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.

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....

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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.

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 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

Thank you for telling about unscrewing the bolt end and about the different end pieces. I didn’t know that.

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.

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....

Thanks for your honesty. Great podcast. From Northeastern Ontario Canada 🇨🇦 l love my 303 British N.#4 MK 1 1941

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

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 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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

I have a Parker Hale SMLE that shoots very well! I love it! Thank you for the positive view of the 303's.

Just found your channel yesterday and love it. As a collector, hunter, and realoader this is my cup of tea.

James Paris Lee, born in Scotland, raised in Canada and emigrated to the U. S.

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 like your style Tom, particularly your sense of humour, thanks for this video.

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.

Your narration, knowledge and passion is solid...

Thank you so much Tom. Great perspective and informative.!

Canadian here. I've got a sporterized .303 and can attest to it's power and accuracy. That baby has put quite a bit of venison in the freezer for an 80+ year old rifle with a 3-9 scope mated to it. Though I've never taken anything larger, a 180-200 grain .303 round has plenty of horsepower to drop elk and moose as well, provided we're not going for obscenely long shots. To be fair, the 8mm Mauser does hit harder, but it's a much more difficult cartridge to find here. Back in the day, you could pick up an old surplus WW2 Lee Enfield that might not have even seen any action for nothing more than a song and dance. Great channel, by the way. You've got an easy, good natured demeanor about you, buddy. Keep up the good work.

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.

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!

Tom...I just learned a LOT! I was never an expert on ANY military rifles. Good for you! Lot's of history!!! Thank you!

I've got my grandfather's #1-mark 3 and love it

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...

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.

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!

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!

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👍

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.

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

Probably the best explanation of the Lee thanks 🤠👍

Workin' on gathering the funds for an M1 from CMP. Have always admired the Lee Enfield's. Beautiful rifles.

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.

Agree fully! I have taken a nice little spike and three doe woth my 1916 battle ready and my son and I have taken another 3 meat deer with my Ishy which I rebuilt to battle ready. Dandy rifles and I would not hesitate to take the ole Smelly into the tullies with iron sights for moose or black bear. Canadians have killed a LOT of game with them including grizzly and caribou and polar bear. .303 British is a World class cartridge.

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

As a Brit, i could listen to him all day - Great video - Thanks

🇬🇧Thank you Tom. As a WW1 and WW2 history buff I really enjoyed this.

Always great to listen to a knowledgeable person speak with passion. Cheers

I have been harvesting deer for years with a 303. Great rifles

I never thought, till I was told a few days ago that there were such things as guns with a single stage trigger.

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.

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....

It's not really necessary to "sporterise" a military rifle, they shoot just fine as they are.

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.

i grew up in india looking at 303's as our police carried them without ammo !! just to show force. WW2 models with wood all around just beautiful looking guns and they still have them in the cities. AND THANK YOU SIR for telling us to appreciate what we have. I grew up in 200 sq ft and shared a toilet with 5 families. I appreciate even just having running water and 3 Full Bathrooms. Thank you God for this channel too !!

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.

Thank you - the Lee Enfield got my Grandad through Dunkirk - I wouldn’t be here otherwise.

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!

John Garand was a French-Canadian. He’s real name was Jean Garand and he spoke with a thick French accent till he died (look up on KZfaq the few interviews he gave)

I agree with you and about 6 months ago I found a MK 4 type 2 in carbine. It was marked 1944 ! ❤.

I always wanted to get my hands on a vintage Lee Enfield battle rifle.

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!

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.

Words of wisdom. I can’t wait to listen to your next video.

Wonderful accent, like honey. Puts me to sleep!

Great vid, enjoyed ever second! Thanks mate!

I have owned one of all the big four commonly available WWII battle rifles. A foolishly half-assed sporterized K98k, dated 1940, which I have never fired for a host of reasons, hangs on my wall missing it's furniture. My M1 Garand was a post-war manufacture chambered in .308 and unfortunately has since been traded, though my eyes are always scanning for a replacement in 30.06 as God, er, Garand intended. One of my best Christmas presents ever, a 1943 Mosin 91/30 , which was $99 from Big5 with the faux ammo pouches included, makes regular trips to the desert to punch holes in steel targets. My absolute favorite of these, however, is the first firearm I ever purchased, my '42 Long Branch No 4 Mk 1 for $120 at a local gun show. Considering the Garand was "the greatest battle implement ever devised" - G.S. Patton, yet barely outperforms the Lee Enfield designed a generation before is testament to the quality of these rifles. At 80 years old, mine still gets to throw lead a few times every year and does so effortlessly. I cannot say the same for my Mosin which seemingly rattles itself loose after 20+ rounds requiring the use of tools to keep it together. Poor ergonomics, design/build quality, and a truly cumbersome bolt operation aside, the Russian is still a sexy beast. Yet, for every Ginger, there is a Mary Ann and I'll take the 'gun next door' with the darker wood you can always rely on. The Enfield's outstanding build quality is evident in the stock and forend which both appear to have been used to drive tent poles and dig foxholes, yet never squeak. Of course the smoothest bolt action ever made, my .303 Br is always ready for the 'mad minute' and never fails to put smiles on the faces of the uninitiated, as well as mine. I always like to joke that's probably what SMLE originally meant. On another point, making the most of what you have is a solid philosophy not only for hunting, but also military tactics, business, politics, athletics, economics, interpersonal relationships, pretty much every interaction a human can have with the physical world is enhanced when employing this ideology.

