Firearms Talk banner
Cancel

Just looking for info about a couple of old rifles.

1426 Views 26 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  ScottG, 
P
Hi there, I was searching the net for some info about two rifles we found in my grand fathers basement. I'm wondering the history and the value to determine if I should have insurance on them and just some common knowledge about the rifles.

If I posted the numbers that are stamped on the rifles or posted pictures of them, could anyone give me a ball park on how old they are, where they camer from and the estimated value?

One is a Lakefield .22 caliber and the other has "US Property" stamped on it, is a 303 and has a tiny coat of arms stamped on it.

Would I be able to post pictures of them to gather info or is that not allowed?

Thanks.

Neil
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 3 of 27 Posts
ScottG
In my area, the Enfields, non sporterized, are still around $200. I'd think yours would be less, but if it's something someone is looking for you can get more. If you have no attachment to them, list on one of the auction sites. No matter the real value, sometimes prices jump because someone wants to beat someone else out of something.

People will cut off excess wood to lighten and some cut down barrels for that reason too. I personally would like to tar and feather anyone who ruins a military weapon like that. Of course, it's not my gun, it's the right of the owner to do what he/she wishes. I've seen some examples of really poor work and I think a rifle deserves better than butchery at the hands of Bubba.

That band around the stock is standard for the rifle, it's not a repair. I assume you thought the band indicates a stock repair.
Reply
Save
Like
ScottG
Neil,

The Enfield's are somewhat plentiful right now, but they'll disappear anyway, no reason not to insure it.

That Lakefield is a .22 so you can get ammo for that anywhere. $9/550 rounds at WalMart.

The standard Enfield takes .303 British. But make sure it hasn't been rechambered to something else. It's already been sporterized, the sporter might have rechambered it. You can find .303 Brit at Bass Pro around $17/20 rounds.

Go to the nearest gunshow, you should easily find some.

I don't know much about the Lakefields, but a .22 is low powered, so if you clean it up and there's not any damage it should be fine to shoot.

The Enfield should clean up as well, corrosive ammo will eventually damage the barrel if it was left uncleaned after the last shooting. You may have some pitting inside. Expect to clean it quite a few times before it looks good.


This picture (from Kim DuToit's site) gives you an idea of the sizes of the rounds. The one on the left is a .22. The 30-06 and the 303 are military rounds. 30-06 = 30 caliber round adopted in 1906. .303 British is a 30 caliber round but the measurement is just over 30 hence, 303.

The 30-30 is a civilian round, mainly a levergun cartridge. They generally have round noses while the military round is pointed. (spitzer) Its range is good for around 150 yards while the Brit and the Thirty aught has considerably more range, around 600 yards.

As for why the Brits put that band around, who knows? It wraps around, it doesn't join the buttstock to the rest of the rifle, meaning it's not a chunk of metal joining the gun together.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
ScottG
Nope. The cartridges are self contained. Cleaning kits are a dime a dozen at WalMart and other stores that carry sporting goods. I like to use a bore snake.
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 3 of 27 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Firearms Talk
A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Rifle Discussion Legal and Activism AR-15 Discussion General Handgun Discussion New Member Introductions
Top