I took a trip to a militaria store with the intention of buying a No.4 Enfield today, but unfortunately they were no longer in stock and the next best thing was a No.1 Mk3. Not exactly what I had in mind.
However as I was talking to the store owner he commented on how he'd have 8 brand new No.9/10 experimental carbines (all 7.62x39) in stock in the next few weeks, with more to come (5.56mm, .308).
As far as I know 4 each of the experimental rifles were made at the end of WW2, and the Lithgow firearms company here in Australia has decided to manufacture a limited quantity of new rifles.
The great thing about these 7.62x39 carbines is that
-1 they are brand new, not refurbished, sporterised or cut down, but brand new.
-2 they have been made with detachable mags in mind, so no more rimmed .303 stripper clip type hassles.
-3 when I held the No.1 Mk3 is wasn't awkward by any means, but the No.10 carbine was far more comfortable.
I suppose considering that the first rifle I used was a Steyr Aug I have a propensity for carbine length rifles.
Also just the look of a brand new Enfield was so much better than that of a 2nd hand Enfield.
And the shorter barrels (probably 18 inches?) should cause quite a noticeable bark from the 7.62x39
The No.9/10 carbines aren't listed on his website but here's the link anyway - http://www.lawranceordnance.com/
And one final positive point, if the Chinese ever invade Australia I can relieve them of their ammo and use it against them.
However as I was talking to the store owner he commented on how he'd have 8 brand new No.9/10 experimental carbines (all 7.62x39) in stock in the next few weeks, with more to come (5.56mm, .308).
As far as I know 4 each of the experimental rifles were made at the end of WW2, and the Lithgow firearms company here in Australia has decided to manufacture a limited quantity of new rifles.
The great thing about these 7.62x39 carbines is that
-1 they are brand new, not refurbished, sporterised or cut down, but brand new.
-2 they have been made with detachable mags in mind, so no more rimmed .303 stripper clip type hassles.
-3 when I held the No.1 Mk3 is wasn't awkward by any means, but the No.10 carbine was far more comfortable.
I suppose considering that the first rifle I used was a Steyr Aug I have a propensity for carbine length rifles.
Also just the look of a brand new Enfield was so much better than that of a 2nd hand Enfield.
And the shorter barrels (probably 18 inches?) should cause quite a noticeable bark from the 7.62x39
The No.9/10 carbines aren't listed on his website but here's the link anyway - http://www.lawranceordnance.com/
And one final positive point, if the Chinese ever invade Australia I can relieve them of their ammo and use it against them.
