Interesting Milsurp Conversion

[cantom]

Just passing along info to narrow down the search.

I'm now wondering if there are bolt heads for sale in Auzzie land that have already been modified for .223?

Then one would just need a barrel no?

Mind you the 7.62x39 version would be even easier.

I think buying a new AIA repeater in one of the two calibres would be the way to go...

 

[John Sukey]

Thats a very nice looking rifle, but the forend is FUGLY.

 

[LocknLoad]

Well, if the rifle turns out to be accurate, I will probably change the forearm to something that looks better and bed it to the action properly. Its a wonder that someone in Canada wouldn't make a barrel for a #4 action the the headspace can be easily adjusted. Might be something to think about since there alot of #4 actions around and all kinds of calibres to consider that give reasonable pressure that the action and bolt can handle.

 

[Alan-De-Enfield]

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/no4223/index.asp

Heres a link to Enfield 223 conversions in Australia

 

[tiriaq]

... Its a wonder that someone in Canada wouldn't make a barrel for a #4 action the the headspace can be easily adjusted. Might be something to think about since there alot of #4 actions around and all kinds of calibres to consider that give reasonable pressure that the action and bolt can handle.

It is a matter of cost and market size. For really easy rebarrelling, the barrels could be supplied with a Savage style locknut. With that, and the various boltheads, installing a replacement barrel would be easy as it gets. Let's face it, there aren't many centrefire rifles cheaper than a bubba'd Lee Enfield. And the ones professionally worked over and restocked are quite attractive sporters. For repeaters, most anything based on .303 or .30-40 would work. These variants go as small as .22, and up to at least .375; a .40 should be possible. .444 Marlin comes to mind, and .45-70 can be done. As far as single shot rimless conversions go, the sky is the limit, from .22h on up - as long as the cartridge does not produce back thrust greater than the .303. Rimless repeaters can be a bit of a challenge, but they have been done.
But it really boils down to cost. Not many folks want to spend money on a rifle that my be worth less than the total investment, unless they are very lucky.