A Lee Enfield Sporting rifle

[Von Gruff]

I had wanted a Lee Speed for very long time but the relative scarcity, and hence the higher cost, had always been a enough to keep me from having one. I decided that I might have a crack at building a Lee Speed type sporting rifle from an appropriate sporterised ex military rifle as there are plenty of them for sale here at reasonable prices. The actual Lee Speed designation was only a short term engraving on the wrist of the early Lee Enfield sporting rifles and so the Sporting rifle designation is quite appropriate for this project.

I bought this as the basis to work from and this is the auction description and single photo.

1900 303 complete, rifleing still good this is a great wee bush gun after 114 years what could you say
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/315395737_zps4ee2c377.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/315395737_zps4ee2c377.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

This is an upfront pic of what I was aiming to reproduce

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/LeeSpeed_Rifle_RHS_zps06394966.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/LeeSpeed_Rifle_RHS_zps06394966.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I bought this blank to work from


http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/211-1358649808_zps187d8a9f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/211-1358649808_zps187d8a9f.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/-1358649917_zpsdebd0241.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/-1358649917_zpsdebd0241.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/211-1358649952_zps6ea770eb.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/211-1358649952_zps6ea770eb.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/211-1358650048_zps0b1d57ce.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/211-1358650048_zps0b1d57ce.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

When it arrived I was quite pleased with its condition. Barrel is very good with good sharp, well defined rifling, and a bullet will only fit into the muzzle to half its ogive. The chamber is a real beauty as I had a case that I had expanded and had to bump the shell holder on the FLS die to get it to chamber so it looks like a winner so far.
The stock has had some work done at some stage as the comb line is so low that I almost have my chin on it to see the sight on their 100 yd setting but would be usable in a use it now state as it will be when I take it for a shot or two later in the week.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1066_zpsad877a44.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1066_zpsad877a44.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1067_zps3f1bdafe.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1067_zps3f1bdafe.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

The lobbing sight is not there and I am not going to get one to replace it so will have to do something with where it was.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1068_zpsb5d93439.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1068_zpsb5d93439.jpg.html)
The wrist has the Royal cypher (crown with VR for Victoria Regina - Queen Victoria)
BSA&Co
1900
LE
1 with star symbol
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1069_zps1b95b43b.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1069_zps1b95b43b.jpg.html)
The dust cover is missing but there is a bolt assembly on trademe with dustcover for that I got for $36 so that is another area sorted.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/319556447_zpsdcaf9c5a.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/319556447_zpsdcaf9c5a.jpg.html)
All in all a very good start and the good thing is that I can "see"" the sights (without blur) for a shot or two but for any more it is a bit of a blur so will have to go to an aperture to be able to shoot. Very pleasing indeed.

[Von Gruff]

I got this in from Track of the Wolf.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/categories/partdetail.aspx/671/1/BP-SHOT-C-2-I
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/bp-shot-c-2-i_1_zps8258b68c.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/bp-shot-c-2-i_1_zps8258b68c.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I decided after firing a few shots the other day that the issue sights were just not going to be usable with my eyes so that was the first thing to be sorted out.
Five hours in the shed today working out a design and getting it roughed out first in aluminium and then into steel.
First off I needed a backing washer to build up from where the lobbing sight was located
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1098_zpsc52dde3f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1098_zpsc52dde3f.jpg.html)
Lots of fileing and trying for fit to get it done.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1099_zps0f16eb18.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1099_zps0f16eb18.jpg.html)
Then it was working out a pattern in al
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1101_zps3aba2605.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1101_zps3aba2605.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

And transferring it to steel.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1104_zpsc46baa8d.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1104_zpsc46baa8d.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1105_zps4a9572ef.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1105_zps4a9572ef.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1106_zps51e50f56.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1106_zps51e50f56.jpg.html)
Next I will need to get the bends done and slot for the elevation adjustment. That will have to be another day as tomorrow will be bread baking so have to stay close to the kitchen for the day.

[Von Gruff]

I did cut out the pattern boards for the stock though before I shut the shed for the day.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1102_zps6a1db6dc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1102_zps6a1db6dc.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Another 2 hours on it this morning and had a few false starts as I tried various ways to get a windage adjustment slider. I had decided to use the knurled knob of a set of ruger rings and after preparing one dropped it "somewhere" in the shed and cant find it so had to do another one.
Tried a couple of different hinges but they proved unsatisfactory for a number of reasons
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1107_zps87299cd9.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1107_zps87299cd9.jpg.html)
I found an old jack with an interesting piece on the top and with a bit of hacksawing came up with this.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1110_zps0733404c.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1110_zps0733404c.jpg.html)
And after quite a bit of time with files to shape it and then to thin down the holding 'curl' to the same OD as the aperture I was able to see this on the bench
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1111_zps353615f6.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1111_zps353615f6.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1114_zpsa9f39259.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1114_zpsa9f39259.jpg.html)
Next step is to get the main arm bent and figure out heights and placement for the windage slot and hold down screw and guide peg.

