303 brit, 1 pc stock range report

[nekshot]

Ok, the reason I turned a lee enfield into a one piece stock was to see how accurate one of these might be with action bedded and a true floated barrel. My double 303 convinced me these barrels will shoot very tight groubs for what they are (old military hardware). I decided I want to know what the gun is capable of with jacketed bullets before I go to boolits. So I started with 40gr of aa4350 on up to 45 gr and all with wolf primers and hornady 150 sp. I shot 3 shot groubs each load at 80 yards (too lazy to walk out to the longer range in this weather). All groubs stayed at 5/8 inch groubs except one opened to 3/4 inch. I am happy, my interest is settled a enfield action and barrel can shoot in a traditional stock. So I went to boolits and regretfully can't hit the broadside of a barn. I am not lamenting only stating that I am happy this project is half successful. The bore is 303 and the groove is 316-317. I was using the lee 185 beagled for our jungle carbine( which shoots very good). I am gonna try paper patching this animal.

[Uncle Grinch]

Love to see a picture please... never seen a 1 piece stock for a Lee Enfield.

[nekshot]

sorry, my daughter has to do the picture thing and she is at college. I do have a thread with picture here somewhere in the recent past.

[Hardcast416taylor]

I have seen a 1 piece stock Enfield, once, and handled it briefly. It was back in the mid `60`s and at a trade show at William`s Gunsight. The rifle was in .303 Epps improved. The rifle was the property of Elwood Epps himself as he had a trade table at the 3 day show. To say the rifle handled and looked like a dream would be an understatement.Robert

[nekshot]

The first time I had our jungle carbine apart and looked at that narrow receiver and skinny barrel I could not help thinking how compact and lite weight this could be in a one piece stock. The finished gun carries and handles like a win 94. I thought the recoil might be nasty but it is no worse than a 94. I restocked a carcana in 7.62x39 and it weighs about the same as the 303 but the recoil gets your attention in a hurry.

[Hamish]

59443

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/7957233/rifles-for-sale/custom-rifle/lee-enfield-custom-lee-enfield-.303-one-piece-stock

[nekshot]

That is a very nice job. I could easily spend a day in the woods with that gun!

[Multigunner]

Canada went with a one piece stock for their "No.4 Lightened Rifle", which used a action body similar to the No.5 carbine and slim profile 23 inch barrel. These lightweight rifles had a real recoil pad rather than the boot heel like No.5 butt pad.
The rifle was not adopted, and some are said to have been issued to police or constables for animal control purposes. The few in collections are highly prized.

Personally I prefer the two piece stock.

[horsesoldier]

I like to have that stock