simply the facts,; historically, engineering wise, and resultant performance and reliability levels. Wonderful. Wish I'd found this channel when it first began! Subscribed with great pleasure. Thank you sir, I appreciate it. God bless.
When I took up hunting here in NZ as a very young man my first rifle, like virtually all of my mates' was a cut down, sportorised ex army short magazine lee enfield (SMLE). It was cheap, reliable and tough as boots. Ammo was super inexpensive, military surplus bought by the drum and upgraded with a pair of side-cutters used to nip the tip off for expansion purposes. The really fancy boys had Monte Carlo stocks fitted but most of us, initially at least, stuck with the original stock.and iron sights and many a deer was taken with these "smellies". It is interesting to see examples of these appearing quite regularly on firearms auction sites as grand-dad passes on and the old cupboards are cleared out of the playthings of his youth, some turn up on local ranges and it is good to see another generation having a go on these old reliables even if only to see if they work.
Got my 303 when I was 15 my mom brought me to the local army navy store and if I remember it was 25 dollars and they had crates of them I'm 77 now and I still have the rifle but it just sits in the rack now a days.
It's one damn good shooting rifle that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it
I have a No.4 Mk1 that I've had since I was 15 years old, and I'm 66 now. They're reliable, accurate, day in and day out, and have enough power to get the job done. I no longer hunt, but took many deer with a .303 back in the day.
Sadly a lot of people today are never going to know just what great hunting rifles these really are.
Longbranch Canadian No.4 Mk1.. I want one so bad.. I personally consider it the finest of them. I have a mint No.1 Mk3 Lithgow that I have never fired personally. Picked it up a couple years back for what I call a steal. Many laughed at me because they can be bought so cheap, I paid $600 Australian, but I challenged them to find me a Mint example and show me the price and they stopped laughing. Finding such examples are extremely rare these days with the matching numbers showing the Lithgow Armory had seen to its accuracy and stamped all the parts. So proud to own it as an Australian and while one day Im sure I will fire it. as it has been fired by the Armory, I will be doing my utmost to keep this relic in its original condition.
Should add I dont fire it because it has the Australian Coachwood, which while it served fine in its day that was a long time ago. Mine appears well and still presents nicely with original oil showing its never dried, but out of concern for the original Coachwood I will move it into a replacable Slazenger/Sportco stock to enjoy it and preserve the original matching numbers. A crack in the stock would devastate me and much of the historical value of the piece. It more than likely would fire just fine, but I have seen many of these variants cracked at the grip.
A very, very insightful chat Tom. You made so many great points. Too many of us want the best-est. But in the real world...
You nailed it.
Thanks James I appreciate that.
Awesome video. Truly a great rifle. The #4 ‘s were still in service with the Canadian Rangers until about 2016.
Thank you, Tom. I have a #4 MK1 as well. My Mom bought it for my Dad when they were first married. I understand she bought it at a Army/Navy surplus store for $25. This was 1959. It was my Dad's primary deer rifle and now it's my deer rifle. Straight shooter and plenty powerful enough. Now I want to get a scope mount for it; still has the peep sight.
Your mom cerainly had great taste in rifles! And I can't blame you for wanting a scope. The peep sights are great but a scope sure makes those longer shots easier.
Artic Fox do a no drill mount
Thank you for telling about unscrewing the bolt end and about the different end pieces. I didn’t know that.
Glad to help
I believe Nicholas Brewer borrowed that innovation when he designed the Savage Model 10👍
Did you know the Lee Enfield also had replaceable front sights in different sizes as well to improve accuracy.
You sir are a great story teller. Loved the video. One small observation, the designer was a Scot not an American (James Paris Lee born in Hawick Scotland), emigrated to Canada at the age of 5. I have a mark 4 'Sniper' and I am going to fit a scope to it, and use it. No point having it to clean and look at. I will use it on deer and kangaroos. Have been procrastinating, but you convinced me. Ammo used to be hard to get, but it is becoming more available in Australia. Thank you.
When Lee tried to sell his design to the U.S.army they voted it down he was living in the U.S.
the saying goes
Germany USA and Britain fought in WW1
Germany brought a hunting rifle
USA brought a target rifle
Only Britain brought a BATTLE Rifle
I've heard that saying many times over the years, and I have yet to hear anyone deny it!
