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

[Wapiti]

I would be chasing a Lithgow-made Aussie 303, if you really want to get into the Anzac theme here, and into future years.

Sure, there are evolutions of the 303 like the No.4 etc, and a heap of other countries made them, but if it isn't an Aussie NSW-made one, I can't see the true theme really being followed here.

To try and stop the thread morphing into other recommendations of other more-common rifles and different calibres, I thought I'd just add my opinion on keeping Aussie-authentic.

Unfortunately, quality costs... up to and over $1K for rifles really worth owning for Aussies... Aussie ones.

[bigrich]

I would be chasing a Lithgow-made Aussie 303, if you really want to get into the Anzac theme here, and into future years.

Sure, there are evolutions of the 303 like the No.4 etc, and a heap of other countries made them, but if it isn't an Aussie NSW-made one, I can't see the true theme really being followed here.

To try and stop the thread morphing into other recommendations of other more-common rifles and different calibres, I thought I'd just add my opinion on keeping Aussie-authentic.

Unfortunately, quality costs... up to and over $1K for rifles really worth owning for Aussies... Aussie ones.

people want silly money for lithgows these days . the canadian made longbranch is held in high regard by a 303-a -phile i know
just a better qaulity of finish and machining i'm told

[Blr243]

Good idea. For a long time I hav been thinking about taking my smle on a hunt for that traditional feel I’m not hunting till early may. But better late than never