A couple years ago, I sold a handful of rifles to fund a vehicle purchase. It was a terrible mistake, and I knew it at the time, but I found myself between a rock and a hard place and had little choice. Among them were two that I find myself missing quite a lot, a Lee Enfield Ishapore, and a CZ 550 in a full stock in .243. They took turns riding along with me in my truck, both unadorned with optics, just a sling, a full magazine, and a spare box of ammo.
Now, I want a replacement. Both of those rifles have become extraordinarily difficult to find at anything that resembles a reasonable price, if one can find an example at all. And though I loved both those guns, I find myself curious about what else is out there.
So, my question is this: What rifles fit the bill as a suitable replacement? I've got a few requests.
1: Good iron sights. Yes, I understand iron sights are at a disadvantage to an optic in many cases, but I liked shooting them, and shot them well enough for the purposes I was bringing a rifle along for.
2: Reasonable cost. Under $1000 dollars is preferable, though getting near that point, I may as well just bite the bullet and buy another Ishapore.
3: Modern, easy to find, moderate chambering. I liked the .308 and .243, as they shot well with nearly any ammo I fed them, and at the time, ammo for both was plentiful and cheap. I'd prefer not to have to reload for them if possible, but if that's going to be the reality, I'd hope that brass would be relatively easy to come by as well.
4: A full, or nearly full stock. Something about that look just does something for me, despite problems that are possible.
Your recommendations are appreciated gentlemen, and if this request would be better received in Vintage, then I'd happily move it there as well.
Now, I want a replacement. Both of those rifles have become extraordinarily difficult to find at anything that resembles a reasonable price, if one can find an example at all. And though I loved both those guns, I find myself curious about what else is out there.
So, my question is this: What rifles fit the bill as a suitable replacement? I've got a few requests.
1: Good iron sights. Yes, I understand iron sights are at a disadvantage to an optic in many cases, but I liked shooting them, and shot them well enough for the purposes I was bringing a rifle along for.
2: Reasonable cost. Under $1000 dollars is preferable, though getting near that point, I may as well just bite the bullet and buy another Ishapore.
3: Modern, easy to find, moderate chambering. I liked the .308 and .243, as they shot well with nearly any ammo I fed them, and at the time, ammo for both was plentiful and cheap. I'd prefer not to have to reload for them if possible, but if that's going to be the reality, I'd hope that brass would be relatively easy to come by as well.
4: A full, or nearly full stock. Something about that look just does something for me, despite problems that are possible.
Your recommendations are appreciated gentlemen, and if this request would be better received in Vintage, then I'd happily move it there as well.