The USA was barely in the First World War.
@@adamsandler9078 The USA was in it enough to loos 53,000 men which was only 8,500 less than Australia and 3,000 less than Canada. Personally I'm glad the USA wasn't in it more.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving cool
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving yes but that was more to do with u.s high command not listening to France and the U.K. in redf to tactics more that the number of battles they were in
have been shooting 303s for over 60 years, military training at school when 12 years old, they were awesome in good hands. Have harvested a lot of deer in New Zealand....
And mine has harvested a lot of deer in the U.S. It has never let me down.
Thanks for your honesty. Great podcast. From Northeastern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 l love my 303 British N.#4 MK 1 1941
I'm glad you enjoyex it. And you have an early No4 there, nice. Mine is a 1944.
Thank you so much Tom. Great perspective and informative.!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hey mate . Really enjoyed this video. Thank you for mentioning the commonwealth and Australian input especially the Lithgow SMLEs. They’ve got a solid following here in Aus.
I thought the government took all your guns? What’s the real story?
I have a Parker Hale SMLE that shoots very well! I love it! Thank you for the positive view of the 303's.
I'm beginning to get really jealous of you guys with a Parker Hale. I've been keeping an eye out for one for a lot of years now, but congratulations on yours. Those are really nice, and I believe very underappreciated, rifles.
I only found your post's tonight and I am so very thankful that I found it. I've watched several of your post's and I love them! Especially this one on the Lee Enfield 303 British. I own 3 Enfields and I love them. They are excellent Firearms! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!!! I will be a regular on your site!!! God Bless and stay safe! Keith
Thanks Keith and I have to say you have 3 very fine rifles.
Thanks Tom for the sharing , I'm just outside of 60 and you bring a lot to the table for those who tune in, never to old to learn and my pride stoped getting in the way a long time ago ,we enjoy you and your channel thanks again and GODBLESS you and YOURS.
Splendid video.
The British faced a foe in South Africa - which actually had many attributes of which you spoke about. The Boer were hunters, and knew the land and were formidable opponents who could shoot and were marksmen. For the time, the British who probably had a conservative approach historically, took on board serious lessons. This involved the rifle and its usage. And by change I really mean change. IIRC they ensured every soldier could shoot. They taught the method of the mad minute. Each solider got 200 rounds a year shooting, which IIRC was more than twice what anyone else did.
The small professional Army (was not conscripted) in 1914 was sent to France. And being small - they gained a name care of.. some interesting history and propaganda as "A CONTEMPTIBLE LITTLE ARMY".
This very small army fought a rearguard action in France, and the Germans hit them with everything. The Germans reported back - as Tom mentioned - That the British 'Had machine guns' due to the rate of fire the Germans were on the end of. Like many times in Britain's history, we make a story out of a defeat. That Tiny army fought for days in a shattering rearguard action that fundamentally destroyed it. Its written as the battle of Mons - or as the great retreat. The men who survived went on to call themselves 'contemptables', or 'the old contemptables' and many went on to train the new generation who paid the greatest price in Britain's history.
The Rifle ? One might say that the west and democracy was built on it. Look at todays globe and .. .for the sake of an argument (and when I say this, dear Americans, do not take this in any way as downplaying your absolutely monumental, enormous, gigantic contribution to this) that it was foundationally laid by the Lee Enfield. From Canada, To New Zealand.
When I look at that rifle, I see all the heroism in the history. But the sorrow of the Somme. The unbreakable Canadians of the Vimy ridge, The New Zealanders who fought on Crete who lost, but broke Hitlers air arm, and the Australians who fought in Tobruk, and beyond. If you own one of these guns, cherish it. Keep it. You may not know its story, but what a story it may hold.
One last note. In Britain, we largely hake it very hard for citizens to have weapons. So we generally don't get the chance to have these guns. If you own one, you lucky devils, may it serve you as well as it served us, and may you enjoy it in peaceful times that it helped provide :)
Thank you very much for that. And have no doubt I cherish mine!
