New aftermarket Aussie Enfields
Printed From: Enfield-Rifles.com
Category: Enfields
Forum Name: After Market Enfields
Forum Description: What have you done to that Enfield??
URL: http://www.enfield-rifles.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2787
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 6:03pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New aftermarket Aussie Enfields
Posted By: Cookie Monster
Subject: New aftermarket Aussie Enfields
Date Posted: March 14 2009 at 12:41pm
| I was at Gander Mountian in North Little Rock today picking up some supplies. I seen one of those Enfield Clones, Beware I did not like it. |
Replies:
Posted By: Smokey
Date Posted: March 14 2009 at 7:24pm
|
Cookie Monster,
What didn't you like about it?
Was it poorly fitted, different configuration, finish or what?
|
Posted By: Cookie Monster
Date Posted: March 14 2009 at 10:11pm
| The workmanship looked ok. The one I seen looked to be a No5. What I found was a few things I would have designed differently. For instance the they tried to incorporate the old look of the magazine and trigger guard assembly, in doing so there magazine did not fit in the mag well like the original design. There was a gap around the new mag. Had they of not tried to imitate the Enfields I think it would have been a better rifle. Their mistake in my opinion was most people will compare it to the Enfields which there is no comparison |
Posted By: Schmidlin
Date Posted: March 15 2009 at 12:59am
|
maybe they are going for people to compare it to a enfield and will find it to be better? doubt that can happen..but from a marketing stand point its a gamble. what was the price on it? and what caliber? |
Posted By: Cookie Monster
Date Posted: March 15 2009 at 2:01am
| Price was beyond comprehension. Caliber was .308 Winchester |
Posted By: VAnimrod
Date Posted: March 15 2009 at 2:53am
| Define "beyond comprehension", please. |
Posted By: John Coleman
Date Posted: March 15 2009 at 10:35am
| I believe the receivers (and maybe other parts) are cast in Vietnam. Not too long ago a man in New Zealand said he bought a "new" Enfield in 303 that was from Australia. At first I thought he meant one commercially assembled from Lithgow parts but maybe he meant one of these Vietnam-made ones from an Aussie company. He said the first time he took it out he used S&B 303 ammunition and either one or two shots and the receiver "blew up". I don't remember if he got more than one shot but I know it wasn't more than two shots. He thought it might have been the ammunition or a tight chamber. At first I thought maybe the barrel was blocked but maybe the receiver was defective. I never heard what happened after that or if his internet story was even true. |
Posted By: ArcherSix
Date Posted: March 16 2009 at 5:43am
| That stinks that they're not good rifles. Some day the supply of good milsurp rifles will dry up. One would think that with today's manufacturing methods that classic rifles could be built affordably....Oh well, next month, a Gander Mountain will be opening in my hometown, that gives me a place to eyeball one..... |
Posted By: Nailcreek
Date Posted: March 16 2009 at 11:12am
| I think I've seen them for sale as well. I can't remember the price, but it was near $1,000. I wasn't impressed. The metalwork wasn't that well done and the wood to metal fit wasn't that good either. I thought it very overpriced. |
Posted By: Smokey
Date Posted: March 17 2009 at 7:47am
|
One of our Canadian members got one recently, if I remember correctly in .308.
He stated that it shot extremely well.
|
Posted By: ducaninfrance
Date Posted: March 17 2009 at 8:27am
Take a look at the quality reproductions made by Davide Pedersoli, There is the skill and the interest out there all you have to do is put them together  ------------- Duncan. Peace is that brief, quiet moment in history.......... when everybody stands around reloading. |
ArcherSix wrote:Posted By: Cookie Monster
Date Posted: March 17 2009 at 8:30am
|
Take a look at the quality reproductions made by Davide Pedersoli, There is the skill and the interest out there all you have to do is put them together [/QUOTE] Ducan I have a few of his Black powder reproduction very nice indeed
|
Posted By: ArcherSix
Date Posted: March 17 2009 at 10:24pm
Pederoli makes SMLE repros?
