What use is a DRCA Barreled Action?

Ganderite

Ganderite

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Farm south of North Bay
I have a DCRA rifle (#4 in 308) barreled action. The barrel is a medium weight Ferlach - not a LongBranch.

I have lots of better target rifles, so don't need to make a #4 target rifle with it.

I was thinking of cutting the barrel off at about 20" and putting wood on something like a #5 carbine. I made a similar carbine for my son, using a cut off LongBranch barrel. It has a Monte Carlo butt on it which lines up nicely with the scope. It is quite accurate, and accurate guns intrigue me.

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I once made a 20" hunting rifle using an old target rifle barrel. It is not too heavy, carries well and is a good shooter. This barrel on the #4 is a bit lighter than that, so should work. I would have to ream out the barrel channel a bit in the wood, but that is easy. I would start off with a floated barrel.

I have a 308 extractor for the bolt, if it needs one and might have a 308 magazine in my junk bin.

Anyone got a better idea of what to do with it? I need a Monte Carlo butt.
 
Yes, kick is an issue. I cannot enjoy a M44 MN with surplus ammo. It kicks too hard.

This will have the heavier barrel, so would not be as light as a #5. That might help. But the main thing about my 308s is that each gets its own special load. This one will get a load strong enough for 300 yd plinking, but mild to the shoulder. Typically, about 36 gr 4895 with a 150 gr bullet.
 
What your describing doing to your Enfield at a fraction of the cost with a easier and lighter bolt lift.
(repeat after me, I'm a cheap bastard and can do it for much less) ;)
(or send it to me and let "ME" be the cheap bastard) :D

Model 700 SPS Tactical $659.99 U.S.

The Model 700 SPS Tactical is a highly maneuverable member of the family, built for tack driving accuracy with a 20" heavy-contour tactical-style barrel and dual-point pillar bedding in its black synthetic stock. Hogue® overmoldings on the stock facilitate sure handling, and it has a semi-beavertail fore-end for added stability off a rest. Chambering includes 223 Remington and 308 Win.

And remember if you put the salt licks and feed piles 5 feet apart you don't have to do a ladder test or worry about range estimation. :rolleyes:

 
cantom said:
You'll know this already, but a 20" will kick a lot harder than the full length barrel does. Just like a Jungle Carbine. Not sure why but they sure do.
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Lighter bullets and faster powder solve hard kicking, look at the chart below, 95% of the powder is burnt at 1.75 inches and it is all burnt at 2.4 inches. My .44 magnum has a 5 inch barrel and this type load turns it into a pussycat. For target practice 5.5 grains of Titgroup and a 240 LSWC turn it into a kitten. ;)

Speer reloading manuals have reduced loads for the .308 and .303 British. If I want to spend all day at the range with my Enfields I shoot reduced loads shooting .312 100 grain pistol bullets that turns the "hard" brass butt plate into soft butter. :D

 
Ganderite said:
So I think you are agreeing that this is a reasonable thing to do with a DCRA action fitted with a non-DCRA barrel?

If it had the original, intact barrel, I would put full wood back on it.
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Ganderite

On this side of the border I have never seen a .308 Enfield other than photos, you do not have the rest of the rifle and if you restored it it would be a home made bitzer replica. Your Canadian replies here would carry more weight, "BUT" it depends on what "YOU" want to do.

I have never met a Canadian on this side of the border who was deported from Canada for sporterizing a Enfield rifle. If it makes you happy then turn it into what "YOU" want, it will never be an all original DRCA .308.

Then again if you send it to me you wont have to think about it any more and you Canadians could hate me for cutting the barrel to 20 inches. :D
 
Go for it i say. I haven't had one in 308, not my favorite round anyways. I have owned many 303's and didn't keep any of them cause they had minute of sheet of ply wood barrels. An ugly rifle that won't shoot is an even uglier rifle. Let the flaming begin, just my opinion and worth what it cost.cou:
 
Lee Enfield vary from fresh from the factory wrap (I have two and they shoot very well) to well used and abused shot-out hulks.

I am not concerned about making this project rifle shoot well. I have tuned up a number of #4s for serious competition work. I used one in Bisley in '84. Missed the bull twice that week at long range. I used a #4 single shot in a one piece stock. That was with issue 7.62 issue ammo.

I am thinking of put a L rear peep on it, and issue front sights. Zeroed at 100, the long range peep would be around 300-400 yards, I guess.
 
Just found this picture. I shot some 308 target ammo in it and got a good group. If a milsurp can tell the difference between good ammo and mediocre ammo, it is a good rifle. This one has a cut down (21") DCRA barrel. My barreled action has a heavier target rifle barrel. So might do even better.

CARBINEAMMOTEST4_zpsc7151045.jpg
 
I would definitely make a neat little scout rifle out of it. However I would keep the barrel around 22 inches. Post some pics when you get a chance.
 
Ganderite said:
Just found this picture. I shot some 308 target ammo in it and got a good group. If a milsurp can tell the difference between good ammo and mediocre ammo, it is a good rifle. This one has a cut down (21") DCRA barrel. My barreled action has a heavier target rifle barrel. So might do even better.

CARBINEAMMOTEST4_zpsc7151045.jpg
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If it shoots that good, why change anything?
 
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