eldeguello

Believe it or not, I've seen some REALLY ACCURATE Enfields. I agree that the Mauser 98 and the various 1903 Springfields make better sporting rifles than the SMLE, but this question is about battle rifles Indeed, some of the WWII No. 4 sniper versions of the Enfield are as accurate as any other bolt-action ever issued to troops, and I mean at extreme ranges.

Pygmy

I'm sure many of you are familiar with this statement.....


In comparing the Springfield, the 98 Mauser and the SMLE...


" The Americans made a target rifle...The Germans made a hunting rifle...The British made a FIGHTING rifle..."

Rugged, dependable, plenty accurate enough for a battle rifle and a ten round magazine combined with a very fast bolt action... Hard to argue against the SMLE....

TROPHYHUNTER25

gotta pic the springfield

younggun308

Lee-Enfield, I actually posted a thread near identical to this about 2 months ago, but it's nice to keep it alive, and to start out with a good list.

Ruddyduck

although it's not the "best" I like the Krag's action. IMHO none of the other actions are as buttery smooth ,that being said there were drawbacks to the Krag but I think we all can agree working a bolt on a Krag brings pleasure.

wolverine350

03 Springfield

Tony Orlando and Dawn

I have at examples of every rifle mentioned so far, but I'd probably go with the U.S. 1917. It has excellent well protected sights, it's super reliable, and it has excellent capacity for a bolt action rifle.

48thguns

Not sure why I nearly always agree with you because I hate the hat, however, you have hit a homerun in my ballpark. Hey, my first rifle was a 1903A3 SC. But, the facts are the facts. With the 10 round magazine and over 80 years of service, the Smelly wins hands down. Also, it was designed by an American so that makes it good with me. No other bolt action military rifle has survived the test of time better than the Lee Enfield. Yes the '06 has ballistics advantages and more convienient to sporterize, however, the Senior Aussie NCO's were still carring them in Nam in the 70's! As good as the 03 and 03A3 were, the test of time just doesn't measure up to the Lee Enfield. If you younger guys do a little research, you'll agree. Regards, Rick.

Tony Orlando and Dawn

[/quote]

Also, it was designed by an American so that makes it good with me.
[/quote]

Actually he was a Scotsman who grew up in Canada, but he did move to the U.S. in his later 20's. I'm just not sure we can claim him as an American.