[Von Gruff]

Well I think I have it beat now. I spent the day on it again and had to set it up and check it against the open sights and remove it and try again but eventually got it about right so it will work. The front sight is just an inverted V and is just a bit fine for my needs as I like something about a .9 flat topped blade so split a piece of bar and spread it to comforn to the front sight and will file it in the the lowest position of the aperture. The difficulty with the Lee Enfield in this aspect is that the bolt head has to be turned up to remove the bolt from the rifle and that adds quite a bit of height to clear under the aperture arm but I have decided I will leave the bolt in the rifle for most of the time and with a setting marked on it for a 150yd zero will be able to return it to its correct position if the bolt just has to come out.
This is what I ended up with and was able with changing things just a bit ( well quite a lot) with the aperture centre in line with the top of the arm where I had wanted it.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1120_zps5c078925.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1120_zps5c078925.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1118_zps2e33e08c.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1118_zps2e33e08c.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Have ordered a couple of these
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/910/2/SWIVEL-POST
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/swivel-post_1_zps19c7bab0.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/swivel-post_1_zps19c7bab0.jpg.html)
One for the butt and on the Sporting Lee Enfield they go closer to the pistol grip than the usual 3 inches from the toe.
The forend ones are on the barrel and I saw how a chap did his by cutting a piece of a shotgun barrel and goinf from there and I just happen to have a suitable length in the "bits" drawer. Again this is a cost effective way to get a barrel mounted sling eye for $6.50 rather than the much higher factory made items.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/We%20deal%20in%20lead/trademe534_zpsa3119259.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/We%20deal%20in%20lead/trademe534_zpsa3119259.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/We%20deal%20in%20lead/trademe536_zps55c3d471.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/We%20deal%20in%20lead/trademe536_zps55c3d471.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/We%20deal%20in%20lead/trademe537_zps753f1abc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/We%20deal%20in%20lead/trademe537_zps753f1abc.jpg.html)
I will do mine with a oval base rather than the parallel base shown here.

[Von Gruff]

I got out for a few shots to prove the sights and except for a bit of windage will be able to shootthem in for a 150yd zero later.
Got to the start of the stock with finalising the pattern placement on the blank and (gulp) cutting it in half.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1124_zpsb3ebb5c2.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1124_zpsb3ebb5c2.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1128_zpsdd90bb39.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1128_zpsdd90bb39.jpg.html)
Got the bolt hole drilled and the butt section cut to shape so tomorrow will see the fitting of the socket . Waiting on the bull plate from track of the wolf before I can really shape up the butt although Euan has a couple so may get him to send it down and will replace it with mine when it arrives.

[Von Gruff]

A little progress today with through bolt drilled and the butt fitted into the socket, a forend tip and grip cap in jarah made and glued on with 1/8" brass dowels. I have started the inletting for the barrelled action and being as I have not done one of these before makes it a slow process. Chisels and a very small mallet, a smoker and much repeat. May be a day or two to get it fitted into wood. (It makes Mausers, Remintons and the couple of Martini's seem quite simple in comparison with the angled wrist of the Enfield making a fit for the king screw lug and the trailing curve of the magazine cutoff needing very careful wortk) I had intended to dry fit the forend tip and the grip cap with the dowels only glued into one side and then shape up to about 95%, remove and stain with raven oil then glue together and finish so that the black raven oil would make it look like ebony but I have seen them done in buffalo horn, ebony and rosewood so the jarah will personalise it for me as the jarah was given to me by a friend.

[Von Gruff]

Another 5 hours on it today and while time is not a factor, getting it right is, so it will take as long as it takes.
This is my inletting tools so nothing anyone shouldn't have in their shed. Simple handwork
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1135_zps271117da.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1135_zps271117da.jpg.html)
Smoking the barrelled action
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1134_zpsc9661c0a.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1134_zpsc9661c0a.jpg.html)
At this stage there can be a bit of judicial prepertary opening up of the various spaces until it get a bit closer and then it slows down to smoke and test. You can see where the soot has left its mark on the wood. Scrape this away and smoke again. At the start of the job the chisels get more work as cutting agents than the do after it starts to gets some shape to it. The very small mallet I made is a safety measure as you have to tap rather than hit with it so the danger of taking more than is wanted is alleviated a bit.I have a couple of barrel off cuts that I have ground square so the sharp edge will scrape the channel and later will wrap them in sandpaper and take smaller amounts of wood off at a time
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1132_zpsf246277e.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1132_zpsf246277e.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

