Value of 303 British
Need to know if I made a wise purchase? Sporterized 303 British with a wooden Monte Carlo style stock (I think),or that style of stock anyhow, few scratches but not bad. The rifle itself has the markings (No 4 Mk I * LONG BRANCH 1944) On the side of the barrel near the muzzel end are the markings C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT 303 CAN, plus various other possible import stamp marking on the barrel, not sure if their significant or not. It has a peep site with a big hole, flip the sight for a small hole. 10 round magazine. I also got 50 rounds of ammo, 1/2 is marked KF 67 the other half is GB55 and another 10 rounds of soft tip hunting rounds. Down side is the numbers don't match. The guy I got it from, who is family, claims it is a very accruate rifle and is willing to buy it back anytime. Is it possible to find a 5 round magazine for this? This KF 67 & GB 55 ammo, do you think its corrosive? Any input is appreciated. 300 bucks is what I gave, what do you expert think?
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You can get #4's at most gunshows for $125.00- $175.00. Sporterizing hurts it's value. The rear sight sounds like standard issue for a #4. C.A.I. is Century Arms International. it's probably marked "FTR" on it somewhere. This would stand for "factory thorough rebuild" and would account for the mixed numbers. Ammo dated that late isn't likely to be corrosive. They can be fairly accurate guns and hold thier own against many hunting rifles but don't expect benchrest accuracy. I've seen 5 rd mags, but I'm not sure who made them. I've also seen a 10rd converted to a 5rd by drilling a hole in it's side and sticking a sheet metal screw in it as a stop. Lee Enfields are GREAT guns and I love them. But $80.00-$110.00 would buy your gun in these parts.
Woods
How big a boy are ya?0 -
I'm not an expert but do collect Enfields. You bought a darn good rifle but paid way too much for it or too much for the ammo that came with it. Have never paid more than $100 for a sporter no matter what condition but up to $175 would be a dair price depending on circumstances. Those rifles are indestructable and surprisingly accurate with greased lightning actions. Scope mounts are available-get a good one.
Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.0 -
In terms of going prices you got burnt, but if you paid what YOU felt it was worth, that is all that matters.
"...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf0 -
These rifles can indeed be very accurate. I do not believe that anyone is loading this cartridge with the old 215 gr. soft nose bullet anymore, but I think you can still get the bullets for reloading. These make a great load for elk and even bear. The good news is that, although these rifles were made in several countries by several manufacturers, yours was made at the Long Branch Arsenal in Canada and is considered just about the best of the breed. Also, being a No.4, it is stronger than the earlier No.1. I have to agree with the earlier posts that you probably paid too much, but this rifle's low value is not because it is a poor rifle; it's simply because so many have been imported over the years that the availability keeps the prices low. I have a pair of highly customized No.1 sporters that I would hesitate to sell for $300 each. If you decide to scope the rifle you'll find no-gunsmithing mounts readily available, a blessing that those of us who used these rifles 45 years ago did not have. You'll find that the issue peep sights are satisfactory for woods hunting, but you'll need a scope to realize the rifle's potential in more open country. 0 -
AH, the truth hurts! I would have check here before making the purchase, but was out of state visiting, and since he's family, a hunter himself, and willing to buy it back, I took his word on the value. If it shoots as well as he said, I will still be happy with the buy. Thanks everyone. 0
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