I just pulled my g-father’s weapon out of my safe, Australian MA Lithgow SMLE III* 1942. Beautiful weapon that he had sporterized w/ scope, but also retains the original sights. I must get some newer ammo and get out on the range w/ it. Would love to know more about the history of this individual gun. Thank you for your most informative video!
This man is incredibly easy to listen to. Very informative video and easy watching, thank you for this video brother! Definitely will be checking out more.
Thanks, I appreciate that.
I live in Canada. I got a .303 for my 16th birthday. I’ve bagged some trophy bull moose, and my .303 hasn’t let me down. I stand by it
Words of wisdom. I can’t wait to listen to your next video.
Good insight Tom, I'm wanting to get a sporterized 303 here I see at my fave shop. It looks really good. Good points you mentioned about headroom.
Thanks, and I've been keeping my eye out for a nice sporterized one in good condition as well. Good luck on yours!
Really enjoyed your video, your regard for our greatest battle rifle came through time and again! As a Brit though, just two comments - James Paris Lee may have ended up as 'American' but he was born in Scotland before emigrating to Canada so we still regard him as 'one of ours' on this side of the pond! Secondly, sporterising a No4 Enfield should be a criminal offence and sporterising a No1MkIII should be a capital offence! The No1 is the most beautiful battle rifle ever made - how dare anyone steal her sexy wood! Rule Britannia!
PS Never knew the Garand inventor was a Canadian! Thanks for that too!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. And don't worry I have become very aware of how many Brits share your view about Lee being a Brit. As for the Enfields being sportorized I have mixed emotions. As I said in the video I couldn't do that to a nice one in it's original military configuration. At the same time countless Lee Enfields that would been viewed as obsolete as military rifles and likely destroyed were turned into sporting rifles and went on to become one of the greatest hunting rifles ever. And many of them are still being used for hunting today. It's as if those that were sporterized didn't just fade away into history but instead went on to create another chapter in the proud history of Lee Enfields rifles. So I do have mixed emotions on that point. I can appreciate and respect those that are original but at the same time I can also appreciate those that were turned into sporters.
Tom...I just learned a LOT! I was never an expert on ANY military rifles. Good for you! Lot's of history!!! Thank you!
Great vid, enjoyed ever second! Thanks mate!
I like your style Tom, particularly your sense of humour, thanks for this video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Probably the best explanation of the Lee thanks 🤠👍
Thanks!
Just received my fathers 303 this weekend. Fantastic video for me to really dive in and get soem education on this beautiful piece. Thank you!
Congrates on getting one fine rifle Jake!
Loved your video. Nice sense of humour. Great knowledge of lee Enfield as wall. They’ve been my favourites since 1957. In the service and for many years at bisley after. Thank you. Jacko
Great rifles and still very popular hear in New Zealand. I also really like your mindset and message about focusing on the strengths of what you have - aspiring for the best gear is all well and good, but if you appreciate and understand the firearms and gear you do have, you'll still get the best out of them. Sub.d
Thanks
I've got my grandfather's #1-mark 3 and love it
Then you have one mighty fine rifle there.
Your narration, knowledge and passion is solid...
Always great to listen to a knowledgeable person speak with passion. Cheers
Thank you very much for your comment.
My dad was in the British Army from '56, while serving in Aden a year or so later they started replacing them with the SLR. He said there were hardened senior NCOs with chests full of medals that had carried the Lee-Enfield through WW2 and Korea with tears in their eyes as they were having them taken away. The soldiers hated the new rifle.
I can't even imagine what that would have been like for them. I really can't.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving he got emotional talking about it to me years later, it made a big impression on him as a young soldier.
The drill all had to change too because of the weight and size of it, which did cause some amusement too tho haha
Soldiers always hate getting new rifles as they are so use to the one they have, but the L1A1 SLR was a very loved rifle even up to its demise in the early 1990's.
I remember in the late 1980s my grandad telling me about the snipering he did in the jungle in ww2.all head shots they never put there heads back up he said happy memories.happy christmas to you from the uk...
