SMLE No.5 Shirley M47C. Where might I find one...?

[TattooedGun]

I don't have a slot to acquire one of these beauties just yet, but I've always been fascinated by the "Jungle Carbine" and if I was going down the path of getting an old rifle, although part of me would like something that could have quite possibly been used in battle in WW2, I think I'd go towards one of these.

Anyone know where I might be able to find nice examples of a Birmingham Made No.5 that's original. that is to say, not a No.4 modded to look like a number 5.

What price range would one expect something like that to fetch.

Why do I want Shirley Made?
Because I live 20 minutes from Birmingham

Also Ammunition, is .303 milsurp still available to get, readily? I've only ever reloaded .223 and .308, but for something like this that would be taken out occassionally I think Milsurp would be more than adequate.

Thanks in advance :)

TG

[Steve E]

Milsurp .303 is likes hens teeth and what is available will be corrosive primed( not a problem), and quite frankly not of good quality.
Privi (PPU) readily available and reloading the brass is the best option.

Where to get a Shirley No5?, just ask the dealers in classic arms to keep an eye open for you. You may wince at the price though.

[snayperskaya]

Pm sent

[saddler]

Not cheap

Last one I saw was about £500, though it was in excellent condition & had not been shot much so had a good bore

[TattooedGun]

I've just been informed of one for £199, but there's at least 3 things that are non-original - flash hider, cheekpiece added to stock and stock collar replaced.

I'm not sure, but if I get one I think I'd like something in good condition that I won't look at and think "I wish I'd gone for something with all the right bits" - if you know what I mean.

I've seen a few but can't recall whether they were FAZ or BSA - Ranging from £500-£750...

As for that being not-cheap. I guess it depends on your definition of cheap. I spent £715 on a HK416 in .22lr that I'd consider cheap, whereas this is a rifle with history and personality, and whilst it might be more expensive compared to a No. 4. that price range doesn't make me wince... :)

[Tommygunn]

I know where there's a Faz made one but I think it's at £850

[TattooedGun]

Fultons appear to have a Faz one also.

I think I'd be persuaded to part with cash for the right looking rifle.... I mean, I know they're there to shoot, but if I found a Faz one with a stock that had a particularly nicely figured grain/flame, then I wouldn't be so picky. but otherwise, BSA for me :)

[DL.]

I've seen a few but can't recall whether they were FAZ or BSA - Ranging from £500-£750...

Let's hope you don't get this one that Ray was selling, because a friend reliably informed me this rifle was a dog.


http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9144

[TattooedGun]

I've seen a few but can't recall whether they were FAZ or BSA - Ranging from £500-£750...

Let's hope you don't get this one that Ray was selling, because a friend reliably informed me this rifle was a dog.


http://www.full-bore.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=9144

Oh Just wouldn't shoot, or some other reason?

I don't get that one too!

[DL.]

Oh Just wouldn't shoot, or some other reason?

I don't get that one too!

Yeah, It spat big groups, the prospective buyer was fed a healthy dose of bull from the seller too.