So todays effort has left me most of the way into the wood.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1131_zpsaa56fbb5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1131_zpsaa56fbb5.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1137_zps4985fae2.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1137_zps4985fae2.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1136_zps06f1323b.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1136_zps06f1323b.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1139_zps871ad838.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1139_zps871ad838.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Not so long on it today so decided to finish the barrelled action and shape the magazine cutof aerea and inlet the but plate.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1140_zps63b9ca1f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1140_zps63b9ca1f.jpg.html)
I wanted a 3/16 cast off so you can see with the outside lines where the plate is et on the rights hand side of the centre.
I found centre and marked 3/16 to the right as a centreline for the butt plate and went from there.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1141_zpsed9fd74f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1141_zpsed9fd74f.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

First thing today was to reinforce the rear of the forestock which is often done with a brass pin through the stock but I wanted the strength without the visible rod end so made a series of holes with a undersize drill bit, cleaned it out and with sawdust to stain the epoxy a bit tapped the threaded stem into the cut out so that the threads actually bit into the wood.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1143_zps91bc094d.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1143_zps91bc094d.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1144_zps541b0887.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1144_zps541b0887.jpg.html)
Put that away into a warm place to mature for a day or two (our winter so the shed is to cold for glues/epoxies)

[Von Gruff]

The butt stock was planed on one side to even up the excess mandated by the cast in the stock
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1146_zpsfd25f7e5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1146_zpsfd25f7e5.jpg.html)
Then the carefull start and stop on the bench planer to taper in for the wrist to the grip cap and down to the butt cap outline
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1145_zpsc88e68ea.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1145_zpsc88e68ea.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Then it was patience with rasps then files to bring some shape to it
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1147_zps50b1fd0e.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1147_zps50b1fd0e.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1148_zps7e25062b.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1148_zps7e25062b.jpg.html)
And the "tools"
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1149_zps3667b654.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1149_zps3667b654.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Butstock fully shaped and ready for sanding from the present 80 grit. Have filed the initial groove round the edge of the grip cap and started to round off the top edge but still a few hours left in that yet. Trigger guard fylly inlet and in place with forend still in the square but everything together and fitted. Will start on shaping the forend tomorrow.

_________________

[380AUTO]

Awesome post!!! Can't wait to see it finished

[FrankG]

Awesome project !

I love the Vintage Sporters !

Excellent work !

[RustyReel]

I thought it was a pretty neat little rifle the way you received it.......looks like it is only going to get better.......wish I has some skills......Can't wait to see the finished rifle.

[RED333]

Very nice there Mr Gruff.

[Duster340]

Love it Von Gruff! Can't wait to see the final product. I like the old Enfield Sporters myself, and have a couple that are my primary deer rifles, though they are nowhere near as neat as yours.

[Hardcast416taylor]

Looking like a twin of the sporter used in the movie "The Ghost and the darkness". Very nice work on this project. I like the manner in which you came up with the new rear sight.Robert

[Von Gruff]

Today play has seen it all shaped up down to sanding stage
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1150_zpsaf8bd654.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1150_zpsaf8bd654.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1151_zps019f949d.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1151_zps019f949d.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1152_zps36774bba.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1152_zps36774bba.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1153_zpsc57897a0.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1153_zpsc57897a0.jpg.html)

[FrankG]

That's a beauty !

[Stonecrusher]

That is a good looking rifle. Love the stock lines.

[Any Cal.]

Very nice! Will keep checking on it to see the progress. Looks great so far.

[zuke]

I've seen a lot of those "conversion's" up here, but never with new wood.
Look's impressive!

[Archey]

You do good work Gruff. Great ingenuity on the peep sight and barrel sling attachment. I can't wait to see the finished product.

[500MAG]

That is absolutely awesome. I envy a person who can make a plan and follow through. My wife calls me the king of unfinished projects.

[Sweetpea]

True Craftsmanship...

[Von Gruff]

Got everything sanded down through 150 and 240grit after a little re-shaping of forend tip and gripcap area. Slimmed the wrist and the forend fo a really nice slim fast handling feel.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1155_zps2a567b54.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1155_zps2a567b54.jpg.html)

[BigEyeBob]

Fantastic work , the forend looks very grace full and sleek .
I love the slim type forends . Well done I like it very much . The 5 shot magazines are rare as rocking horse poo .
Are you going to mod the 10shot mag? or just leave it?
I would be interested in buying your old wood work if you plan to not use it .
Kev.

