Picking up a .303

[MG5150]

G'day All

I'm keen to pick up a .303 rifle so I can do a themed hunt for ANZAC Day (although I might be leaving it a little too late for a permit to clear).

I hear stories of people getting them in bargain bins for $20 but it seems like the cheapest ones are around $250-$300. Some of them are several thousand.

What should I be looking for in a .303 that can be used for deer hunting?

Also, am I correct in thinking that there were 303 SMLE rifles made by Lithgow for WWI, and a second round of SMLE 303 rifles for WWII.

If someone doesn't mind explaining the full history I'd love to learn more.

Thanks in advance!

[Tinker]

There are plenty of inexpensive sporterised .303s around, already with scope mounts, for $300-$500. The Parker-Hale conversions are usually well done. One of the limitations is there is only a small selection of factory ammo available.
Original SMLE's in good condition with all matching serial numbers fetch anywhere from $1000 - $3000. Lithgow started making SMLE's (No1Mk3) in 1913, and made the last batch in 1953.
Look up the "Lee Enfield Rifle Association" in NSW for a good summary of the history.

[bigrich]

the full history of the lee enfeild would take a lot of typing . for strength , and a better trigger , the No4 mk1 is the one to get . as others have said there's some sporterised versions for not a lot of money . i saw a parker hale recently i should've grabbed . but some of these have all the top of the action machined off to make them "clean" looking , limiting them to side scope mounts. i'd much rather prefer the top mounted pic rail for a scope , unless your eyes are good for the iron sights . only other thing is get a smith to check the head space on well used enfields . i bought one from a old bloke when i was a kid , found out the headspace was dangerous . got back to the old fella about it , "well it hasn't blown up yet , still works fine" . i've preferred mausers ever since

edit , a P14 is heavy , but the action is super strong , they were used by aussie troops for sniper rifles and civilian target/hunting rifles back in the day . tweaked triggers are good too