I'm a big fan of Italian 19th century replicas. I've owned 4 different Italian SAAs and an ArmiSport Sharps. Had no idea they were remaking more modern guns....
|
Posted By: ducaninfrance
Date Posted: March 18 2009 at 5:24am
|
Pederoli makes SMLE repros? No but I wish he did - I would buy one tomorrow!  ------------- Duncan. Peace is that brief, quiet moment in history.......... when everybody stands around reloading. |
Posted By: Tony
Date Posted: March 18 2009 at 5:35am
|
Despite what we say about the Italians they do make some really good weapons. I have a Fias shotgun 20 years old bought from new and it's brilliant, recently got a second hand Fias 222 for fox shooting and the workmanship is superb.
------------- Rottie (PitBulls dad.) “If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons Born free taxed to death!!! |
Posted By: Lithgow
Date Posted: March 21 2009 at 8:58am
|
I looked at one of the AIA No4 clones some time ago at my local gunshop. It looked ok and I beleive they are accurate.
Problem I have is that they are about $1000 in Australia and for that money I can get a Weatherby, Savage or any number of other makes of rifle, some with a scope as well.
The AIA clone does not have adjustable trigger.
The one I saw was .308 and I beleive in 7.62x39 they have feeding problems, which the 308 does not have.
They do not come in 303.
All in all, I beleive they are a pretty good bit of gear but overpriced.
|
Posted By: John Coleman
Date Posted: March 21 2009 at 11:41am
| I have seen original Lee-Enfields converted from 303 to 7.62x39 using cut down original 303 barrels and I think AK-47 magazines. I think the first ones I saw were done outside the US and later I saw US conversions. They seemed to feed and work fine. That's surprising the new production rifles for those prices have feeding problems. |
Posted By: maxwell smart
Date Posted: March 23 2009 at 9:22pm
|
I have two of the AIA M10 rifles; 1 in 7.62 x 51 and the other in 7.62 x 39.
Very happy with the finish on both rifles, both shoot well.
The 7.62 x 39 uses 10 round SKK type magazines, feeds flawlessly - even the round nose Highland softpoints don't trouble it. Rifle does not like the milsurp enamelled cases though.
|
Posted By: ArcherSix
Date Posted: April 06 2009 at 3:50am
|
Finally went to the new Gander Mountain here in Springfield, Illinois.
They had one of the AIA Enfields. Looked like a kinda #5. In 7.62x29.
This one...
 It's priced at $699 US. Does seem a little pricey. I think it should be a $500 rifle. Fit and finish seemed on par with a lot of mil spec stuff. The staff didn't seem to know a lot about it. I'm waiting to see one of these puppies in .308
 although I shudder to think what it'll be priced at......
|
Posted By: VAnimrod
Date Posted: April 06 2009 at 7:52am
When/if those show up in the Gander's around here, I'll likely own both. |
Posted By: Richard/SIA
Date Posted: April 06 2009 at 8:45am
|
I was under the impression that these were no longer importable to the U.S. as they are actually made in Viet-Nam? I know a few came in several years ago, I saw them at the SHOT show in LV that year. Wood was great (Special select for the show?), gun was a little clunky looking as they took some short cuts to speed production. A lot of the radius cuts were omitted, making the gun heavier and a bit blocky. ------------- At over $3.00 a gallon for gas, I want it leaded, 100 octane, and my windshield washed! |
Posted By: ArcherSix
Date Posted: April 06 2009 at 10:48pm
|
Maybe these are leftovers from when they were imported?
If that's the case, I'll pass. No parts, and etc. Also, there seems to be NO info on the internet as to an American importer, and very little info at all. There are a few that obviously exist here, so maybe they'll be a coveted collectible in a few years? If you have a Gander Mountain (the only retailer that I have even seen a reference as to having any)in your neck of the woods, go check one out. Gander Mountain is a Cabelas type store based in the midwest, if you don't know.....
|
Posted By: Richard/SIA
Date Posted: April 07 2009 at 3:56am
|
I think Marstar in Canada might still be selling them. Not handy for U.S. consumers, but a possible source of parts. ------------- At over $3.00 a gallon for gas, I want it leaded, 100 octane, and my windshield washed! |
Posted By: airforcediver
Date Posted: April 07 2009 at 8:20am
You are correct Richard, Marstar still has the ability to import them. They usually have a few of them in stock
AFD ------------- If all else fails call in a MOAB and call it a day |
Posted By: Smokey
Date Posted: April 10 2009 at 6:22am
|
Went to the Marstar website:
http://www.marstar.ca/gf-AIA/M10-N4.shtm - http://www.marstar.ca/gf-AIA/M10-N4.shtm
While it's lost the ability to use CHARGER clips, it does have some nice refinements, such as a chromed bore, front sight is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, and a stronger, more massive action. Details: http://www.storm.ca/~aiarms/M10-intro.shtm - http://www.storm.ca/~aiarms/M10-intro.shtm
I wonder if someone could do the cuts for CHARGER clip guides in the reciever bridge? The barrel join to the reciever has adjustable headspacing which is a nice touch.
