Contemplating purchase of Parker-Hale 2-band Enfield replica

[tjtM38]

My local gun dealer acquired a Parker Hale 2-band Enfield rifle in .58 cal that has been fired little. The metal finish is exquisite. The wood is very good with some minor scratches on the finish. The bore is very clean; looks almost unfired. I think it was used in reenactments locally and has been fired little. The only one I have seen on Gunbroker was selling for $1300. He is willing to sell this one to me on quick sale for $800. Given my description (sorry; no pix yet), what do you all think of this price?

[desdem12]

Have not seen a parker but there is a couple at the pawn shop here for 400. Not sure of the brand on them. One is a 2 band and the other I would have to look again at. I am sure the parker is worth more then those for sure. The replica springfield trap doors are going for over 1500.

[tjtM38]

I'm finding there are wide variations in the manufacture protocol of these rifles. Some were made totally in England, some were assembled in Italy using English mad barrels, and some later ones are made totally in Italy using the Parker Hale name. I've got to find out what the LGS really has.

[desdem12]

Wow. Sounds interesting.

[tjtM38]

I went back to the LGS and carefully inspected the rifle. It looks unfired, or at least, I can see no evidence of firing. There is no leading in the barrel, the plug is shiny and the rifling is clear and shiny. Some other details:

- PH with crown aft of the lock; "Enfield 1958" nicely stamped on the forward portion of the lock.
- Barrel has several British proof marks and another BP with a crown on aft portion of barrel
- Barrel marked with lettering "Parker Hale Birmingham England" and I think "LTD" at the end
- Serial number 2659 indicating first series of prodution in the early 70's when all rifles were made in Birmingham, England
- Stock has Parker Hale cartouche on the right side just forward of buttplate
- Stock has some marring on the right side of the stock as if the weapon has been carried and rubbed against equipment. It is not unattractive; just noticable. I believe it has been carried and displayed in reenactments, but not used extensively for anything else other than display or storage in a non-moisture environment. The rifle is well taken care of and the blue finish is perfect.

I asked the LGS if I could return the rifle if I found any marks during disassembly that indicated other than British manufacture. The price is 800 plus MS tax. I will post pics when I get it home.

[desdem12]

[rio nueces]

You will regret it if you don't buy it.
Absolutely wonderful rifles.