Enfield action for custom build

[mastrmasn]

Real noob question coming.

I have an old enfield which has been sporterized probably in the 50s or 60s. I was wondering if it is worth using the action from the rifle to build a custom rifle ?

Now bear in mind I am fairly new to shooting and have been poking around and seeing a lot of members building their own custom rifles. I have done the research and found that custom actions alone are very pricy for a new guy to try his hand at his first custom build.

So would I be wasting my time if I was to use the action from the Enfield ? Can anything be changed i.e. better barrel ? Better trigger ? Will the action only work on .303 or is the caliber mode dependent on the barrel used ?

 

[antiqueguy]

if the barrel is not cut id leave it alone if it is it may be a good one to play with most would stick to the .303 based wildcats .22-303,.25-303,.338-303,

but theres othe cartidges you can go with .45 acp,.45-70,.410 shotshell,.44-40,.45 colt many options but dont bubba a restorable rifle

 

[mastrmasn]

Bubba a restored ?

It hasn't been restored. It has sat in my fathers closet ever since I can remember and I'm 30, apparently belonged to my grand father before that.

I haven't had the head space checked yet to see if the rifle as is, is safe to fire.

For the calibers you mentioned that involves a barrel change correct ? From what I have managed to learn so far caliber has to do with the barrel ?

 

[mastrmasn]

I've had a friend with lots of experience with rifles give it a once over. We clean the barrel which to his surprise was very very clean for something that sat so long. The only thing he could see was the fore end of the stock was loose and the bolt seemed stripped so couldn't get it tighter. ( Bolt for the sling )

 

[antiqueguy]

Bubba a restored ?

It hasn't been restored. It has sat in my fathers closet ever since I can remember and I'm 30, apparently belonged to my grand father before that.

I haven't had the head space checked yet to see if the rifle as is, is safe to fire.

For the calibers you mentioned that involves a barrel change correct ? From what I have managed to learn so far caliber has to do with the barrel ?

im talking about a restorable rifle if the barrel is not cut and the action as not been mees with leaveit and get a new forend

and yes all of them need to have a new barrel fitted and chambered also the wildcats based off the .303 need to be handloaded

 

[mastrmasn]

I think I'll take your advice and get the forend fixed or changed. Like I said buddy thinks it's perfectly fine to fire he just didn't have the head spacer to check.

Thanks for the info.

 

[englishman_ca]

Lee Enfields can be made to be very accurate. Reloading tools and components are readily available and finding a bullet that performs well with your barrel will give you hours of shooting pleasure. Adjusting powder and charge in handloads makes a significant difference, shooters work up a load for each individual rifle.

Replacement parts are relatively cheap and available. Off the shelf aftermarket stocks both wood and synthetic are yours for the choosing. Many of the custom stock makers have Lee Enfield patterns on hand to make a stock as fancy as you want to afford. Aperture sights, scope mounts, adjustable triggers and accessories abound. So yes, a good choice for getting into custom rifle building. LOTS of expertise on this and other boards too.

I say have at her!

But I must warn you. Onc you get into it, one Enfield is never enough, they seem to multiply quickly and you will need another gun rack!!

 

[mastrmasn]

Well then guys I'll be honest, I'll be looking for all kinds of Enfield advice from now on. I've always loved that rifle in dads closet lol but I will enjoy it even more firing a few down range.

 

[IronCanadian]

Well then guys I'll be honest, I'll be looking for all kinds of Enfield advice from now on. I've always loved that rifle in dads closet lol but I will enjoy it even more firing a few down range.

If you haven't shot it yet, do so before proceeding with any "modifications".

You may just get bit by the Enfield bug and end up with a dozen... or so.

BTW post some pictures for us, we like pictures... of the gun.

 

[mastrmasn]

If you haven't shot it yet, do so before proceeding with any "modifications".

You may just get bit by the Enfield bug and end up with a dozen... or so.

BTW post some pictures for us, we like pictures... of the gun.

The rifle has been with a relative since my dad past away and i'm at day 57 for the PAL wait. The minute the plastic comes in i'm headed there for the rifle. I'll post all the pics you guys want lol.

I may even be able to get some over the week end to post if I can make my way there.

 

[IronCanadian]

Sorry about your dad RIP.

I inherited my dad's No4 MK1 when he passed, it was his hunting rifle from the day he bought it from Sears back in the day.

The action on the Enfield is as smooth as butter and very addictive. Get it, give it a good cleaning to get rid of any crud build up and then get out and shoot it, rinse and repeat.

 

[tommyinbc]

Some good advice has been posted...You also have a family connection with this rifle which (as in my case with Enfield's) means just as much as the rifle itself...My dad passed just prior to xmas, and his rifles/handguns will never be sold....

 

[greyman441]

Here is a No4mrk1 in 308 that I have, didnt do the work till now but im slowly trying to finish it. It is set up for a canwest trigger that I have to pickup. Barrel is free floated with the action bedded.

 

[mastrmasn]

Here is a No4mrk1 in 308 that I have, didnt do the work till now but im slowly trying to finish it. It is set up for a canwest trigger that I have to pickup. Barrel is free floated with the action bedded.

All terms i'm still learning, bedded and so on.

This site sure has been great and although i've yet to shoot any milsurp they definitely are tickling my fancy.

 

[mastrmasn]

One other question particular to the Enfield. I'm lead to believe we are a allowed the original 10 round clips in these ?

 

[Steyr1]

One other question particular to the Enfield. I'm lead to believe we are a allowed the original 10 round clips in these ?

Yes. No problem there

 

[greyman441]

One other question particular to the Enfield. I'm lead to believe we are a allowed the original 10 round clips in these ?

Yes thats true. 10 round mags in Enfields are 100% okay.

 

[woodchopper]

If I was looking to do a custom rig I would not pick an enfield as the receiver. Don't get me wrong I love my enfields and have a nice little selection of them on the shelf. For a custom sporter I would start with a Mauser action or even a Nagant and work from there. Or if you want a single shot a Martini.