Those rifles went through a lot, and so did the men using them. And merry Christmas to you as well.
my wife's grandfather was a Sniper (marksman to we British soldiers as "Sniper" was used as an insult) and taught me much of his fieldcraft including the fact that the First Aim Sight was formed from 2 sewing needles and a piece of thread taken from a repair kit known throughout the army as a "housewife".
😂😂😂🇬🇧👊🏼
Great video and lessons, cheers
Just found your channel yesterday and love it. As a collector, hunter, and realoader this is my cup of tea.
I'm glad you like it Chris. And I think you hit on why I started this channel? There just aren't many channels out there that are all three.
Workin' on gathering the funds for an M1 from CMP. Have always admired the Lee Enfield's. Beautiful rifles.
And I hope to add an M1 to my collection one day but that's going to be off in the future.
how do i join the CMP, i cant figure it out
@@morpheusgreene2704 For the benefit of an opportunity to buy a Garand from them or just to join for shooting competition etc? You don’t have to join to buy a Garand. You follow certain criteria they specify ie concealed carry permit and join a pre-approved club…I joined the Garand Collectors Association to fill that requirement. The rest is a PITA set of paper work that you have to do correctly or they’ll refuse sale until it’s fixed. My dumbass didn’t know what a “notary public” was so that part slowed my order down lol. It’s worth it in the end to buy from them at their price.
@@gscotty311 im actually interested in all of it, but i dont know of any CMP clubs in western new york, would an army recruiter be able to point me in a better direction or something? im not sure how to even find these CMP places
Man! ...are you wise! I've used smle's extensively in my youth...90's - early 2000's ...many a moose here in Canada. Great work👍
Thanks 👍
I live in the UK and a new copy of a No 4 T and a 1915 Smelly/ Looking to invest in a Lee Speed hunting rifle so this is great timing, thank you Tom. The sheer elegance of the Lee Speed with the butter knife bolt and the shotgun thumb safety gets me. I was also born and bred in Birmingham UK and this is where so many of the LS or BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) were made. Plus they are just so pointable. You pick one up and the balance for a 100+ year old rifle is superb. If I et one I will take it wild boar shooting in Europe. Has to be done. Great channel and thanks again.
Thank you, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I agree about the feel of these rifles. They have a great balance and fit to them.
Thank you Tom, outstanding video. I would like to add, if one looks at the position of the bolt handle on the .303 SMLE, one will see it is in line with the rear of the trigger guard. With rifles with front-locking lugs, the bolt handle is in line with the front of the trigger guard. The SMLE's rear locking bolt allowed the bolt handle to be set at the rear of the bolt, which means that the bolt can be cycled without the shooter taking the butt out of the shoulder, which of course makes for much faster shooting - most people need to remove the butt from their shoulder when cycling the bolt of a front-locking bolt.
this cartridge.....303 Enfield.... has taken moose...grizzly bear...up here in Vancouver. How do i know this? I was the one pulling the trigger!
It has been nice to hear so many like yourself sharing just what a great cartridge it is. Thanks
Up the Colonies 👌
where?
Ok. But where do you buy a 303 now. And what about the ammo.
@@caryboy2006 They can be found online and at my local gun shop about the only ammo they have in large supply is .303 but it's pricy. But keep in mind what I said about these being old rifles. You never know what you're going to get with an old rifle and it's usually best to look these over in person before buying.
I have also since heard that the Lee Enfield .303 Caliber, Mk 5 Carbine is a very good hunting/shooting option for hunters or field-sports enthusiasts too! If you are fortunate to be able to get hold of one, that is!
I used this rifle for 4 years and loved it! Really great video, thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
This is so true, I have a 1916 enfied and love it still shooting fantastic. Great to 200 meters plus, I mainly shoot in heavy bush and across sadels creeks ravines. I also have a Sako forester which is great in the highlands in open tussuck but not so good in the bush. From New Zealand. Thanks.
I never thought, till I was told a few days ago that there were such things as guns with a single stage trigger.
A lot of people are going to disagree with me, but the majority of people would be better off for hunting if they were all 2 stage?
I have a 4 and a 5. I love them both and could never sell them. In any single area Enfields are inferior to Mausers and Garands. But as a package they just make sense. I agree that they are the greatest battle rifle ever
I have yet to try a No5. Maybe one day?
Wouldn't say inferior to the Mauser or Garand , all have pro's and con's but for me , it's the Enfield .303 .
I have a Parker Hale Lee Enfield it's always been great to hunt with here in BC ! Thanks for the terrific video. Cheers.
I've been viewing your tube programs for awhile now, & you definitely know your rifles!! Great info, I've been hunting with guns & archery for 60 years myself, since 12yrs old. Keep it going! Thank you.
Thanks John I really appreciate that.
I have a No4 mk2, brilliant gun. I had the No4 when I was a cadet many years ago. This one has open target sights, so even with my older eyes, if I do my part I can shoot her accurately. Nice video. Thanks.
And thank you.
Keep it iron sighted as well I have a British 1954 no4 mk2. I’ll hunt with the full military stock.
@@darthnevik5505 I intend to its a great gun.
I have been harvesting deer for years with a 303. Great rifles
I couldn't agree more.
Its a shame that us humans are doing no good, on this world, that includes murdering animals for sport, or unhealthy food. No good will come of it. How would you feel, if i shot you?
@@peterwood3108 I couldn't agree more - And it needed saying. But some folks just don't get it.
@@Bruce-vq7ni Hello, thank you, for taking the time to reply. Im not keen, on killing animals, or hurting them, for meat or sport. I wounder if the tables were turned, how those killing innocent creatures, were in turn hunted and skinned? Or the butchers, seeing there children eaten?
@@peterwood3108 If you don't like it, don't do it. Just don't tell other people how to live their lives - as they are not telling you how to live yours.
As for being unhealthy, most game meat is much more healthy than farmed meat - particularly corn-fed beef - as it is much leaner.
I love your videos, your way of telling the story of rifles and cartages but particularly your explanation of the genius of old tech…but mostly your grounded disposition about what is really important.
Thanks Ralph, I really appreciate that.
Very interesting, honest and fair review of this famous rifle. Thankyou.
Thank You
As a Brit, i could listen to him all day - Great video - Thanks
Thank You, and I'm glad you don't mind the Southern accent!
I always wanted to get my hands on a vintage Lee Enfield battle rifle.
I still keep my eye out for a nice conversion rifle but they are hard to find these days. And if I were a collector I would definitely have a couple in their military configuration.
I just got handed down a 1917 lee enfield battle rifle thing looks just like the one in the video! Shot it about 8 times already and damn I love it! My grandpa used it for deer hunting for years and he got it back in the Korean War! Truly love and appreciate the gun!!!! Can’t wait to get a deer with it!!!! Thank you for the video and the great info!!!!!!
@@brandondeneen8343 I have heard of more than a few people who had Lee Enfields for their primary hunting rifle. I guess they were pretty popular in the 70's and 80's because they were cheap and abundant. .303 British is an outstanding hunting cartridge. Best of luck, and I hope you get one.
@@hammerheadms You can still find cheap .303's, although they are getting harder to find. Since 2010 I have bought 2 for $50 a piece, and I have seen many for $400 or less. In original unmolested condition the prices start at about $700.
@@nathanadrian7797 where did you find yours? I'm never quite sure about internet sales, like Gun Broker for example. Just seems like pictures don't always do the buyer justice when you are buying antiques.
What a great commentator , What a great video, what else can I say, Thank you for sharing. Canada
Thank you,
That was excellent. I learned to shoot with Lee Enfield #4
Take Care & Stay Well
Thank you - the Lee Enfield got my Grandad through Dunkirk - I wouldn’t be here otherwise.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
It's not really necessary to "sporterise" a military rifle, they shoot just fine as they are.
But they sure do get heavy after awhile!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving yes they do.
Sporterise diminishes value also.
@@JustinGray70 To a collector yes, but not to a hunter.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving I really like the look of those sporterised Enfields. Very handsome.
I used a No.4 in it’s full military configuration (never sporterized) with the original iron sights for deer hunting for years. I didn’t really know any difference, and put my fair share of venison on the table during that time. In my 50s, I borrowed a friend’s Savage 99 with a Leopold scope which was significantly lighter, and still managed to bring down a buck just like my trusty old Lee Enfield. Although the Enfield has now been relegated to the status of a range toy, I still like to take her out on occasion.
