Converting FN49 to .308?

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1

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I picked up a haggard old FN-49 in 8mm not too long ago. managed to get it to what I thought was a decent price for a beat up Fn49, and after a few marathon cleaning sessions the barrel seems to be pitted. It still has strong refiling and the pitting is not bad, however I have not shot it yet so I don't know how it shoots.

Then, I had a thought. If the rifle shoots alright ill leave it as is, but if the barrel is too far gone, would it be possible to have a .308 barrel turned and installed?

I noticed a .308 FN49 conversion on the EE and wondered what the process was. as far as I am aware the head on the 8mm is the same diameter to the .308, and the magazine should not be a problem. So it should just be a matter of a barrel swap.

Anyone know of a converted FN49? If its going to cost thousands ill pass but if it can be done for a few hundred it might be a good way to keep the ol FN49 going.
 
If I were going to attempt something like that, I would start with a take-off sporting rifle barrel. Decent quality for a modest price.
This would be an interesting project, to do oneself. If a gunsmith's meter is running, the project is going to be expensive. There is going to be a lot of tinkering.
Even if the 8m bore is pitted, I bet it will still shoot reasonably well.
 
tiriaq said:
If I were going to attempt something like that, I would start with a take-off sporting rifle barrel. Decent quality for a modest price.
This would be an interesting project, to do oneself. If a gunsmith's meter is running, the project is going to be expensive. There is going to be a lot of tinkering.
Even if the 8m bore is pitted, I bet it will still shoot reasonably well.
Click to expand...

Saw one at a gun show, kind of a Frankenstein looking thing, no attempt at maintaining original appearance, but apparently it can be done. Argentinians did some for their Navy, complete with FAL mags. Wouldn't help the collectivity or value of the piece.

Grizz
 
You can just get brand you barrels in 8mm... I just sold one for 150$, they pop up on gunbroker too, you should be able to import one under 300$ by the time it gets here..
 
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Change the barrel, headspace it and the mag follower. In addition to finding a barrel, you'll need an action wrench that will be a custom made thing. Not likely to be horribly expensive though.
 
if the pitting isn't to bad and there's nothing else wrong I would try shooting it, you might be surprised that it doesn't shoot to bad. Failing that new fn49 8mm barrels use to be quite common. I'd look for one of them first. That's what I did.
 
tiriaq said:
If I were going to attempt something like that, I would start with a take-off sporting rifle barrel. Decent quality for a modest price.
This would be an interesting project, to do oneself. If a gunsmith's meter is running, the project is going to be expensive. There is going to be a lot of tinkering.
Even if the 8m bore is pitted, I bet it will still shoot reasonably well.
Click to expand...

Thats what Im hoping, Ill find out once I can get some 8mm loaded up. Im hoping it shoots alright, I was right stoked to find this rifle and would love for it to be a regular shooter.
 
NOS 8mm barrels are reasonably common - both here and stateside. At worst you'd need some different locking shoulders to headspace in 8mm. I gave tje 308 idea some thought and it just made more sense to go a different route.
 
So I finally was able to load up some 8mm for a function test. Loaded up a random handful of mid load ammo and took her out just for a function test. Once I got the gas sleeve figured out to the point it would no longer stovepipe, it would toss the brass a goof 8 feet forward. I wish I loaded up a few more rounds as it is a fun rifle. I was just doing a function test so accuracy was not a main concern.

As for the bore, it look substantially better with a few rounds down. What I thought was pitting now looks like some minor frosting. Brightened right up too.

I have a some varying loads ready to go to find what it likes. Hopefully the right load will make this a decent shooter.
 
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