Custom SMLE gunmaker question.
- Thread starter SuperCub
- Start date
We may have to work something out , thanks for the offer brother .
I have a ROF(F) No.4Mk.2 just sporterized enough (not by me) to prevent restoration. When I heard of this cartridge I heard it fits the No.4's magazine well enough and I decided if I live long enough this No.4 will will be a H&H .375 FNE. (I haven't lived long enough yet, but haven't given up, either.)
I've got a ROF(F) No4Mk1 action that's in great shape . It's a tight action with a 0 bolt head with no over rotation . Like yours , it's been sitting for years waiting for the right cartridge to come along . I have to admit , the 375FNE is about perfect . The most difficult part would be finding reamers . Back when Ardent was looking at building a 375 Rimless NE ( 9.5X57 MS ) , I looked for a reamer set for months unsuccessfully and eventually gave up . Fortunately , Ardent is made of sterner stuff and did build his 375 Minimum , I've been envious ever since . I think I'll drop him a line and see if he knows of a source for a 375FNE reamers . If he does , I think I'll do it . I'd make the reamers available to anyone here if they wanted them to build their own . If anyone else knows of a set or a smith who could do it , I'd appreciate any help .
The gentleman in OZ passed away but someone has taken on his machines and patterns I believe and is or will be producing again.
The Parker Hale sporters are pretty decent; they were put together by old boys who knew what they were doing and had lots of stock to choose from.
A No4 action just doesn't look right for a classic sporter IMHO, unless milled down and that's a lot of messing for something that doesn't look as good a LE MkI. Can be done though:
Sort of. Same diameter and thread pitch. No. 4 barrels generally index, not so much with SMLEs. No. 4/SMLE indexing is 180 degrees off.
For a classic sporter, the more slender SMLE barrel would be my preference. Plus the exterior machining is generally smoother, and the muzzle end doesn't have the different diameters and lugs.
The MLE barrel breech does contribute to the classic look. Harder to find with a fine bore. One with a poor bore would be a great candidate for a rebore to .35, .375. That would also lighten it a bit.
A tang safety adds an interesting custom feature. Very simple in concept. All the working parts are attached to a small plate inlet into the top of the wrist. Thumbpiece slides back and forth in a narrow slot, a flat detent spring engaging a crosspin for clicks. A rectangular finger is pinned to the thumbpiece. It passes through a nicely fitted matching hole in the wall of the butt socket. Pushed forward, the bar engages the sear, blocks it from being drawn down to release the cocking piece. Sliding to the rear withdraws the blocking bar. Similar motion to cocking a hammer.
A tang safety adds an interesting custom feature. Very simple in concept. All the working parts are attached to a small plate inlet into the top of the wrist. Thumbpiece slides back and forth in a narrow slot, a flat detent spring engaging a crosspin for clicks. A rectangular finger is pinned to the thumbpiece. It passes through a nicely fitted matching hole in the wall of the butt socket. Pushed forward, the bar engages the sear, blocks it from being drawn down to release the cocking piece. Sliding to the rear withdraws the blocking bar. Similar motion to cocking a hammer.
Aftermarket sporting rifle barrel blanks in appropriate calibers are readily available.
Preturned unfinished stock blanks would really help with getting the lines right.
Any number of bubba'd sporters from which to source the actions.
Preturned unfinished stock blanks would really help with getting the lines right.
Any number of bubba'd sporters from which to source the actions.
Aftermarket sporting rifle barrel blanks in appropriate calibers are readily available.
Preturned unfinished stock blanks would really help with getting the lines right.
Any number of bubba'd sporters from which to source the actions.
Preturned unfinished stock blanks would really help with getting the lines right.
Any number of bubba'd sporters from which to source the actions.
A2...........Talk to Dave Kiff at PT&G, he'll make you any reamer you want. He has made several for me........but then so did Clymer and JGS make me custom reamers. Pick one and just give them the drawing of what you want and 3-12 months later you have it in your hand.
Thanks for the heads up c-fbmi . Pmatuk pm'd me to say that Quantum Machining in Whitehorse purchased Bevan's tooling from the estate sale . I've found my 375FNE reamers ! I'll be contacting them in the new year to see when they have some shop time . Excellent , I love a good project . Thanks to all .
The tang safeties are nice, but maybe a little to easy to push on and off. Fact is the Lee Enfield safety is probably already the best ever fielded on a service rifle. If that's not enough you've got half-#### which is probably even better for a hunter who wants to have one round in the chamber while on the move.
The tang safety is a nice touch , but I'll stick with the issue one . I've carried No1's and 4's for over 40 years , I'd probably reach for the issue one out of habit . I find the P-14 , M-17 safety a little more user friendly , but that's just me .............. I've got a P-14 action laying around doing nothing too ............ great , maybe I should start another thread .
RRCo , funny you mention the half #### . My late father , a WW2 and Korean war vet ( British Army ) used it a lot when in service . My Uncle Denis , a Chindit , preferred it as well . A little side note , my Uncle carried a No 5 in the late stages of the war , he loved it . He's the only man I've ever known that actually used one in combat . Sadly , he's gone too , not many of that generation left .
RRCo , funny you mention the half #### . My late father , a WW2 and Korean war vet ( British Army ) used it a lot when in service . My Uncle Denis , a Chindit , preferred it as well . A little side note , my Uncle carried a No 5 in the late stages of the war , he loved it . He's the only man I've ever known that actually used one in combat . Sadly , he's gone too , not many of that generation left .
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