Long Lee barrel who can make one?

J

Joe Turner

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Atascadero, California USA
I have a Long Lee parts rifle. All the basic parts do not match butare in very good condition except for the barrel which has a rotted out bore. It slugs out at.320 and is heavily pitted except for the chamber. Does anyone make reprduction barrels for rilfes like this? It seems that original shooters barrels are very hard to come by and a one month search has turned up nothing yet. Further search has revealed that there are not many 30 inch barrel blanks out there either, especially in .303. Comments, opinions? I have been told that lining is out of the question. For me it is not a matter of collectibility as much as shootability. I would prefer a US source if there is an issue of having the barrel made in Canada and shipping it here. Thanks in advance for any help you may provide. Joe
 
If the rifle is to be primarily a shooter, that looks like a correct vintage MLE, rebarrelling would be a possibility. 30" barrels are made by all the folks who make target rifle barrels, so the length would not be a problem. .303 might be - so use a .30 calibre barrel, and chamber it for .30 - .303; .303 case necked and throated for a .308 bullet. Its been done, I've seen a No. 4 set up this way. Or, go with a .30 barrel, and chamber it for .30-40. This has also been done. You will have to find a barrel maker who is prepared to turn a custom contour.
 
Bevan King makes excellent .311 barrels, and has a profile duplicator to match the contour of you barrel if you send it to him.

I know several guys who have had 303 barrels made by him. I had him rebarrel a M10 Ross sporter for me and it shoots like a match rifle.

As well, his 303 Br chambering reamer is the correct dimension. Fired cases from the Ross look absolutely perfect. No oversize bulging of brass or blown-ahead shoulder like you get in most wartime production rifles.

He is winding things down, but he has a soft spot for anyone needing a 303 barrel. :)

He is in Pouce Coupe, BC. Give him a shout at 250 786-5200.

Ted
 
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Ted and Tiriaq! Thank you for your replies. Both have merits. My first preference is to go original caliber, original profile. Second choice seems to be original profile, .308 bore. I will contact Mr. King and see if his soft spot is still operating. As usual the folks on canadiangunnutz have really helped me out. Thank you! Joe
 
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