Folks, I have an A-Square rifle on the Enfield action. It is pre-99, so it is still a cock-on -close action. Could someone give me an estimate $$ of what it would cost for the average gunsmith to convert it?

probably parts and fitting time -- not a tough job

Kits available through Brownells, but I don't know what it takes to install them. IIRC, the last time I had one done, it was about $100 including the cost of the kit.

I have to ask...why? Here in UK we virtually "grew up" on these re-barrelled to 7.62mm (308 Winchester) as club use target rifles.

Cock-on-closing never seemed to affect either accuracy or ease of use. In fact cock-on-closing gives better extraction.

So on a hunting rifle? I think I'd try it as is and enjoy the $100 in my pocket!

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Originally posted by enfieldspares:
I have to ask...why? Here in UK we virtually "grew up" on these

Because most of us here didn't grow up using COC. And, truth be told, it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

The kit Brownell's sells (made by Dayton-Traister) requires one cut on the bolt body. Sort of scary if you aren't confident in your abilities. Otherwise, it is straightforward, and works well. I have two with the conversions, and both have Timney triggers, which Timney claims won't work properly with the conversion. Mine work fine. This is the 1917 Enfield and not the British Mk whatever, right?

quote:

Originally posted by enfieldspares:
I have to ask...why? Here in UK we virtually "grew up" on these re-barrelled to 7.62mm (308 Winchester) as club use target rifles.

Cock-on-closing never seemed to affect either accuracy or ease of use. In fact cock-on-closing gives better extraction.

So on a hunting rifle? I think I'd try it as is and enjoy the $100 in my pocket!

Yeah and you drive on the WTONG side of the road too.

Keith

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Yeah and you drive on the WRONG side of the road too.

Yes. And YOU drive on the same side of the road as.....the FRENCH!

Good One

quote:

Originally posted by enfieldspares:
Yes. And YOU drive on the same side of the road as.....the FRENCH!

I've got a lot of driving to do this weekend - and now you've completely ruined it for me.

quote:

Originally posted by enfieldspares:

quote:

Yeah and you drive on the WRONG side of the road too.

Yes. And YOU drive on the same side of the road as.....the FRENCH!

touché...

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Yes. And YOU drive on the same side of the road as.....the FRENCH!

Good come back, but at least we have 4 speeds, the French only have one - Reverse

I'd like other input...but in the past, those cock on opening conversions resulted in a very short firing pin fall..translate...erratic ignition.

For a dangerous game rifle, I like doing the old way...weld up the old cocking notch..lots of careful reshaping, but you end up with a nice fall..if I remember right 3/8".

Haven't done a full blown Enfield in some time now..perhaps there are easier alternatives available??

Duane, IMO you are dead right. I've never liked those conversions for the very reason you cited. After a little welding, filing, stoning & lapping the result is a superior product.
Regards, Joe

I've not found the decreased firing pin drop to be an issue in any way, but I haven't fired all rifles with that modification; some may have an issue.

Some of the early Numrich (& other) aftermarket replacement conversion cocking pieces provided insufficient firing pin nose protrusion, sometimes as little as 0.030" and even less. This, combined with the short striker movement of the unaltered bolt's short cocking ramp, meant that often they had ignition problems. Especially in cold weather.

Apparently this short-protrusion problem has been recently solved at least to some degree, according to several posters who were kind enough to measure the dimension for me in their later-converted rifles.

But I still gotta stand with Duane on this one. I liked the aftermarket conversion OK in my 300 Win Mag but with my 458 I wanted a LOT more peace of mind and so did the welding conversion with stronger striker spring.
Regards, Joe

I am unfamiliar with the kits and also with the conversion itself...even though I've had a couple done. Is Duane talking about welding along with the kit, or instead of the kit. Please help educate the ignorant! Thanks.

Can't speak for certain but I believe he means instead of. I certainly DO mean instead of, if you're gonna weld anyway then why buy the kit?

The kit provides ~ a scant 5/16" striker travel IIRC while the welding alteration provides at least 3/8".

Apparently the recent kits must be adequate since I haven't heard about anyone getting mauled after a misfire, but then again I wonder how many of these 'DGRs' with the kits actually get used very much?
Regards, Joe

Thanks, Joe.

Didn't B-Square make such a conversion kit for the P-14?