Re: What caliber for 1917 enfield custom big bore

12 November 2004, 07:45

500grains

Ray,

By your logic, all Enfields in 30-06 need to either be converted to 505 Gibbs or the like, or tossed out. But a lot of people just plain like the Enfield action. Personally I would prefer a properly done Enfield to a model 70 any day.

12 November 2004, 07:41

Lee Martin

I agree with Ray. The action is too large for a standard-size magnum round. Back in '99 I did a .510 Wells on one and it turned out to be a good shooter (.460 brass is available and it's easy to form).

Lee Martin
www.singleactions.com

12 November 2004, 05:34

North_GA_Airedales

Does the bottom metal on a 1917 that is already a 'std' length magnum have to be reworked for the .375H&H/416RemMag length cartridges???

I have a line on a nice 1917 that is already a magnum - 300winmag.

Just wonderering about the additional expense to build a
big bore with it.

Thanks,

09 October 2004, 16:48

Amphibious

my P17 action is becoming a .338-06 (AI if I can get it to feed right) and I'm tinkering with a .505gibbs for my P14 id it passes Flux.

09 October 2004, 20:08

lawndart

Don't do AI. No gain in that cliber. Excellent chance of feeding troubles.
JCN

10 October 2004, 08:39

45nut

I have several Enfields,from 500A2 down to the 303 and 30-06 including 35 Whelen,375-338,416 Rem and 458 and of them all I would choose the 416 again in an instant for the first BB. I have 5 spare actions in reserve as have a nice complete drill rifle that's looking for a new tube.
So many choices to pick from and yet so few considering the various cartridges I already have rifles chambered in.........

12 November 2004, 05:54

500grains

Quote:

Does the bottom metal on a 1917 that is already a 'std' length magnum have to be reworked for the .375H&H/416RemMag length cartridges???

YES. The mag box is not long enough for H&H length. Either your gunsmith has to cut up your existing box and re-weld it together with the right dimensions and taper, or he has to buy one already made from Jim Wisner.

Quote:

I have a line on a nice 1917 that is already a magnum - 300winmag. Just wonderering about the additional expense to build a big bore with it.

Thanks,

To get it done competently, consider the following:

barrel chambered and threaded $250
barrel installation $100
buy a new mag box $450
new follower to fit new mag box $30
tinker with rails and ram to get it to feed $400
fit new barrel into barrel channel of stock and glass bed $100

Or you can just buy a new Win model 70 in .375 for $850.

12 November 2004, 05:58

vapodog

The 1917 Enfield is easily reworked to .375 H&H and .416 Rem mag as well as .458 Lott. The bottom metal is deep enough to get four shells in the magazine as is but lengthing it will take a little time.

It's a very strong action but only the Remington and Winchester manufacturers are what I'd recommend. I wouldn't waste my time on an Eddystone.

If you are capable of doing the work yourself, have at it and it'll be a great big bore for you. If you must hire the work done it'll wind up being a very expensive gun.....you'd be financially better off looking elsewhere.

The following can and should be done for a cartridge as listed above:

1 Bolt handle altered

2 convert to cock on opening

3 3 position safety

4 after market trigger...Mine is Timney...

5 bolt face altered

6 Magazine lengthened

7 action altered to feed longer ammo

8 did I forget ears removed and drilled and tapped

9 rebarreled

10 Rails altered to feed your cartridge

11 Bottom metal straightened

12 do you want a hinged floor plate?

13 magnaflux the receiver ring for cracks

there's probably more but the list gets long....

I'd guess a good finished P-17 enfield will run you about $4,000 and up depending on grade of wood you want..... and what quality craftsmanship you want.

12 November 2004, 07:22

Atkinson

Why would anyone waste that big action on calibers that can be used in a std. length action....

The Enfield is for the 416 Rigby, 505 Gibbs, 500 Jefferys and their ilk....If I wanted a 375 or 416 Rem I would use a Mauser 98 or a pre 64 M-70 and save me packing that extra bulk and weight...That is akin to converting a pre 64 375 H&H to a 22 Hornet.