[Dan Cash]

Mr Von G, would you please describe your method of drilling the stock for the through bolt?
Thanks,
Dan

[Von Gruff]

I showed the method on this thread.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?226756-A-Martini-Enfield-303-agaiin

Essentially it requires the drill layed on its side and finding the vertical centre of the drill rod (by carefull measurement at both ends of the rod) and setting the blank centre at that height and again setting the drill on its flat finding the horizontal centre of the drill rod (from the back guide board) setting the blank hole markings in line with this and starting with a standard half in drill till the depth of the hols is more than the length of the drill shank flat and going from there. The counter bore for the bolt head is really a follow the leader exercise with the 12mm drill rod guiding the 20mm rod down to the depth marked on the rod

I used the same method on this Martini 577-450
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?239387-LSA-Martini-Henry-577-450

[Von Gruff]

Fantastic work , the forend looks very grace full and sleek .
I love the slim type forends . Well done I like it very much . The 5 shot magazines are rare as rocking horse poo .
Are you going to mod the 10shot mag? or just leave it?
I would be interested in buying your old wood work if you plan to not use it .
Kev.

As you say Kev, rocking horses are a bit scarce round here and as not all of the Sporting rifles had a five shot I will leave this one in use. If I came across one though I would change it in a heartbeat.

PM incoming on the stock issue

[JeffinNZ]

Gazza, you are the man! Spectacular. I have a CBE 240gr bullet mould that might be useful for that rifle if you want to borrow it.

[nekshot]

awesome job!!! Sure will look good with the wood grain. You ever think of tinkering with the clip and turning it into a 5 shooter?

[W.R.Buchanan]

Von Gruff: excellent work in remodeling this gun! When you put the finish on that gun it is going to be very handsome. Excellent grain in the wood.

I have been looking for an Enfield to do something very similar to what you have done. I want the Mk4 -#1 (I think) it was the latest model with the Integral Peep Sight on the rear receiver ring. Few and far between over here, but they show up occasionally.

My intention for the gun would be a Cast Boolit shooter for Short Range Silhouette games. Hence the Peep Sight.

Another similar project is a Remodeled Finish Nagant with the same end use in mind.

Keep us informed.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

Gazza, you are the man! Spectacular. I have a CBE 240gr bullet mould that might be useful for that rifle if you want to borrow it.

Cheers Jeff. I have about 2 k cast from Euans 316299 mould and I have a CBE 316175 so should be right for suitable cast until I run some decent tests after it is finished

[Von Gruff]

awesome job!!! Sure will look good with the wood grain. You ever think of tinkering with the clip and turning it into a 5 shooter?

I would like to find a genuine 5 shot mag but there were a lot of the rifles still made with the 10 shot mag so will not alter this one--for now that is. Time down the track may see that decision challenged though.

[docone31]

I saw somewhere, where they cut down their mags. Looked pretty straight forward.The drawings are on line somewhere.http://www.303british.com/id34.html

[Von Gruff]

Agree that cutting a mag down is not that difficult but to get this shape and finish might be. It is not just the radiused bottom plate from front to back but the slight radius across from side to side and of course the radiused edges are another little facet that is desirable.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/4_zps9078ae37.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/4_zps9078ae37.jpg.html)

[FrankG]

On the rifle , what is that metal sticking out above magazine ? And what model is it ? #1 ?

[DeanWinchester]

Magazine cutoff

[Von Gruff]

On the rifle , what is that metal sticking out above magazine ? And what model is it ? #1 ?

Yes, as DeanWinchester says, it is the magazine cutoff. So may of these were discarded and are missing from many of the no 1's


Crown
VR
BSACo
1900
1*
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1069_zps1b95b43b.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1069_zps1b95b43b.jpg.html)

[Idaho Sharpshooter]

I am a bit curious, the one I owned several years ago had a one-piece stock, like the original Lee that was submitted to Sharps about 1878(?).
Was there a specific reason to stick with a two-piece?

Rich

[FrankG]

Ah ha ! Ive never seen one with it intact!! Or with dust cover .

[Von Gruff]

I am a bit curious, the one I owned several years ago had a one-piece stock, like the original Lee that was submitted to Sharps about 1878(?).
Was there a specific reason to stick with a two-piece?

Rich
That is more than I can say Rich. I have to wonder if it the previous use of the Martini as the military rifle with its 2 piece stock had a bearing on the design, that and the ability to use the naturally smaller pieces of wood than would be required for a one piece stock.

[Von Gruff]

Today was a slow day with another 'go over' with the 240grit and a wetting down to whisker it the first time. Will go to 360 grit tomorrow, whisker again then go to 600 grit before the first 50/50 tung oil/ vegetable turps soaking.
Not the bets light but a little colour starting to show itself.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1158_zpsba6faeb6.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1158_zpsba6faeb6.jpg.html)

[JeffinNZ]

Open sights and cast bullets. Can you kill deer with that?

