Re: Possible first SMLE, should I buy?
Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 6:55 pm
You're right, I had it wrong, I thought both No. 1 and No. 4 were both SMLEs. I had to look it up. Thanks for the great advice.Smellysniper wrote:Hi,
I may have misunderstood a little here but I take it you do realise that a SMLE is a No.1 and you appear to be looking at a No.4. They are totally different rifles. My advice for what it`s worth is hold out for a Smelly because that is obviously what you really want. I prefer an early (pre 1918) date as I feel it is more likely to have seen action in the Trenches and I always try to get matching numbers but that is just a personal thing. There are not many truly original SMLE`s about ,they were a tool after all, well used and no-one gave a thought to us Enfield nuts who view them as some sort of icon. I often think that the people who made them, repaired them and used them would be very surprised at the way we hold them in such high regard. When my Father-in-Law told me he carried a Ross in Second World War ,I asked him what he thought of it and he just said "It was very heavy"!
You can look for ever for the perfect one. Just try to get one that you like the look of. You will know the one when you see it, it will say "buy me'! The advice on getting the books is valid. Read everything you can and search the web for info.