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longsault

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Another Enfield question for the assembled experts...

I've got a sporterized No4 Mk1/2 (M47C). It's been an on-again, off-again deer rifle for years, and now the inevitable has happened--I've decided that it would be nice to return it to its original military configuration. One problem, though--it measures 43.5 inches overall, which would seem to suggest that an inch has been nipped off the end of the barrel.

The question now is: can it be refurbished if it's missing a bit of barrel length, or does this complicate the issue beyond reason?

And a following question: if it's possible to restore it, is it correct to assume that it needs a Mk 2 stock and handguards specifically? If so, how easily is this sort of wood obtained?

Any advice is much appreciated,
LS
 
Hi LS,

Total length: the butt stocks vary in length, so better to measure the barrel itself. Or, simply take a look at the front part of the barrel. You should see the front sight, then in front of that two bayonet lugs, then again in front of that an extra 3/4" (or something close to that) of barrel.

Often, when a No4 is sporterized, the barrel is cut flush (or almost flush) with the front sight. When that happens, in my opinion it's not worth it to refurb that rifle - better to find another sporterized one (there are a few in the EE now, some with all the metal bits). You're right about the forend being specific to the modified trigger of the Mk1/2, Mk1/3 or Mk2.

Lou
 
You can retrofit mk.2 wood to a Mk.1 receiver, but not the other way around (I don't think). The metal accoutrements are the hardest to find, like the barrel bands and screws, and the pesky little ring that harnesses the very rear of the rear handguard. I have a spare set of Mk.1 wood and bands, I'll post some pics when I'm home in a couple of weeks. It's a very rewarding experience to refit an old enfield! Good luck!
 
a picture of the front site and muzzle would answer the question

feN4.jpg
 
That's too bad. That barrel has been chopped, losing its bayonet lugs. When you compare yours to the picture Woodchopper posted, you can see the difference.
 
Yup, the barrel has been shortened.

That said, if the rifling's good, if it's accurate, it's still a great rifle, only it would be best (in my opinion) if it kept on living as a deer rifle.

I have a scoped No4 with a barrel similar to yours, it's quite accurate and fun to shoot. And, i don't mind going in the bush with it, it ain't a $1,000 rifle!

lou
 
Well, that's that, then--no return to its original format. I suppose it could still be done, though it would look a little odd missing the front inch or so from the barrel.

I like the tanker photos. It seems a shame to start cutting up perfectly good wood for the sake of fixing up a sporter. But it's tempting...

Thanks to all for the helpful advice!
 
first time i have seen one beside a SKS. interesting to see they are about the same length.

as far as cutting up a good stock to make it, well, i know someone in the stockmakeing bussiness, who is going to build me some short ones, to....
 
I actually spliced 2 bubba stocks together under the front barrel band, then manufactured teh top wood out of a bubbaed but stock.

there is a thread a few pages back on the build :D

No original good wood was hurt in the making of my tanker :D
 
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