Enfield 1897 trainer

kjohn

kjohn

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
172   0   0
Location
SE Sask.
I have been following the thread: Small bore Lee-Enfield SHT 22 MKIV* with interest. I didn't want to hijack that thread, so I started another here. I have an old timer made into a trainer.

On the Rh wrist socket: V.R. Enfield 1897 L.E. I 1. These are stacked one beneath the other. On the LH socket: N SHT'22 II, again stacked.

The poor old thing is not matched, but has a good bore. Magazine that came with it has a follower with a hole for the empty casing to fall through. It has volley sights and the front sight guards and the front band is typical for an 1897. I think I posted this one a while back. I shall have to take it over to our indoor range and give it a workout.

Some pics of the markings:

View attachment 63961View attachment 63960View attachment 63959View attachment 63957View attachment 63958
 
Wow, what kind of camera are you using to get those close ups?

I'll jump in. Not hijacking, just adding some trainer stuff, I have 4 .22 projects on the go

IMG_2657_zpsbcg4eedd.jpg


I have a .22 trainer project to show you, with a twist. It is a bit of a Frankenfield.

IMG_2656_zpsiepfhbgp.jpg


I have put this one together in some genuine Lee Speed wood. The wood set is supposed to be for patterns for my duplicator, so a new set for it will be forthcoming, but in the mean time...

IMG_2660_zpselhbni6s.jpg
IMG_2663_zpsmo1a30nc.jpg
IMG_2659_zpsdtqtagrr.jpg
IMG_2658_zpsjuss5gfq.jpg

The good is that the bore is in decent shape. One piece barrel, no liner. The bad is somebody drilled and tapped for a Weaver TO-1 scope mount rail, and didn't do a very good job. I can plug the holes and make them disappear with weld, but look where the Canadian ownership marking is placed! Right in between the two holes in the receiver ring. Doh!

Here is where is gets interesting. The chamber has been reamed for .222 Remington.
IMG_2664_zpsvw85gkgq.jpg
IMG_2665_zpsxyysdoo1.jpg
IMG_2666_zpsris7jzct.jpg



I have been working on functionality. It is head spaced, it fires. With a little rework on the .22 No.2 extractor, the empty cases drop into the empty mag casing on withdrawing the bolt, every time, just like the spent cases on a C No.7. I fitted a striker spring lighter than standard military which has made an incredible difference. The action is smooth and easy to work. The trigger is two stage, light with a crisp and predictable let off.

Now I am working on a sighting system. I have an old Alaskan scope that would fit the bill, but I have not resigned my eyes to optics just as yet. I will try a peep sight with an adjustable iris. So I am on the hunt for a Parker PH5a and I am not sure as to what I will mount up front. Anybody have any suggestions? I will be using this for varmints around the farm out to 200 yards.

Not too sure as to why I do this. I am probably spending $600 to build a $300 rifle.
 
Last edited:
kjohn said:
I have been following the thread: Small bore Lee-Enfield SHT 22 MKIV* with interest. I didn't want to hijack that thread, so I started another here. I have an old timer made into a trainer.

On the Rh wrist socket: V.R. Enfield 1897 L.E. I 1. These are stacked one beneath the other. On the LH socket: N SHT'22 II, again stacked.

The poor old thing is not matched, but has a good bore. Magazine that came with it has a follower with a hole for the empty casing to fall through. It has volley sights and the front sight guards and the front band is typical for an 1897. I think I posted this one a while back. I shall have to take it over to our indoor range and give it a workout.

Some pics of the markings:
Click to expand...

Do you have an overall pic of this rifle?
 
Englishman-ca, nice project. A little bubba-fied but not a bad round to settle on IMO.
I have a 222 rifle on the Remington 788. And a superbly accurate varminter it is.

One word of advise for when you get it operational. Pick up some bullets designed for the 22 Hornet. At 222 velocities these are very destructive on small and mid sized vermin.
 
Very nice kjohn, complete with its rear handguard. Looks to be all there and in nice shape. Its a beauty!

Your bunny ears are on backwards.


These are my two Sht.22 Mk.II trainers. They need handgards to be complete.

IMG_2865.jpg

IMG_4505_zps0a2d3b52.jpg


Top one built on an 1892 Enfield MLM Mk.II, bottom one built on 1901 Sparkbrook MLE Mk.I*

And ya Brutus, I just looked in my reloading manual, loads listed to push those 40 grain pills at 3700 fps.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2865.jpg
    IMG_2865.jpg
    80.7 KB · Views: 5
Last edited:
englishman_ca.: Nice rifles! I love those old-timers. I have some old pelters from the 1800's, some for parts and one that would be a shooter, all sportered. Can't change that, so no use whining.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom