I'm looking at buying one, but found out they come with either a 2 grove or a 5 grove rifling.
How much of a difference does it make when shooting ?
Both pattern were manufactured during the same years of production
well the rifle I'm looking at, Between 1942-45
http://www.ellwoodepps.com/used_RIFLE_PAGE_MILITARY2.asp

This is an old military rifle and cartridge. If you like an accurate rifle you may be disappointed choosing any of those. Not that they will shoot "all over the place", but these are not tack drivers either. Between those two choices, I will select the one with 5 grooves because these tend to be less older than the 2 groove type. Newer rifles tend to be of better metallurgical quality overall. If you just want to be the proud owner of a Lee-Enfield and shoot just for the fun of it, get either one. Both are memorable pieces of history.

Long a discussion among No. 4 shooters, there seems to be little persuasive data that anyone can claim an actual difference in the 2 or 5 groove barrels.

I have both and I will tell you I have shot them side by side with the same quality ammo and showed no difference in results. Both are outstanding shooters, BTW, even though my Maltby has been used hard over the years and the Savage looks new.

As it turns out, the British Armory at Enfield thought the same thing. More grooves do not necessarily make a better barrel.

You need to select your Enfield based on the condition of the grooves, not the number. Some of these guns are well worn.

I bought a few from a distributor recently.....write me if you would like my opinions on the offerings. Bottom line was the American made Savages seem to be in a lot better condition.

The two groove rifling was just as good as the five groove rifling when tested by the British.

The condition of the barrel, not the number of grooves in the rifling, is of importance.

Welcome to the world of Lee-Enfield rifles. :-)