Is it worth the scope money?

Question

Is an old mk3 lee-enfield rifle worth going through the hassle of putting a scope on? It has a sporterized stock, but all the original hardware is there and the barrel is still the correct length and everything. I would mainly be using it for deer hunting, maybe getting into moose in a few years, but I probably would never get into anything over 150 yards. Also, is it true that they were just painted with black paint instead of blued or something like that?

I already have it sited in. It is almost in the same hole at 50, and about an inch or 2 off at 100. I also only spent $40 bucks on it because the guy just didn't want it and I knew him. I know that should have set off alarm bells, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Also, it is Lithgow made not an Ishapore. I just ask because I will have to get a bunch of time behind the open sites, I am not to good on this particular style, so I was wondering if it would justy be better to put on a scope.

Answer 1

Well, you need to answer the question by seeing how well the old rifle can still shoot. Many of these were rebarelled and then not used much, so the barrels are good. Some that saw considerable use still shoot quite well.

Some were coated with black paint, although it is a hardened epoxy coating that will not come off with ordinary paint remover. It may be better to touch it up with Brownell's GunKoat than try and remove it. Some are blued, while others got Parkerized along the way.

The Indian made SMLEs have lesser machining quality than the Brit or Commonwealth manufactured ones and may not be as accurate. Is it an "Ishapore" gun?

Find a range that has sturdy, preferably concrete shooting benches. Bring a couple of sandbags or shooting bags, if you don't have a bench rest setup. You test like this because you want to test the rifle, not your shooting skill.

I like Sellier & Bellot ammo for the .303, it's more affordable than the American brands and very good quality. Start at 50 yards and only shoot 5 rounds per target, then score them. Move out to 100 yards. If you are getting good groups on the paper, then it's doing it's part to get you on target.

For a scope, if you decide on it, you will need a smith to drill and tap the mount holes. Get a good mount and scope. Think twice about this, this is a lot of money to invest in a $150 rifle that could have been through two world wars.

People today think you automatically need a scope to hunt. If you can shoot well and see well to 150 yards, there is no reason you do. But you need to practice enough to be a good rifleman at that range that can consistently be on your mark.

Answer 2

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. For hunting purposes, it'll never be a long-range proposition, and iron sights will do quite well within the limitations of the rifle. It'll also balance and point better as is. Invest the money in some decent binocs instead.

Answer 3

If you are putting your shots touching "almost the same hole" at 50 yards, and within 2 inches of your point of aim at 100 yards, that is more than accurate enough to hunt deer out to 150 yards. The only thing you need to do is practice at the longer range so you know the drop and drift of the bullet at the max range you expect to shoot.

Answer 4

i in my view like the Bushnell scopes and that they have good optics and good repeatability on the alterations, and that i've got in my view used a Tasco immediately 4 ability scope on a variety 70 Winchester 243 and killed a cow elk at 4 hundred yards with one shot(sighted in ineffective on at 25 yards, all I had time for) yet I knew from journey the trajectory of that particular around and the place it would drop at that distance(9 inches low) 3 a million/2 inches intense at one hundred yards 4 inches intense at 2 hundred yards ineffective on at approximately 290 4 inches low at 325, so in my view get your self a Bushnell or a Tasco 4x12x40 or a 4x16x40 with a adjustable purpose, they artwork for me

Answer 5

You've got yourself a good solid shooter for $40.
2-3" @ 100Yd.s is good for a woods gun.
(Send the guy a christmas card at least.)
At 150 Yd.s & under, the 303 is perfectly adequate
for deer & moose.
The cost would not be mainly in the scope, but in
getting it properly mounted. That's critical.
If you can find a good mount, and some-one to do the work, I'd go for it.
A Burris 1.5-4x would be about right. (Bright and wide field at low power.)

Answer 6

I think it would be more useful to practice with it with the open sights until you can shoot fairly well that way (say, out to 150-200 yards). Then, you can see if you still want a scope. You may find that open sights are quite sufficient for the type of hunting you are doing, and iron sights never fog or leak!

Answer 7

Sounds like a fine gun w/open sights, if your willing to pay for it a scope is nice as well.

Answer 8

Absolutely a scope is always better to have on your rifle.* You got a terrific buy on that rifle.*