[smilie=l:

[Von Gruff]

Open sights and cast bullets. Can you kill deer with that?

[smilie=l:

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/Miscelaneous/stirring_zps7238269a.gif (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Miscelaneous/stirring_zps7238269a.gif.html)



(http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Miscelaneous/t10512_zps0a275db3.gif.html)http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/Miscelaneous/t10512_zps0a275db3.gif (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Miscelaneous/t10512_zps0a275db3.gif.html)http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/Miscelaneous/t10512_zps0a275db3.gif (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Miscelaneous/t10512_zps0a275db3.gif.html)

[mikeym1a]

What a lovely job you have done. I admire your abilities. mikey

[FrankG]

Yessir ...........sure is a beauty !!

[W.R.Buchanan]

As far as the magazine modification goes It would take a little more metal working expertise than the average guy normally possesses.

If you want the bellied bottom, the bottom plate would have to be formed slightly before it was welded to the outside of the mag.

I have the ability to do this type of thing and the way I would go about it is to pound the base plate into a dished wooden "Buck." This would produce it's dished or spoon shape. Then I would put it over the previously trimmed exterior of the magazine and trim the base plate to it's profile .

Then I would heliarc (TIG) tack welds at about 12 places around the perimeter of the mag, and then I would MIG weld the entire perimeter.

The reason for the MIG weld is so that you would end up with enough weld built up that you could get a decent radius on the edge after you ground off the excess.

This would be a good project for a Saturday Morning.

There are certainly other ways to accomplish this however this is how I would do it.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

As far as the magazine modification goes It would take a little more metal working expertise than the average guy normally possesses.

If you want the bellied bottom, the bottom plate would have to be formed slightly before it was welded to the outside of the mag.

I have the ability to do this type of thing and the way I would go about it is to pound the base plate into a dished wooden "Buck." This would produce it's dished or spoon shape. Then I would put it over the previously trimmed exterior of the magazine and trim the base plate to it's profile .

Then I would heliarc (TIG) tack welds at about 12 places around the perimeter of the mag, and then I would MIG weld the entire perimeter.

The reason for the MIG weld is so that you would end up with enough weld built up that you could get a decent radius on the edge after you ground off the excess.

This would be a good project for a Saturday Morning.

There are certainly other ways to accomplish this however this is how I would do it.

Randy

You would have a steady line of requests if you were to make these.

[Von Gruff]

Today saw the sanding off of the 360 grit whiskering, re-wetting it and sanding again with 360, then wetting and sanding with 600 grit. I left it for an hour after each wetting before sanding but there was progressively less whisker standing until there was almost none at the final wetting.
Next step has been to start the flooding process where I kept as much 50/50 (tung/veg turps) flooded onto the surface for about an hour till it showed it was slowing on the uptake into the wood. Then I rubbed it down hard with a cloth so there was nothing on the surface. Will do more flooding tomorrow, then sand back to the surface before filling the grain.
You can see where there is dry wood on a couple of places.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1161_zps2923b61f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1161_zps2923b61f.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1160_zps71567954.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1160_zps71567954.jpg.html)

[RED333]

WOW, looks great!!!

[Von Gruff]

Another little piece of the puzzle I was playing with today was the barrel mounted sling eye.
As mentioned earlier I got a couple of these posts
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/swivel-post_1_zps19c7bab0.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/swivel-post_1_zps19c7bab0.jpg.html)
So with an off cut of shotgun barrel which just happens to have an ID that is almost the same as the OD at the appropriate place half way between the end of the forestock and the end of the barrel.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1162_zpsddeb455f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1162_zpsddeb455f.jpg.html)
From a centre punch and pilot drill hole I marked the desired outline of a circle and bored the required hole in the barrel to take the cut down stud.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1163_zpsf3261a01.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1163_zpsf3261a01.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

I wanted to have a more oval than round finish so ground the side back till it looked about right.



http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1164_zpseb931fa4.jpg
And started the process of rounding off the edges
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1165_zpsca884024.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1165_zpsca884024.jpg.html)
Still some tidying to do but at least I know it will work.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1167_zps7a18ed3c.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1167_zps7a18ed3c.jpg.html)

[FrankG]

That wood is super !

Are you going to silver solder the stud to barrel piece you are making ?

[Von Gruff]

Yes, but will get that done the GS to do that for me whern he fixes it to the barrel. Some things I leave to those more able than I.

[UBER7MM]

That's beautiful work, Mr. Von Gruff!

