Enfield to 7.62x39

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Has anyone ever had this done or knows someone who has? I've read about people converting their Enfield but it seems like something that might cost a lot of money or have more complications to it than it seems at first.

I like the rifle but .303 is a bit pricey for everyday use.

Can anyone recommend a gunsmith (in the western provinces) Who is capable of such a thing?

Thanks
 
I looked into this and its very expensive and very hard to find parts. Sadly its not worth it.

I wish I could have a 7.62x39 enfield. Some times you can buy them since it has been done but they are very expensive.
 
It is easy to convert a Lee Enfield to 7.62x39.
The barrel breech is cut off, and turned into a bushing, threaded internally. Thread the breech of the barrel to suit. Thread it into the bushing, which is threaded into the receiver. Adjust headspace. It is possible to do this without a 7.62x39 chambering reamer, because the front end of a .303 chamber is so similar to the 7.62x39. I have a reamer, so I cut the correct chamber. Doesn't take much reaming. Cut extractor notch.
This produces a single shot rifle.
It is when a magazine fed repeater is desired that the fiddling and experimenting starts.
 
tiriaq said:
It is easy to convert a Lee Enfield to 7.62x39.
The barrel breech is cut off, and turned into a bushing, threaded internally. Thread the breech of the barrel to suit. Thread it into the bushing, which is threaded into the receiver. Adjust headspace. It is possible to do this without a 7.62x39 chambering reamer, because the front end of a .303 chamber is so similar to the 7.62x39. I have a reamer, so I cut the correct chamber. Doesn't take much reaming. Cut extractor notch.
This produces a single shot rifle.
It is when a magazine fed repeater is desired that the fiddling and experimenting starts.
Click to expand...

Correct.
My acquaintance specializes in 9mm, .45, integrally baffled conversions, along with other mag fed rifle round adaptations. This requires a bit more work ;)
 
I have heard of single stack AK magazines being used, although I have never seen one.
It would seem that a common approach is to fit a magazine or adapting parts inside the .303 magazine shell.

There are so many ho-hum non-restorable sported Lee Enfields around that project rifles can be had for nominal cost.
 
Good luck on finding a Norinco 7.62X39 bolt action rifle, though.

I have had a hankering for one for years since they came out, and have only ever seen one at a gunshow in all of those years. I bought it, and paid too much, but I can't take my money with me when I die. (and I don't plan on dying anytime soon)

A buddy had a CZ in 7.62X39 bolt action. Nice little rifle, except for the single stack magazine that sticks out the bottom (Norinco has the same problem)

The LeeEnfield in 7.62X39 would be a nice rifle that doesn't kick much seeing as how heavy the gun weighs.

There is also a copy of the M14 in 7.62X39, but I don't know much about it, other than it has a hefty price tag, compared to a SKS...
 
tiriaq said:
It is easy to convert a Lee Enfield to 7.62x39.
The barrel breech is cut off, and turned into a bushing, threaded internally. Thread the breech of the barrel to suit. Thread it into the bushing, which is threaded into the receiver. Adjust headspace. It is possible to do this without a 7.62x39 chambering reamer, because the front end of a .303 chamber is so similar to the 7.62x39. I have a reamer, so I cut the correct chamber. Doesn't take much reaming. Cut extractor notch.
This produces a single shot rifle.
It is when a magazine fed repeater is desired that the fiddling and experimenting starts.
Click to expand...

This is the best instruction how to do it. Before this, the solution was to cut off about 5/8'' of the breach end and then thread the cut off end to match the tread on the receiver. Your method is the best. You don't have to match thread to the receiver.
I think, OP wanted a challenge, not to buy another rifle in 7.62x39.
WRONG. He's looking for someone else to do it for him.
 
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macds said:
Correct.
My acquaintance specializes in 9mm, .45, integrally baffled conversions, along with other mag fed rifle round adaptations. This requires a bit more work ;)
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure naming Richard and his Special Interest Arms is ok ;) He does excellent work and with the upcoming ITAR changes it won't be too difficult to get him to do the work. (or go via IRunGuns - I seem to recall they announced that they do handle firearms being sent to the US for warranty work/repairs)

He has done a 7.62x39 conversion that takes ak mags not long ago. It just happens to also be suppressed but we can't have that.
 
I have one about 3/4 done #4 with a stainless RKS barrel. all fit up and finished in that respect . now I'm building the mag well and latch I'm using a mini 30 mag. fits in very well with very little machineing
 
Power Pill said:
buy some bulk 7.62x39ammo and pull the bullets. Use the powder and bullets to hand load 303 rounds.
Click to expand...

^^^ this right here has saved me a tonne shooting my custom enfields. A couple or so years back there was discussion on pulling surplus x39 for cheaper .303 range ammo. Canam's contribution was some stuff I wrote down and it helped me immensly.
I also load .303 brit bullets into x39 for a wee bit more punch for close range deer in one of those norinco bush rangers. No load data in front of me but haven't had any issues lobbing 150gr .303SP from that rifle.
 
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