P14 Enfield, M1917 Enfield, Remington Model 30 and Remington Model 720

O

Omenator

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I'm wondering what the availability of these rifles (P14 Enfield, M1917 Enfield, Remington Model 30 and Remington Model 720) is like in Canada?

I previously started a thread asking about CRF rifles with about 30-06 length magazines that would handle belted magnum cartridges and one of the posters asked if I'd considered the P14 Enfield and variants. I did some looking around, but I'm still wondering what is all involved with converting one of the above to a belted magnum? It seems these rifles are sometimes used to make sporters chambered in the full-length magnums, 375 H&H and larger. But I'm not sure if the process is different between a 30-06 and 375 H&H length magnum conversion?
Anything in particular to look for when buying a conversion to say 7mm REM MAG or 300 WIN MAG?

Pictures of factory Remingtons or sporter conversions would be great, as would general comments on how you like them.
 
Look around for a Century Centurion, which were either P14s which came in 7mmMag, or the P17s which came in 300WM. Century did the conversions, which included any boltface and extractor work, magwell and feed ramp work as well.
 
Sported P14s and M1917s are plentiful and not expensive. Lots of work, though. For a rifle action worth building on, look for one sported by BSA. Receiver is already recontoured and drilled and tapped.
Model 30s turn up from time to time. Probably more expensive than one of the BSA conversions. The Model 30 receiver isn't much different from the BSA.
Model 720s are rare. Very limited production. Excellent rifles, though.
 
Did some reading in the book Bolt Action Rifles about the Remington 30 and 720 sporters, only Remingtons I'd ever buy unless I got a really good deal (where'd I leave my Nomex...).
I find these rifles neat as they were really one of the first modern bolt action sporting rifles made in North America.

The safety mechanism looks interesting, does it pull the firing pin off the sear as well as lock down the bolt when on safe?
 
Omenator said:
I would wonder about the quality of the conversions done by Century, the finished rifles look pretty rough.
Click to expand...

Meh, the finish was cheap and reflected in their price of less than 300$s. The mag well was a drop in, you used to be able to buy the parts needed for a conversion from WPG (IIRC), and Century did all the work, and the new bits, and the B&C stock for pennies. If it was me I would get a p17 in 300wm, and pop the barrel, then get a new one.
 
I've got a couple converted into magnums (375 Wby and 475 Ackley). Can't take pictures though sorry. They weren't that much work in regards to feeding. I also had one in 300 H&H for a while, less mods, the H&H case slides up and in a little easier. Had an action that I eventually traded off that was set up for 416 Rigby, that one had a lot of mag work. They're good guns, but they do take a lot of work. - dan
 
Omenator said:
Did some reading in the book Bolt Action Rifles about the Remington 30 and 720 sporters, only Remingtons I'd ever buy unless I got a really good deal (where'd I leave my Nomex...).
I find these rifles neat as they were really one of the first modern bolt action sporting rifles made in North America.

The safety mechanism looks interesting, does it pull the firing pin off the sear as well as lock down the bolt when on safe?
Click to expand...

The safety draws the cocking piece back off the sear, and locks the bolt.
 
Concerning the M720, there were only about 4000 made, and there might be 10 in Canada and some might have been buggered with. Rare.

M30's are more common, but again, finding an example in original condition will be a challenge. I only recall one ever being sold on CGN. Scarce.

As for P14's and P17's, they are numerous in modified form but unmodified examples come up for sale several times/year here on CGN. Common.
 
I was looking around the 'net and found this for sale at Maynards auction coming up this weekend:
<http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com/asp/fullcatalogue.asp?salelot=212+++++++79A&refno=+++80529&image=0>
80529.jpg

80529_view%2002_02.jpg

80529_view%2003_03.jpg


I'm at a bit of a loss as to what it is exactly, it has a bolt handle like the Remington 720, but it isn't that as the bolt release is different and it's missing the mount holes for the receiver sight. Any way to identify what it is without an in-person close-up examination? And what would you look for?
I'm guessing it's a modified M1917 Enfield as it's in 30-06, but I don't know if there are any clues as to whether it was a P14 Enfield.
 
I just finished the first part of my project on my P14.

I have a few threads on this rifle already, but here is a picture of it so far.
It is in 303 British still.

 
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That looks great! What is the magazine box internal length on that?
I'm looking at a couple that just popped up on the EE and the wheels are spinning regarding possible chamberings...
 
Omenator said:
I was looking around the 'net and found this for sale at Maynards auction coming up this weekend:
<http://auctions.maynardsfineart.com/asp/fullcatalogue.asp?salelot=212+++++++79A&refno=+++80529&image=0>
80529.jpg

80529_view%2002_02.jpg

80529_view%2003_03.jpg


I'm at a bit of a loss as to what it is exactly, it has a bolt handle like the Remington 720, but it isn't that as the bolt release is different and it's missing the mount holes for the receiver sight. Any way to identify what it is without an in-person close-up examination? And what would you look for?
I'm guessing it's a modified M1917 Enfield as it's in 30-06, but I don't know if there are any clues as to whether it was a P14 Enfield.
Click to expand...
The custom p17 I had was very similar to the one you posted. It was chambered in 300 nm



I was told that the knob was cut off and welded back on with the hollow end going into the hand.
 
I have seen a few M30's for sale in the EE over the years but sadly just after I payed off some other bills, doh! (>_<).
:p
 
I have 2 model 30 Rem Express's, the first I bought was a factory custom rifle with only the reciever being D&T'd the only alteration . I wish I could post cell pictures, as that's the extent of my Teck ability &#55357;&#56852;. It is set up with peep sights and shoots 180 grains real well , has to numerous custom shop features to describe , great looking rifle ! The next model 30 express I recieved had been rebarrel'ed ans still pristeen bore, the stock is in very bad shape, not servicable for hunting use. I bought this one to rebarrel to 9.3x62, and have 90% of all the parts I need to complete . I really like this robust action with the dogleg bolt handle, good for war great for a custom rifle for us nostalgic hunters!
I would love to see and shoot one in 404 Jeffrey, must be wonderful&#55357;&#56845;
I would choose a Rem 30 if your doing a 30-06 based sporter to keep future value , but there's nothing wrong with a converted BSA action for working rifle with not much expense .
Great thread!
Dale Z
 
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