[Von Gruff]

Into the start of the finishing process.
Taking it from the finish if the whiskering process, I flooded the surface twice for an hour at a time with 50/50 vege turps/ tung oil, wet sanded it three times with 600 grit to fill the pores. The first two times there is a hand wiped surface left (wiped against the grain) and the third time it is hard rubbed with cloth. Making sure it is dry between these operations. Next was the first hand rubbed coat of about 25-30% veg turps to cut the tung oil and just dipping the pad of one finger tip into this is enough to wipe on and rub into one side of the butt stock so you can see that it really is a case of many very thin coats to build the finish. Rubbed in this way till the wood is warmed by the hand there is just the very minor wet appearance to the wood. Hang it and do this once a day. Have 3 coats on and will do this daily for the next aprox 20 days.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1169_zps4d47d940.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1169_zps4d47d940.jpg.html)

[Gibbs44]

Great job on the stock, and great write up too. I can't wait to see the rifle 100% complete.

[FrankG]

Is the vege turps Gum Spirits of Turpentine? That is what I have found here to thin boiled linseed oil.

[Von Gruff]

Yes, they are the same thing Frank.

Vegetable Turpintine also called Pine, Gum or Pure Turps, is a high grade natural solvent and comes from plantation-grown Pinus Silvestris. When used in paints and oil-based products, it helps increase flow and reduce brush drag.
http://www.supremeoils.co.nz/images/Veg_Gum_Turpenti_4be7995482b90.jpg
Uses: Vegetable Turpentine is the craftsman's traditional favourite. Its strength and natural composition make it ideal for thinning - artists' oil paints, wiping oil finishes, waxes, varnishes, polyurethanes and oil-based paints. It is also used in perfumery, medicine and ointments.


http://www.supremeoils.co.nz/vegetable-turpentine.html

[PAT303]

You would have a steady line of requests if you were to make these.
I think you would have a steady line of request for semi finished stocks if you were to make them. Pat

[Von Gruff]

I think you would have a steady line of request for semi finished stocks if you were to make them. Pat

I am strictly a hand tool, one at a time amateur but for duplicated Lee Speed (and others) try


Gordon Cusens Tasmania Ph 0401 442 768 or 03 6288 1375. email gcusens@hotmail.com

Gordon has bought some of the more traditional stock patterns from Geoff Slee's business and has some patterns already.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Gruff: Unfortunately My machine shop time is currently being consumed by the US Navy. But I will keep it in mind for Retirement. Like when I finally get to,,, when I'm 90!

They do pay well.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

Gruff: Unfortunately My machine shop time is currently being consumed by the US Navy. But I will keep it in mind for Retirement. Like when I finally get to,,, when I'm 90!

They do pay well.

Randy

Randy, I read somewhere that using part of a motorcycle fender was a good place to start in getting the shape and curve. I didn't see what dia wheel or width the fender is supposed to be for but getting that part right would definitely take some of the time out of the job.

[Brithunter]

Oh Pooh .................................... wish I had seen this earlier it was only last year that I sold this one:-

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/15091551.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/15091474.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/10165819.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/15091481.jpg

with cape rib and it had a new 39 dated barrel fitted before I acquired it many years ago

In my bits'n'bobs box there are some solder on English sling eyes too and a fair few for the wood stocks. I also have a P-H BA 27 side mount that they used on their Supreme model 303 sporters. it requires three D&T'd holes in the left wall of the action so won't work with a bolt dust cover.

It's also possible to drill and tap the receiver at the rear left and fit a P-H 16 sporting aperture sight to the early rounder Lee Enfield receiver. This is a P-H 16 fitted to a BSA SportsMan Five:-

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/3900821/48107369.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/3900821/48107347.jpg

The windage arm swings out of the way for bolt removal.

Oh well too late now.

Nice work indeed

[BigEyeBob]

Garry ,
That wood is looking very nice , very nice indeed. I reckon you are going to have a really nice rifle.

Kev.

[johnson1942]

years ago i bought a infield british .303. barrel and action was real good. i made the stock very nice and a dr. friend of mine liked it so much that he begged me to sell it to him. i did. that was before i had my late in life son who is now 14 and loves to hunt. wish i had it back to give to him. where can i buy a infield with a good barrel and action. i can do the rest with ease. i would like to do one right also and give it to my son. it would complete his gun collection. he has several shot guns a high end custom inline muzzle loader and a worked over savage .270 mountain rifle that drives tacks. all he needs is a good .303 in the sweetest bolt action in the world. fast and easy. what should i pay for one and who can i trust if they say the barrel and action is real good? i know their is a lot of you out their who can help me in this area. every winter i like at leaste one project to do in the colder months. thanks before hand. johnson 1942. you older men with younger sons know how i feel. every one thinks im his grandpa, they are wrong.

