Shortening a 303brit barrel

Power Pill

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
166   0   0
Location
ON
I've got a sporterized enfield (no1mk3) and It currently has its original length barrel, but Id like to have it shortened to around 20".

Anyone know if I would run into any major accuracy issues having it shortened that much?
 
My enfield was a factory no1MK3 with no restorable value as it came to me already drilled and tapped and sporterized.
I cut and crowned to 18.5" and grin every time I pull the trigger. She's an exceptional hunting rifle now, with accuracy/groups that exceed my expectations ;)
 
What about the necessity of a higher front sight? Cut the barrel and it isn't just the matter of reinstalling the original sights. They're no longer indexed properly and won't shoot to point of aim any longer.
 
Reinstalling the original front sight base, in the original manner is a bit awkward, given how they were originally fitted. Need a milled slot. Installing a replacement front sight ramp is no big deal. Front sights can be had in whatever height is needed.
 
Mine doesn't have any irons anymore.
I milled a custom scope rail for proper use of a scope.
I've also made my own stock in composite.
I have a longer rail clamped in the mill that will extend and fasten to the barrel much like the ruger scout xs rail. Then I'll use an XS sight rear aperture and will mill up some kind of hooded front sight. Hopefully all this in time for huntin season LOL
 
What about the necessity of a higher front sight? Cut the barrel and it isn't just the matter of reinstalling the original sights. They're no longer indexed properly and won't shoot to point of aim any longer.

On my cut back No4 Mk1 I filed the original site base till it slid back onto the barrel where I filed a slot for the cross pin. Changed the front site's till I got the proper zero at 25m and was done.
 
Where did you guys source the higher front sight blades to fit the original front sight base? I'm thinking about doing a tanker build using a Faz that has a damaged bbl. But is otherwise cherry.
 
What sort of loss in hunting range and velocity could one expect with losing four or five inches?

My 18.5 inch barrelled sporter has serious bullet drop LOL
For this reason I use it as a close quaters deer rifle for ambushing blacktails and as a calling rifle for when I manage to call a bull moose into 150 yards er less.
Have only ever needed one shot with a 180gr pill to get er done.
 
Where did you guys source the higher front sight blades to fit the original front sight base? I'm thinking about doing a tanker build using a Faz that has a damaged bbl. But is otherwise cherry.

I found a complete set of sight blades on ebay a few years back
 
Easy job. You can do it with a hack saw and a hand drill. You also need a muzzle refacing tool, a proper mandrel, and a crown lapping tool. They're all available through Brownell's and aren't that expensive.
Or, if you have good hands, you can cut the barrel, you can use an ordinary drill bit to crown it (but if you can grind one of your own to create a mandrel and a 73 degree angle to crown it), burnish the crown with a brass screw, and face the muzzle with files and emery paper. The way they used to do it. Remember, anything over 800 grit will be hard to blue (too smooth to take the process).
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom