Salinger wrote:Hi guys,
Long time reader, but just recently signed up to pick your brains.
I'm wanting to acquire a nice Lithgow-produced SMLE Mk III*.
To apply for my PTA, I already need a dealer in mind. However, I haven't found "the" rifle yet.
I've seen a bunch online at certain Brisbane dealers with ridiculously prices, and other country town dealers with a very limited range but better prices.
Is there a dealer in QLD I should be looking at? Any recommendations?
Main concerns are matching numbers and a reasonably good bore.
I think if you don't want to pay the dealer prices then you need to get into the world of service rifles, then you can ask other owners if they know of anything for sale. Until then, dealer prices are it. I'm not interested in delving that deeply into the scene, I just enjoy owning and shooting milsurps. I'd rather pay more and have one I can enjoy now than spend two years hoping to find one for half the price. Prices are going up, even while you're waiting for a bargain.
My advice is buy what you can find for as much as you're willing to spend. It's unlikely you'll lose out by much when you on-sell it later.