[PAT303]

Oh Pooh .................................... wish I had seen this earlier it was only last year that I sold this one:-

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/15091551.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/15091474.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/10165819.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/22884424/15091481.jpg

with cape rib and it had a new 39 dated barrel fitted before I acquired it many years ago

In my bits'n'bobs box there are some solder on English sling eyes too and a fair few for the wood stocks. I also have a P-H BA 27 side mount that they used on their Supreme model 303 sporters. it requires three D&T'd holes in the left wall of the action so won't work with a bolt dust cover.

It's also possible to drill and tap the receiver at the rear left and fit a P-H 16 sporting aperture sight to the early rounder Lee Enfield receiver. This is a P-H 16 fitted to a BSA SportsMan Five:-

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/3900821/48107369.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL14/134492/3900821/48107347.jpg

The windage arm swings out of the way for bolt removal.

Oh well too late now.

Nice work indeed
Mate,thats too nice to sell,Lee Speeds are nothing short of pure rifle porn. Pat

[Von Gruff]

Have got a few more things sorted today with work on the aperture sight, the front sight and the fifth coat of oil rubbed in.
I had been putting of going back to the aperture sight as I knew I was in for some work with the dremmel and needle files to get the aperture plate bedded into the aperture arm. I had used a little machine screw and nut to hold the two together but this made a protrusion underneath and had it sitting higher than I wanted, and of course would necessitate height on the front sight over what I wanted to have.
I filed from full thickness to about .01 at the end on the aperture plate and then scribed around it and sunk it into the underside of the aperture arm then filed most of the head off the machine screw, used it and riveted the underneath side to give me the smoothest line I could get. Then with just a little sanding on the dustcover attachment lug I was able to get the aperture arm to clear the bolt when it was sitting in its lowest position, actually sitting on the screws that hold it to the wrist of the rifle.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1177_zps52b6e22c.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1177_zps52b6e22c.jpg.html)
I got in touch with Scott from http://www.customscrewsandmore.com/Page4.html and he is making me a set of wrist screws that have a lever head with a thumb grip so that I can undo them a half turn and lift the sight to the top of its slide for bolt removal and because I will shoot "the load" in to where the slide is down on the top of the slide adjustment, it will be a simple matter to re-set it for my desired 150 yd zero.
It was going to need a taller front sight and I wanted one with a flat topped blade which I find the best for the aperture sight. The existing front sight was a inverted V so I filed it off and cut a groove into the ramp with hack saw and filed it to fit the new blade I made. It was a tap in fit but there is room to either pin it or for the GS to do a micro weld at the front, however even without this it was a tight fit. I am going to shorten the barrel by 3/4 inch to clean up the muzzle from pull throughs etc and this will still leave about 5/8 in in front of the sight ramp to the muzzle so will look right.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1178_zps7d6af974.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1178_zps7d6af974.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1179_zps240cca6c.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1179_zps240cca6c.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1180_zps4d841291.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1180_zps4d841291.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Also worked on the barrel mounted sling eye
Hard to get a decent pic with just the cell phone but enough to give an idea of how it will look. The barrel steel was .125 thick and I have dressed it down to .05 round the edges.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1182_zps56775e61.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1182_zps56775e61.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1181_zps31d6733d.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1181_zps31d6733d.jpg.html)

[nekshot]

Von Gruff, you are a true craftsman. I shared this project of yours with my son and we both agree I need one more 303 in the stable and do a job similar to your style. I have a take off stock with very nice walnut we got from a santa fa lee that i butchered into a one piece stock rifle. I would use the forearm but make a new butt stock for the pistol grip effect. I am enjoying your project, thanks for sharing it.

[Von Gruff]

Thanks nekshot. Not a lot happening for now as I am rubbing in a coat of oil daily with 12 coats on up till this morning. Be another 8-10 very thin coats till it is done. Then some testing to shoot in the sights and then will look at blueing etc.

[MBTcustom]

Your work is inspiring. Very nicely done sir!

[richhodg66]

Never knew a Lee Enfield could look so pretty. Very impressive.

[Von Gruff]

I decided that after the 18th rubbing of oil into the stock it was starting to look about done and while it is still in the soft stage and will tae a week or two to harden up I couldn't resist assembling it this morning and thought to post a couple of pics. I am still waiting for the lever headed screws (they are in the mail and should be in in about a week-ten days) from Scott at http://www.customscrewsandmore.com/Page4.html who has been a real gent to deal with.
Then I will have to get the Lee speed done for Euan and we will get them blued at the same time as the barrel mounted sling eye is fixed in place. Anyway this is it in the horrible light of winter this morning.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/303_zps897d4c4c.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/303_zps897d4c4c.png.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/3031_zps7a08eee5.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/3031_zps7a08eee5.png.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/3032_zps37ebc7f1.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/3032_zps37ebc7f1.png.html)

[Gibbs44]

Looks good, dang fine job.