The reciever will accept surplus Lee Enfield No.4 'ladder' type micrometer sights if you want to replace the dual aperature sight.
I'm starting to think of getting one myself!
At first glance, they did look a little "clunky" to me, but after a closer look, I'm starting to like what I see. The .308 Win is a pretty versatile round, and .308 bullets are readily available with a wide selection. Thinking about it some more, those who want to could rebarrel to something like the 260 Remington. Maintaining the same outer profile gives a thicker, stiffer (but heavier) barrel for competetive shooting. Another re-chamber option is the 30-284 Winchester, or the 7.5x55mm Swiss. You get all this with the fast-cycling Lee-Enfield bolt action.
|
Posted By: 303carbine
Date Posted: April 19 2009 at 7:08am
|
I had one of the M10 B1 Sporters, it was very nicely finished and accuracy was astonishingly good.
The teakwood for the stocks makes them VERY heavy and I wouldn't pack it around hunting anyways. I bought it to try out for myself before offering up any opinions on the accuracy or finish. Someone who wanted it more than me eventually met my price and it got sold, I used that money to buy a nice No4mk1 in original condition. The No4 will get used in the field as where the M10 would have stayed in the safe and something lighter would have been used for hunting purposes.
The AIA rifles are very well built and should do very well in any shooting matches were they are allowed. When it comes down to it, I like the original Enfield in .303 better. The originals have more nostalgia and I have taken more game with it and they seem more like a trusted friend than a rifle to me. My uncle packed a No4mk1 in Korea, he said it was the only rifle he trusted his life with when the bullets and mud started flying. I have taken moose with a few No5mk1's, No1Mk111's and a couple .303 sporter versions, they all performed well without fuss or failure.
|
Posted By: VAnimrod
Date Posted: May 17 2009 at 7:24am
| Well, the Gander here just got one of the 7.62x39 versions in. DAMN, is that thing heavy. Overall, a nice set-up, but for $699............ I gotta think a bit harder on that one. However, something tells me I'll likely end up with it. Just 'cause. |
Posted By: Smokey
Date Posted: May 25 2009 at 9:03am
|
Found some more postings on these rifles:
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2007/10/03/aia-m-10-infomation/ - http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2007/10/03/aia-m-10-infomation/
http://talks.guns.ru/forumguns/show?id=13836 - http://talks.guns.ru/forumguns/show?id=13836
|
Posted By: No4Enfield
Date Posted: January 24 2011 at 10:24am
| Id be interested as virtually all american bolt rifles have NO irons, irks me to no end. I prefer irons on any serious rifle |
Posted By: ArcherSix
Date Posted: January 24 2011 at 12:03pm
|
Savage Scout in .308
Ruger Hawkeyes are available with irons
Remington 700 BDL
Those are all American and current production.
The Savage even has really good sights on it.
BTW, I agree that more should have them. Support your local gunsmith!