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 no gun guy, but as a violin maker/repairer, your message to the viewer to not buy these as hunting rifles if they lack expertise to ensure that they get it in the condition they need, and the acknowledgement of the likely difficulty of finding one that is reasonable to modify and use by being neither too damaged to function well - or function well without investing unexpectedly large amount of money into initial repair and upkeep, I would add, as this is very much a distinction of old violins that people don't factor in when they buy one on ebay, and then bring it to a violin maker who tells them that even the bare minimum of repair and setup will cost a few times the purchasing price - nor in an excessively well-preserved collectable state that means that modifications dramatically decrease resale value, and eventually aopner or later in the future, well-preserved examples of even very common but important historical artefacts like this will be seen as remarkable relics. particularly relics of the world wars, due to their historical importance. and of course one of the most common service rifles of both world wars is about as heavily associated with those wars as any item can get.

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.

Great video and lessons, cheers

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.

My grandfather was an English dispatch rider in ww2 and carried an enfield and now i have one aswell in Australia, mine is a 1942 and an amazingly accurate rifle, i was going to "sport" it for hunting but just couldn't do it, so its still in battle trim and still great

I've had no training on my Enfield No.4 Mk1*, plus it's my first bolt action rifle. First time I mag-dumped at the range, I put all 10 rounds into a 6" group at 50 yards in 12 seconds flat. The guy next to me sighting in his AR-15 turned and said, "What the hell was that?! Wait, that's a bolt action?!?!?!" These old guns will turn heads; most people aren't used to hearing a bolt action sound off faster than most people shoot semi-autos. The action on mine was definitely blueprinted at some point, because it's smoother and more accurate than it has any right to be, especially since the bolt serial number is mismatched. With my personal reloads, I'm pulling 0.93" groups at 100 yards shooting from a bench vice. Shooting off a sandbag, this thing is nailing 18" plates at 450 yards no problem, and 8" plates at 350 yards no problem, using the milled Mk1 sights. Picked mine up in October of 2020 for a measly $200 at my local gun shop just after they received a batch of guns from an estate sale. Spacer on mine is marked"1." Bore looks like it just left the factory: cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/249798643605962752/874936921351151666/20201011_012359.jpg Best y'all get your hands on one of these rifles before they all dry up. Shoots smoother and faster than some modern bolt actions that will cost you over $2,000, literally 10 times what I paid for mine. That action, though, OMFG... I know I'm forever spoiled by it.

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.

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 used this rifle for 4 years and loved it! Really great video, thank you!

Absolutely love the .303 Enfield. Back in the 80s, milsurps were the only really affordable option for a younger person just getting into centerfire rifles. At the time they seemed like a compromise - and they were *dirt* cheap - but now I can appreciate them for what they really are (and wish I'd picked up many more!). Beautiful weapons.

Tom I had a MKV with walnut stock , it was hand picked by an employee of S.I.R. in 1985 after I purchased one in fair condition that when the bolt handle was touched would fly back. Needles to say the hand picked rifle was stiff on cocking, I don't think it was issued. I didn't want to destroy the historicity of the gun by drilling and tapping for a scope. Good news there was a scope mount made for Enfield's that required no drilling. It worked by removing the peep sight and an Allen key put tension on the stripper clip groove for the scope mount. Not sure if you heard of it..it was almost 40 years ago . Great channel and info keep up the good work!

I have a Parker Hale Lee Enfield it's always been great to hunt with here in BC ! Thanks for the terrific video. Cheers.

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.

Very interesting, honest and fair review of this famous rifle. Thankyou.

What a great commentator , What a great video, what else can I say, Thank you for sharing. Canada

Tom loved the video enjoy all of your videos thank you

Great delivery well put together an American old school Gentleman. Subscribed Cousin.

I know in some circles it is common to look down on sporterized military surplus rifles, so called Bubba guns. But I'm 73 years old and I can remember my dad and his friends putting together their deer rifles from surplus rifles they either brought back from WWII or mail ordered. I've now started to collect these old customized rifles assembled by the men of the Greatest Generation, I currently have 1 Springfield 1903 in 30-06 with a full length Manlicher style stock, 2, 98 Mausers, 1 a switch barrel gun in 22-250/30-06 in a modified military stock and 1 in 30-06 in another full length stock, an 1891 Mauser in 7.65 Argentine in yet another full length stock. You may be noticing a trend here. I also have a Krag Jorgensen in 30-40 Govt that rivals the Lee Enfields for smoothness. I'm on the look out for a real nice SMLE sporter as well as an Arisaka in either 7.7 or 6.5. Anyone looking for a great deer rifle that is not run of the mill should wander over to the used rifle rack and check out the overlooked and under appreciated Bubba guns. You just may stumble over a diamond in the rough. P.S. I also have at least one example each of these rifles in their original military configuration, but there is just something about these rifles that were customized by the men who faced them in combat to make them better suited for their peace time purpose. But as Tom said these are old used rifles do your research and have your rifle checked by a gunsmith before you trust your eyes and fingers to it.

Sir,, May I commend you on everything you stated as fact and "The Truth", all the way from Marketing, the ballistics of the .303, the accuracy of the Lee Infield design, the shoot ability of the rifle in a marksmanship stand point, the thought and application (Canted Buttstock) in different lengths to fit the shooter. also how the commonwealth country's rolled everything into the Lee through its Modifications as the years went by in its development. No other rifle has the linage and been kept in service as the Lee Infields. the Lee is a Great rifle worth praise and recognition as a Top rifle of choice. it is too bad that they are getting older and less common with more weir and tare on the used gun shop racks. This was an outstanding video. Keep up the good work. -Dave

Great video sir! Relaxed and informative... 👍

It made me so happy to hear you say you couldn't alter a lee Enfield in original condition lol