Sort of got to wondering if there have been any British Enfields converted to big calibers.

Seems to me that with a super quick bolt throw, it wouldn't be a bad action if it could be chambered into something big.

-Spencer

you mean lee enfields?

as long as it's a LOW PRESSURE round, and basically fits the bolt and magizine, you can get away with it.. 45/70 comes to mind..

but but but but

that is not the most open to mods or rigid action... think licorice

jeffe

I've got an article around here, maybe from Rifle magazine, about converting one to 45-90

I know of several 45/70 made form #4 mk 1 actions .
One is in my safe.
The smith that did my work said marlin loads or less.

Johnch

Custom Enfields makes them in calibers upto 405 Winchester. More experienced members may correct me if I am wrong, but historically they were made as sporters in the 375 Flanged.

Good hunting!

When modern rifles were hard to get in Australia after WW2, SMLE's were converted from .303 into .25/303, .270/303, and .375/303s among others.

I've seen #4s converted to 45-70 & I once fell heir to a PAT14 that had been convetted to .458win . but I do'nt think I'd do to much with a #3 action

I have shot a mates custom .44/303 a few years ago on a Lithgow No1 MK 111 action and he was using Hornady 265g bullets and I have heard a 'smith converts No4 actions into .405Win which would make a interesting rifle.

Try looking here

http://www.gibbsrifle.com/sport.html

IMO the Gibbs 45/70's are a poor excuse for a rifle .
I have seen better work done in Highschool shop class.
The gun shot I go to ordered 1 for stock a while back . He sent it back to the supplyer the next day.

Johnch

The No4 Mk 1 and 11 actions convert to .375Winchester (or .38-55) and also to .444 Malin. If you get a K mag designed for the 7.62 converted rifles they seem to work better in .444 than the regulatr .303 mags (or at least it did in the one I have seen)

I agree on those Gibbs rifles.
You really could do as good a job as that with a 10th grade shop level.

Here is an interesting question:

If you were to grind off the big 'hump' on the side, you know the big arch over the top of the action, would that really take away from the stiffness of the guns?

-Spencer

Answered my own question:

The stripper clip guide is riveted onto the action, and therefore does not add to the integrity of the gun.

So, you could drill out the rivets, and have yourself an action, albeit not super strong, which could handle cartridges about 4" in length if you modify the bottom, and magazine etc.

If you were to leave the configuration original, and I tested this, 405 Wincheter fits and feeds perfectly well from the regular 10 round Enfield magazine. It also fits into the striiper clips!

Imagine having 5 to 10 rounds of 405 winchester at your immediate disposal, plus 'backups' loaded nicely 5 at a time in stripper clips.

Why hasn't this been done?

-Spencer

Ooh. Ooh. Plus it would be a controlled feed action.

BTW- Please tell me if I am wasting my time dreaming about this.

-Spencer

Yes stop wasting your time, it is a low pressure, rear locking lug action.
Use a modern action, if you really want to use an old military action try a p14 or 1917 Enfield that has the ears taken off already.

quote:

Originally posted by 416SW:
Yes stop wasting your time, it is a low pressure, rear locking lug action.
Use a modern action, if you really want to use an old military action try a p14 or 1917 Enfield that has the ears taken off already.

I agree with 416SW.

As somebody who has reloaded for a Lee Enfield, take it from me that they are stretchy actions. Even with moderate pressure loads (and in a rifle with tight headspace which most don't have!) you don't get many loadings from a case.

A great military action, but I think you are trying to make a silk purse from a sow's ear here...

Just my opinion of course...

jpb