Good post by Sapper...one point he forgot to mention, and you didn't bring up, and is the MOST IMPORTANT part is that you will requrie a firearms license to purchase and own a firearm (your PAL, posession and acquisition license).
There are two grades that you can get if you have not previously owned firearms. First is your non-restricted, which covers all the "not as scarY" stuff, like bolt action rifles, shotguns and the like. Both the L-E No. 4 mk. ! and the M1 Garand both fall into this class.
Second class is your restricted, and covers "scarier" firearms, such as hand guns, as well as several classes of semi-auto rifles, etc. (third class is prohibited, which you have to be Grandfathered for, which is a moot point for you, which includes all the "fun" stuff like full auto, etc).
After you get your license, then you can get to buying rifles. I don't know a lot about Garands, etc, but the first thing I will tell you is read as many books as you can on the topic. Your local library should have SOME tomes on the rifles you seek (a book by Skennerton on the Lee Enfield is considered to be the bible by some). Once you know some of the major differences, etc, then you can get to looking.
First thing about Garands or Enfields is postwar dates will (usually) fetch a lower price than the WWII models, from a collectible point of view. Also, arsenal rebuilds, mis-matched parts, etc, will also affect price. Common things to look for is the condition of the bore, metal and wood work and general appearance of the firearm. The more good things there are, the more they will cost.
Ballpark figure for a excellent to mint condition No. 4 rifle made at LB would be in the $200-300 CAD range, with the price probably being at (or over) the high range. I'd spend in that range for an excellent LB made No. 4 without thinking.
Garands usually cost more, I haven't priced one out in a few years, but war-dated, matching examples can run in the $700-800 range.
As was said, you can get guns that have mis-matched parts, maybe some dings on the wood, or a less collectible date, but still quite servicable shooters for far less. I picked up my LB a few years ago, mis-matched bolt to reciever, replaced butt-stock for $125 and was quite happy, and I've heard of Garands retailing for the $300 price range, so stuff is out there...it just depends on how much you care.
Hope that helps....
Tim
__________________
1942 Willys MB
|