|
Posted By: A square 10
Date Posted: January 24 2011 at 12:06pm
|
im on a limb here - i know that , but mimicry is a high form of flattery , so i think the sellers look at those of us that love enfields and believe we will buy anything enfield - even an almost enfield , now history says that we will - the gibbs rifles , the sante fe rifles , its been prove they will make sales , these latter rifles have become collectible - they are revisions of actual surplus enfields , i think we are witnessing the end of these revisions to real enfields [except by a very few who do not see them as historic] and i think they are few today , so thats good for collectors , i also think that we are witnessing an increase of interest by the youth that will but a shiny new one that almost looks the same , but has a nifty tactical look to it and they want to sell to them , these young folks may start here and evolve - maybe not , but its not a bad start - just a really expensive start , i guess where i was going with this was that i think it might create new collectors of those that seek out more information and want to discover the roots , it might hook one of us that just want something to shoot for fun , |
Posted By: Richard/SIA
Date Posted: January 24 2011 at 1:23pm
|
I saw these at S.H.O.T. several years ago. A small number were imported to the U.S. before further imports were banned due to too much Vietcong, er, Vietnamese content. The ones I saw looked a bit clunky. The manufacturers eliminated most of the lightning cuts and curved profiles from the action, probably to cut cost by reducing machine time. Unless there has been a major change in U.S. import regulations, these will not be available here. The few early imports may show up occasionally. ------------- At over $3.00 a gallon for gas, I want it leaded, 100 octane, and my windshield washed! |
Posted By: No4Enfield
Date Posted: January 25 2011 at 2:21am
|
Posted By: A square 10
Date Posted: January 25 2011 at 9:34am
|
dont get me wrong , your not alone , and im not being critical of those that are young , im more feeling my age and hoping there is someone that will care when im gone , its a reflectance thing that comes with age , but i respect everything anyone collects , i commend anyone who knows his mind enough to focus but have no issue with a eclectic collector , lots of what i have is focused , but lots is just something that caught my fancy , i have multiple interests , im proud to admit it - i love my black guns , i shoot three gun when i can -        and im into stuff in the middle too , proud to shoot SASS as well -      and i like my 22s old & new , they are lots of fun to shoot , and a good excuse to take a kid -       but i love my milsurps ........         |
Posted By: White Rhino
Date Posted: January 25 2011 at 9:43am
|
A-Square , I Love to see Your collection ..Hell the Gun Cabinets alone are a treat to see ..!!!!!
------------- "White Rhino" "Everybody's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer." --W. C. Fields |
Posted By: Cookie Monster
Date Posted: January 25 2011 at 10:18am
| Great photos of your equipment A Square 10 |
Posted By: DRC
Date Posted: January 26 2011 at 2:32am
That's not a hobby, not even an obsession. It's a full time occupation! Well done!  ------------- We are the Pilgrims, master; we shall go. Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow. Across that angry or that glimmering sea |
Posted By: hoadie
Date Posted: January 26 2011 at 6:36am
|
Hey! Was that a photo of a "Short lever" Martini?
Hoadie ------------- Loose wimmen tightened here |
Posted By: A square 10
Date Posted: January 26 2011 at 11:23am
no - that is a US govment marked Winchester mod 1885 Winder Musket
Trainer in 22cal short , one of about 11,000 made for the military in
about 1918 ,         this , the belgian FAL you see above [which was one of the few legally imported into the US] and ,        my 1923 enfield mk V , are the only really valuable firearms i own , rest are pretty much average stuff , some are very nice for average stuff , but some are really average stuff , and a few are pretty ratty average stuff ,      one good stuff is the 1910 mole hookie ,  and another good stuff is my albion mkI** ,   i do have a martinni - but its been thru a lot since it was made in 1888 , it went to bonehill to become a 22 cal miniture and then came here to a custom gunsmith to convert to my 12ga trap gun ....         every so often , its fun to post/look thru the photos - who knows how long i may have these , life is so unpredictable , and im getting older , |
Posted By: Jacko
Date Posted: February 05 2011 at 6:36am
|
You won me with the Martini Trap Gun - WOW. From an Aussies point of view reading this post a few comments have me wondering about a non American made biased undertone when it comes to firearms But this is fine - everyone has a right to their opinion and makes judgements on what they have seen as well as national pride.The reality is that the Teak stocks or other bits and pieces not being made in Australia upsets us aswell but the commercial reality of it in Australia is that they have little choice but to do so, to build such a Rifle 100% in Australia would mean it would cost $10 000. As it is some of this range of Rifles cost around $1500 au. Every one of the Rifles I've seen have been very good in fit and finish, the owners have been wrapt in how they shot. We have a different idea of wood to metal fit. To our eyes wood left high is not poor fit and flush leaves zero room to repair chips etc, of coarse excessive gaps are not good. At the time of their release they where a breath of fresh air in our firearms market. A biased Aussies thoughts anywho regards Jacko ------------- "To my deep mortification my father once said to me, 'You care for nothing but shooting, dogs and rat catching, and you will be a disgrace to yourself and all your family.' " -Charles Darwin |
Posted By: Cookie Monster
Date Posted: February 05 2011 at 7:12am
| That is more guns most third world countries have |