Tom loved the video enjoy all of your videos thank you
Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent video! Just awesome... However I wouldn't exactly say the .303 is an intermediate round. I think it's more of a big game round and it has taken SO many moose in Canada as well as many other of the biggest elk/ caribou/ bear you could possible imagine throughout our provinces . And it does it without issue. But most importantly of all it's incredibly rugged and reliable! Great vid!
You know how we get into trouble when we "assume" but I was actually refering to its effecrive range as intermediate rather than its capabilities. I recently did a video on cartridges and having talked about it so much in that video I just assumed everyone would know what I meant even though I had no reason to assume that. So thanks for pointing that out. That's a really good reminder for me in the future to pay more attention to the terms I use.
@bretaki8489 Yep. From moose, caribou, elk, black bear, grizzlies/brown bears, bison and muskoxen, and even polar bears, the .303 has literally taken down every animal in the wilds of Canada. It can literally handle anything from coyote to the largest game animals in North America, which makes it one of the most versatile rounds out there too in regards to what you can hunt with it.
A quick note - James Paris Lee was not an American ... he later became an American Citizen. Born in Hawick, Scotland, Lee emigrated with his family to Galt, Ontario in Canada in 1836 at age 5. In 1858, James Lee and his wife Caroline Lee (née Chrysler, of the later automotive family) moved to Wisconsin in the US. He spent the bulk of his life growing up in Canada but as with much of Canada would have been steeped in a Scottish upbringing. Carry on mate!
That was interesting. Thanks for sharing. But now I'm wondering what was going with all of those people coming to the U.S. from Canada and designing the worlds greatest battle rifles.
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Very likely work opportunities ... like most migrants, they tend to follow the yellow brick road.
@@thevelointhevale1132 That must have been a very bright and shinny road. I just can't imagine what it would have been like back then to make that sort of move given how different things were. But then again maybe they were just more adventurous back then?
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving Look at the lives of early Pioneers both in the U.S, Canada and Australia!
Kindly tell me. What is the price of Enfiled LE 1 BSA British 1897. I have got from grand grandfather.
Had an Ishapore 2A in 7.62x51 that was a tack driver, with the great solid feel of an SMLE. Still have a No4 MKII that I unwrapped from its original factory 'gauze', brand new and perfect as when made in 1954. Dang good shooter, beautiful to look at, and a joy to own.
I've watched a couple of the unwrapping videos of mint Lee Enfields and I got goose bumps just from watching it. That had to be a proud moment when you unwrapped that one? There's just nothing quite like having to clean cosmoline off a rifle.
And I've always wondered how the 7.62 Lee Enfields shot. That's good to know that they have that sort of accuracy potential.
Tom, lots of wisdom in this video. Parker Hale in Birmingham (UK) sporterised surplus Lee Enfields as well as produced target versions for many years. However, you don't see many for sale in UK gun shops now. Henry Krank also based here in the UK still offers original rifles in their various models. It's a real pleasure to know that these old rifles still have something practical to offer after all these decades of use. Thanks for the video.
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I started deer hunting when I was 8 years old. Since then I've tried a lot of different rifles some new and some old but I have yet to find a better hunting rifle than a Lee Enfield in 303 British. I have found rifles and cartridges as good as but none better. So I really enjoyed making this video.
Someone asked me to talk about rare rifles in the past that I regret not getting. The very first rifle I thought about was a gorgeous sporterised Parker Hale that I saw at a gun show. I was young then and just couldn't afford it but I still regret not being able to get that rifle 30 plus years later. I haven't seen one locally since then but one day!
Wonderful accent, like honey. Puts me to sleep!
Funny, I've always had that affect on people. Putting them to sleep that is! LOL
My friend , I used to deer hunt with my dad's Le Enfield 303 , ex ww2 36in barrel, shortened to 28in,shorted fore stock. With fixed peep site!! When I was 14 watched Dad shoot a deer at 350 yards + with a 220-grain bullet! 2-year-old spike horn, Deer, through the heart! In the woods of Nova Scotia, Canada!
