Enfield actions.
- Thread starter RT
- Start date
Conversions have been done in quantity on the Number 1 (SMLE) and Number 4 actions, lesser so on the Pattern 1914.
I have also seen .22" conversions done on MLE and Martini-Enfield actions.
At one time you could get conversion units (Morris "Aiming Tubes") to convert the .577 Snider rifles to handle the .297/.230" Morris centrefire cartridges.
I don't know if anyone does this as a regular thing today. It would be monstrously expensive, for starts.
If I wanted one done, likely I would query Ellwood Epps, north of Orillia.
I have also seen .22" conversions done on MLE and Martini-Enfield actions.
At one time you could get conversion units (Morris "Aiming Tubes") to convert the .577 Snider rifles to handle the .297/.230" Morris centrefire cartridges.
I don't know if anyone does this as a regular thing today. It would be monstrously expensive, for starts.
If I wanted one done, likely I would query Ellwood Epps, north of Orillia.
You can buy a No1 or 4 in 22 long rifle so that is you easiest route. If you want centrefire then that's another story. 218 would require a new barrel chambered and fitted to the action of your choice. The Austrailans (Lithgow) manufactured a No1 Sporter in 22 hornet...if you see one of these for sale grab it. The Enfield has also been converted to 222 and 223. I seen 6mm, 25, 35 and 375 calibres....sure folks can add to list. Decide on what you want and set a budget...we'll tell you what you can get. Ron
If you're going to build up a centrefire, you may want to start with a new barrel. Many of the various military .22 conversion used a barrel liner or sleeve which might not stay in place with a higher pressure round. On top of that, the bore diameter and rate of twist might not jive with whatever round you happen to choose.
One final thing - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T CONVERT A GOOD ORIGINAL RIFLE! There are oodles of sporterized rifles around to start playing with. Thank you in advance.
One final thing - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T CONVERT A GOOD ORIGINAL RIFLE! There are oodles of sporterized rifles around to start playing with. Thank you in advance.
Suggest you re-think the whole idea. There are far better actions than any Lee-Enfield action. In any case, to do a Bee or any cartridge these days, you're looking at buying a barrel blank and finding a smithy who is willing to do it and has the tooling to turn the threads. They are not standard threads. Like smellie says, it'll cost a fortune.
