Next long gun: FAL or Lee-Enfield?

Question

What, in your opinions, are the pro's and con's of either rifle? Don't suggest I get an SKS, I already have one. Good gun (I love it like you can only love a first gun), but a mite under powered for larger game. The reason I'm obsessed with surplus guns is reliability and expense. I need something that I know will work, something that will still cycle if the temperature changes, and something that I can afford to shoot often enough to get as proficient as the gun deserves.

Great answers. Thank all you guys for your input.

Answer 1

FAL=economical ammo and expensive gun
Lee-Enfield=economical gun and expensive ammo

That is your dilemna. You can get a Lee-Enfield cheaper than an FAL, but .303 (unless surplus-which is drying up) is expensive. The more expemsive FAL uses .308(7.62NATO) and there is still a lot of surplus out there for this gun. Even newly manufactured FMJ .308 is a lot cheape than any new .303. whatever you do, I would try to reload if you have the space and time.

Answer 2

I own several Enfields, the SMLE and the No. 4 Mk 1, and have shot the FN/FAL a bit.

It's sort of hard to compare them head to head because they are quite different rifles, although all have the distinction of being the British Army's Main Battle Rifle, although in different generations.

The prices on the FN/FAL as has been noted are incredibly escalated due to collector interest and scarcity. It's to the point where the rifle itself, while a fine firearm, is not really worth $1000, particularly when you have the option of a sweet AR-15, if you want a shooter.

If the FAL was $400-500, that would be great, but you're likely not going to see that. You have to consider that your money may be more wisely spent elsewhere.

The Enfields are much older rifles, bolt action and not semi-auto. They too are very fine rifles, although many you find will have had decades of military service and will show it. It is perhaps one of the best engineered bolt actions ever made, although complex in design.

But still, comparing a bolt action to a semi-auto is really an Apples-to-Oranges comparison. It's hard to say which is better for you, that's your choice.

I love to shoot my Enfields and have a good friend that reloads all my brass. Buying .303 ammo on the market if you don't have the ability to reload is expensive for a lot of practice. Avoid any .303 surplus....it's truly third-world junk with questionable safety.....nothing is more unsettling at the range than a 'hang-fire' round that takes three seconds to go off after you pull the trigger...very dangerous....and this crappy surplus does just that routinely.

One comprimise that's a very good option....BUT you need to act quickly:
AIM Surplus has Enfield 2A rifles...that's an Enfield bolt action in .308 NATO. It's the perfect Enfield for the shooter....

Get to your local FFL or gun shop and have him order one for you....

Answer 3

If you want a good bolt action rifle, the Lee Enfield #4 is a good choice. Find one that was made at the Long Branch Plant in Canada, these are the best of the Lee Enfields. This is what I have, and with store bought ammo, using the ladder sight, it is a killer at 400 yards.

I have one of the 308 enfields, but I am not happy with it. Whenever I bring it up to make a quick shot, I have to search for the sights, they just don't line up for me.

I don't have an FAL, so I'm not going to comment on it, but any gun used that many years for combat, must have something going for it. But like mentioned above, you can buy a Armalite or Bushmaster AR-15 for less money, and have a very fine weapon, and .223 ammo is as cheap as it gets.

Answer 4

Well the FAL is much more expensive up front but Cheaper to shoot than the Lee Enfield. But the Enfield will be more reliable. The are still inservice with Canadian Artic Rangers. Enfield were designed for abuse and use in extreme climates and conditions.
Surplus ammo for them is getting scarce though and unless it is of Greek manufacture (labeled HXP) it will be corrosive and require more elaborate cleaning. Some later production South African 303 ammo is non corrosive too.
One warning many folks can not stop at one Enfield. Since they were manufactured from 1888 until 1980 (India made some that late), there are many variations and they lend themselves to collecting. I just started collecting them and got my third a few weeks ago. However the FAL replaced them so many Enfieldaholics often get a FAL too.
Oh I forgot the 2A Enfield, a Lee Enfield made in 7.62 NATO by the Indian Govt. That would be a nice compomise, LOL.
Good Luck and enjoy your choice!

Answer 5

I want an FN FAL, too! The FAL is called 'the right arm of the free world'. Mil-surps are (mostly) inexpensive but well made survivors with a noble history of fighting for freedom. I have a few, the very best and favorite being the magnificent M1 Garand. Probably get a Mosin-Nagant rifle or carbine next. The Civilian Marksmanship Program just got a small # of M1 carbines and Springfield 1903 & 03A3 rifles and still have some M1 Garands. (cmp.com) Lee-Enfields are very good rifles, too.

Answer 6

LOL, and still laughin' 1919a4, ha that Idea is sooo funny. Would make for a good comedy, say set in the da U.P. in da wood...
Any way Fal would be my choice, Ive seen then as surplus around 450-650 depending on importer and quality. If you want a good new FAL, check out DSA they make different models and calibers, 308,7-08, 260 and 243. they good for 800-1600 bucks depending on what your after. I have read that they will deliver M.O.A. or better in Guns magizine.

Good Luck and Happy shooting, and pass me some more linked ammo man, I think I see a squirrel or dare in dem wood. LOL!!!!!!

Answer 7

You seem to have garnered a lot of answers talking about surplus ammo, which of course will not be appropriate if you're going to hunt with it. If you can afford the FN-FAL, get a SMLE and a handloading kit instead, and you'll have a great firearm suitable for most North American game and a steady source of pleasure and ammo.

Answer 8

I would definitely recommend the FN, as I managed to lay hands on one before they became scarce, and prices became so ridiculous.
I love my FN! After adding a Dragunov sniper stock, micro-peep sights, and a Harris bi-pod, I can drive tacks with mine out to 500+ yards!
Any economy factor don't make it, as the price tag on this excellent battle rifle borders on the obscene. Make sure you're sittin' down when you start checking prices!
Even the Springfield clone, the SAR 48, isn't cheap, but, with either rifle, you do have the advantage of cheap, plentiful surplus ammo, in one of the best all-around calibers.
The Enfield is a less expensive alternative, if you can find one in .30-06, but most of the surplus left on the market, especially those chambered for the antiquated old Brit .303 aren't much good for anything other than cheap shootin', as most of the surplus .303 left is third-world made, and all corrosive, and a pain in the rump, clean-up wise.
Just remember, Caveat Emptor(buyer beware), and you get exactly what you pay for.
To check your choices, go shopping at the link below.
Good Luck, and Good Hunting!

Answer 9

Why not look into an Ishapore enfield? It's a Indian rifle, chambered in NATO .308 (7.62x51)It's the exact same rifle as the SMLE .303, except it's chambered in 308, and they usually have gorgeous mohagany stocks, they go for around 250 to 300 dollars.

Answer 10

I have a FAL metric and I love it. The price wasn't bad for me $750.95 included a scope mount and 2 twenty round and 2 ten round mags as well as the pin to make it select fire. But I guess it depends who you go to. I went to a company that imports them direct from Brazil. The Enfield is getting expensive unless you start to reload yourself.