Happy hunting, u certainly earned a new subscriber here. Thank you so much for this particular video. I now own 2 mk4 no1, and I love them. Both sportorized for hunting done up in the late 40s early 50s to put food on the table. My uncle (WWII vet) loved them.
I'm glad you enjoyed it, and you definitely have 2 great rifles there!
I’m an American and I’ve owned a Lee Enfield for over 30 years. Bought it at a yard sale for fifty dollars.
It was built during WW2 by Savage Arms, USA. It’s stamped “1942 Property of the US Government”
It’s quite honestly my favorite rifle of all the rifles that I own. It’s not pretty but she’s an accurate shooter. And it’s enjoyable rifle to shoot. I rather like the dings and wear that the rifle has accumulated during its life.
I got my No4 Mk1 at a Garage sale last fall for $475 with 2 magazines. It's a No4 Mk1* made by LongBranch.
Great show. Bought a 303 in 2004 for $75, manufacture 1942, factory recondition in 1949. I just cleaned and shot if for ten years until my son asked my why all the other dads posted pictures of the deer they harvested. I was put on notice. I started serious time at our home range, I did not mount a scope. Using Remington cor-lokt 180 grain took first deer. Shot distance measured 93 yards. Hit just above shoulder and took her airborn a foot and she landed dead. Love the Enfield.
When I was a kid in the 1960s, my uncle bought a surplus SMLE from Sears, in military configuration. I never forgot how much he bragged about it, and he was a U.S. Korean War Vet. One item I became aware of is that all of the SMLEs imported to the U.S. were inspected and approved as safe for sale in the U.S. By sheer dumb luck, I bought a sporterized one from an acquaintance in 1994 for $100. It's an Ishapore and has a great bore. I fitted it with a period scope and had the stock sized for me and a nice pad added. It's a great rifle. Apparently, there was a company that was sporterizing these rifles for retail sale back in the day. But this is not the end of my story. I found a very nice Lithgow MKlll in full military configuration, also with a great bore in 2000 at a gun show for $80. I later found the bayonet for it. People did not care about these rifles. However, since the 1990s and the rise of the internet, this has changed somewhat. I did not know about the headspace issues, so this video is great. I don't believe this is my problem as I luckily acquired fairly fresh ones. But these rifles deserve a lot of praise. It's so nice to see a "Good Ol' Boy" who not only appreciates them but has taken the time to know them through and through.
Tom, this is a great video of your collection of Lee-Enfields. What surprised me even more is that you like them (which is odd for an American to say). I'm glad that you still use them & I hope down the track that you get to see your No. 4 Mk I* back to how it was.
My father bought for me for my 8th birthday a 1924 Lithgow No. 1 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III*. It missed out on The Great War & when my father bought it for me it was in great condition. My father bought for himself a 1942 ROF Fazakerley No. 4 Mk I (T) Sniper which he & my mum used (Dad used it more than her as mum was into pistol shooting back in the day). Where I grew up the local rifle/pistol range was only a couple of blocks from my house & dad ensured a got a good education on firearms. When I was a kid, I originally thought Dad's No. 4 Mk I (T) was sporterized as it had the telescopic sights & cheek butt but it was left as it was. Nearly every Saturday we as a family were on the range. During the summers, we go to my dad's brothers property where we would hunt & also do pest control on other farms. The Lee-Enfield's were punished with mud, dust, dirt & rain & worked extremely well. As Australia is a tough environment, many farmers had Lee-Enfield's & they were always left in military form. When I was 13, I joined the Australian Army Cadets & our rifles were the Lithgow No. 1 MkIII* which were also used when we went to the range. When I finished high school, I joined up with the police force & worked in forensics where we had the ballistics & armoury attached to our unit. We were forever firing various weapons. The Lee-Enfield as you said has flaws but can also be a great rifle. I left the police force after a number of years when our gun rules changed & we could not have our firearms anymore. It was upsetting to me to surrender our firearms due to new legislation as they were a fond part of my childhood. I surrendered both our Lee-Enfields to the armoury unit where they are still on display so I know they're in a good home.
