Enfield 1917 308 project

[rycerz]

Howdy

For starters: I was a a long time lurker, then I dropped off... and now I'm back

I used to have a Remington 700 with all the goodies but ended up selling it for couple reasons (didn't have time to choot it.... I think I had it out 4 times in 2 years and that at the moment was too much $ to have sitting in a safe).

Now I'm missing my 308 but I'm not willing to sink too much $ plus I need a new project. By luck I picked up an Enfield 1917 (ok.... bag of parts and a somewhat worn out barrel) chambered in 30.06. Looking at what I have I'm thinking about building a .308 out of that. Any thoughts about that? Any suggestions as to which direction to proceed?

I've restored some old rifles (M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, rebuilt an Mauser 98K) so working with rilfes is not something new for me but I do have to admit that I've never did any conversions so pointers to any good reference material would definately be welcome

Thanks

 

[Jerry m]

Re: Enfield 1917 308 project

Restore it to original military configuration; sell it and use the funds to buy a new M700P.

Enfields have 'ears' that have to be machined off. Needs to be drilled and tapped, which can be difficult with a heat treated receiver. Cocks on closing and will need to have a new trigger for any type of precision. In short it it too much work and when you are done you'll have a rifle on little value.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Enfield 1917 308 project

First, I agree with the putting it back to orginal ideal. I'm a fan of old military rifle.

But without seeing it, its hard to tell if that's possible. So lets assume it isn't.

In the 1970s I read a book by Carmichael. He mentioned his 416 Rigby he built on a 1917 Enfield action. I had an action,but nothing else. I made one heck of a 416 that I stil have.

If thats the way you want to go.

I ground the ears off and drilled and tapped it for a scope, it can be done with carbide drill bits using care. I got from GunpartsCorp (before there was an internet) a "cock on closing bolt.

Going from '06 to 308 is gonna require a barrel change.

But with a lot of work, and care, you can put together a pretty dern good rifle.

I also made a 338 Win Mag on the 1917 Action for a guy, they make good heavy rifles.

Its a long action so don't expect short action M-700 lock time. I had heard of people making 338 Lup Mags out of them, dont know why not if it will take the 416 Lenght case (they are basicly the same case.

But like mentioned there are easier actions to work with. Last time I looked Shotgun News had some pretty reasonable Mauser Actions.

But there is something to be said about building your own rifle.

 

[jagged77]

Re: Enfield 1917 308 project

Strangely enough I am in the process of converting back a 1917 .308 into the original military configuration. I bought the rifle for the equivalent of around $50 - the original owner had left the receiver intact but had put on a heavy target 308 barrel and cut the original woodwork into a more ergonomic shape. It was never shot with a scope however it was fitted with the Parker aperture sight. From what I can gather the owner did have good success in competitions.

I did mount a scope (there is a mount out there that fits in between the ears just using the one screw) and did some development but to be honest it was never going to be MOA or better.

So I ordered replacement wood and bits from Numric (had a mate in Texas ship them over) and managed to find an original 30.06 barrel.

For me I'll get more satisfaction shooting it in its restored state and not worry if it only groups 4" at 100 yards. That's just me though, I've also come across other target rifles based on the action that have supposedly shot very well.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Enfield 1917 308 project

I agree about restoring it to original state. Keep/sell, either is good at that point. Do a good job, and you'll have a very good rifle for military bolt gun comps; as good or better than the '03's, maybe right on up there with the Swedes. My former Son-in-Law's shoots sweet.

If you want a good .308, just get the new Savage that best suits your needs, there's bound to be one that suits. It'll shoot good, and it won't cost the entire farm.

Greg

 

[popeye089]

Re: Enfield 1917 308 project

I personally would keep it and use it as a shooter. I love old rifles. In these times everyone wants the new kid on the block to stroke their ego at the range, kind of like a new car with rims but there is something to be said about the guy that drives the old beautiful classic. I'd want to look more at an old Enfield at a range that a new AI, just me. I still hunt birds with an old 1910 Greener SxS though

 

[rycerz]

Re: Enfield 1917 308 project

Yikes.... I gotta figure out why I didn't get any notifications from the forum regarding replies...

Anyways, regarding restoring it to original state: that'd be hard. I have no wood for it, the parts came all in a bag and I can get ones that are in a working condition for a good enough price that would not make the project worth it.

On the other hand seeing that I got most piece in a zip lock baggie I don't feel guilty for bastardizing it

Thanks for all the suggestions, I think I got a good idea as to where to start and I know that I'll be asking more questions as I progress through the build.

Oh yeah... too bad the .308 barrel is on the Island

Otherwise I'd offer to buy it from you.

R.

 

[jagged77]

Re: Enfield 1917 308 project

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rycerz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Oh yeah... too bad the .308 barrel is on the Island

Otherwise I'd offer to buy it from you.

R. </div></div>

If I could I'd give it to you for nowt! However I suspect its probably shot out and not worth the effort...

FYI Boyds make wood stocks for the Enfield action - I have one (sporter version) just never wanted to go down that route.

 

[mexicanmatch]

Re: Enfield 1917 338 project

I have a 1917 Winchester action with the ears removed and some small pts. Was wondering if it would take the 338 Lapua round also? Have three bolts and other small parts,if it could be converted it would be one big ugly rifle,but i don't care abt that. If anybody knows abt converting one please let us know. Thanks. MM

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Enfield 1917 338 project

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 1917 Winchester action with the ears removed and some small pts. Was wondering if it would take the 338 Lapua round also? </div></div>

Yes, I dont have a 338 Lapua, but I do have a 416 Rigby on a 1917 Action. The 338 L is abased on the Rigby case.

 

[mexicanmatch]

Re: Enfield 1917 338 project

The Winchester receiver i have has the bird bath under the rear sight. Is there any way to fill this in without warping the action? The way it is now i only have one hole to secure the scope base on the rear bridge.