Us Aussies are good riflemen & the No. 1 MkIII* that were issued to our troops were well used & never changed. The Lithgow Arsenal stopped producing them in 1955 but still had tons of them in their inventory. We were still using them even when the L1A1 SLR & M16A1 came into service in the mid 1960's which says a lot about the Lee-Enfield family of rifles.
🇬🇧Thank you Tom. As a WW1 and WW2 history buff I really enjoyed this.
What a joy to listen to your wonderful history lesson . I am an Englishman and have always loved the look and feel of that gun . I have a 1942 version which has been deactivated because the only people with access to real ones are our armed forces police fire arms unit and a tiny group of dear hunters . I really enjoyed this . Thank you
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Sincere thanks for your philosophical background to your video. From Rhodesia and South Africa we completely agree with your view of the Lee Enfield .303. Brilliant.
Thanks Garth!
Interesting video. Stepfather WW2 vet. He brought Military Surplus a 303 Enfield Sniper Rifle boxed. All attachments etc. Modified it for dense bush. He Worked as a deer culler for NZ Government up until early 60s. Secondary income for his farm. Laughed when you mentioned the unsupported waver 2 stage trigger. We had a lot of ammunition.
I bought a Lee when I was 16 from army and navy store in 64 for $ 16.00. Took down moose with no problem at long range.Still have it.
Thanks for a very interesting insightful video, I live a stones throw away from where the Royal Small arms factory was
That was certainly a place with extensive history. And I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Excellent information fantastically presented! 👍👍👍
Thanks
Brilliant video 👍 and love the Enfields!
Thanks! 👍
Great video sir!
Relaxed and informative... 👍
Thanks 👍
The one and only time I got to shoot a Lee Enfield was when in the Sea cadets..(14 years old in UK).. we regally shot BSA martini action .22 in a local range but one evening were driven to a local Amy garrison range to shoot the Lee Enfield. We already used deactivated rifles for church parade and such, complete with the long bayonet. The Amy instructor showed us how the rifle worked , safety catch, cycling the action, etc. We lay prone on a thin mattress and fired and reloaded one round at a time. we didn't use the stripper clips.... My memory was the 'kick' which was substantial when only fourteen. My marksmanship was nothing to write home about, however, that evening I got to shoot the most famous of British military rifles....
Great videos sir, I subbed!
Brilliant video and very informative
Thank you
Excellent video, thank you!
I have seen them used on the ranges in the UK, not hunting experience, but I was about 7 years old and onwards when I saw them used from 100 up to 1,000 yards with Parker Hale sights, rapid fire exercise as well, from prone, kneeling and standing position. My Grandfather who was one of the best UK rifle instructors trained his cadets well (13 to 18 year olds) team, won the London & Middlesex trophy on I believe 3 occasions in the 1970' and early 80's, beating all the regular services at that time. Occasionally new cadets would claim their rifle was off, and my Grandfather would check, adjust/zero in if needed and hit bulls eye at 1,000 yards. I have fond memories from that era.
It's amazing what these rifles can do in the hands of a skilled marksman.
Thanks mate. A great video.
Glad you enjoyed it
I agree with you and about 6 months ago I found a MK 4 type 2 in carbine. It was marked 1944 ! ❤.
Great delivery well put together an American old school Gentleman. Subscribed Cousin.
Thank you very much for that.
American retired Infantry. A buddy I served with many time lives close. We both have Lee-Enfields in military and sporter form and shoot them regularly and hunt with them occasionally. We load for 303 Brit. Needless to say, we agree with you and have a great deal of respect and trust in both Lee-Enfield and the 303 cartridge. Its the perfect zombie apocalypse rifle!
Fantastic just love your southern Accent, thanks for knowledge
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you sir, for the video. I'm very fortunate i just last week picked a RFI, 2A1. It's all you have said but in 7.62x51 goes great with my BM-59 and my M1 Garand. 💯💥💥
Congratulations on such a nice rifle!
@@TomRiverSimpleLiving yes sir. I forgot to mention dated 1967.
Great video Tom, have a sub. I live in the UK and own a Mk4 which I shoot regularly at my local full bore rifle club. I've only ever shot current or previous British service firearms and mostly .303.
Cheers mate good video