[Any Cal.]

I've been waiting for that! Looks good.

[BigEyeBob]

Nice Garry , very nice . Checkering ? or no. Would set it off nicely

[kungfustyle]

What a labor of love.....Great job......Now where are the target pictures.....

[W.R.Buchanan]

Great looking gun! Glad to see this project coming to fruition.

Randy

[nekshot]

Absolutely purty!!! case hardening the reciever would really stand out on that rig!

[Von Gruff]

Nice Garry , very nice . Checkering ? or no. Would set it off nicely

Checkering is something I have had a crack at, - yet. It would cost more than I have in the rifle to get it done here by the local guy so it probably will be as it is for the foreseeable.

[Von Gruff]

What a labor of love.....Great job......Now where are the target pictures.....
Just waiting for a group buy on a suitable mould to come to fruition on another forum. I need a 317drive band and 307 nose to get the 1/2 thou nose engraving and sizing to 316 for the throat. Barrel is large but clean. I have NOE 316-299 mould but it drops at 304 on the nose so clear of nose support and the 316-175 CBE is the same. Not expecting anything more than plinking from it till I get the mould. It will be offered in 1 thou increments
Diameter --- Bore Ride --- GC shank
.312 --- .301 --- .284
.314 --- .303 --- .286
.316 --- .305 --- .288
.318 --- .307 --- .290

D B Nose and with a standard .284 GC shank if required.
.311 --- .301
.313 --- .303
.315 --- .305
.317 --- .307
.319 --- .309

[eljefeoz]

VG
That is great work,Sir.
Always happy to come back after a break and read about your work.
Cheers

[JeffinNZ]

What I most like about this project is the image of Garry with a fallow on his back, rifle in hand walking past a bunch of young fellows with the latest and greatest but empty handed.

[eljefeoz]

What I most like about this project is the image of Garry with a fallow on his back, rifle in hand walking past a bunch of young fellows with the latest and greatest but empty handed.

Appropriate, Jeff ;)
VG, seems the curved mag is rarer than rocking horse poo this side of the ditch too...

[Von Gruff]

What I most like about this project is the image of Garry with a fallow on his back, rifle in hand walking past a bunch of young fellows with the latest and greatest but empty handed.

I will go with that thought as well. Like it I do. A single handed carry is where the short (5 shot) mag comes in though as the balance point is right on the front edge of the mag. Have just started on Euans "new" Lee Speed and have his original here. Do you think he would notice if the magazines were swapped out.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/Miscelaneous/laughter_zpsbb44ee2d.gif (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Miscelaneous/laughter_zpsbb44ee2d.gif.html)http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/Miscelaneous/laughter_zpsbb44ee2d.gif (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/Miscelaneous/laughter_zpsbb44ee2d.gif.html)

[PAT303]

What I most like about this project is the image of Garry with a fallow on his back, rifle in hand walking past a bunch of young fellows with the latest and greatest but empty handed.
What would be even funnier would be if he saw them coming and put a eye patch on but on his right eye,''yep,had to shoot her left handed'',priceless. Pat

[DeanWinchester]

Von Gruff,

Could you please elaborate on how you drilled the hole for the stock bolt?

I'm about to start a little project of me own.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?248832-Drilling-an-H-amp-R-buttstock-for-stock-bolt

[Von Gruff]

If you go to the second post here Dean, I use the same method for the Lee Enfield as I used for the Martini's (both the 303 and the 577-450) http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?226756-A-Martini-Enfield-303-again

Happy to answer any specific questions though

[BigEyeBob]

Checkering is something I have had a crack at, - yet. It would cost more than I have in the rifle to get it done here by the local guy so it probably will be as it is for the foreseeable.

One of my future goals is to learn how to do checkering ,I have three project guns that I want to do the checkering on.

Kev.

[Von Gruff]

Just been out and fired the first shots though my rifle and while it was only fireforming loads with the 316-299 over 13.5gn Green Dot (roughly 1400fps) and shot at 35yds as I didn't know how the aperture and new front sight I made was going to calibrate but this is a 10 shot group from standing with the bog-pod. With a quick calculation shows I can get by with a .006 shim between the sight arm and the rifle wrist. I little touch with a file will lift it but I will wait till I get the new mould and a decent bullet and settle on a hunting load till I finalise that. Very happy so far and this is with a bullet that has no nose support - 304 nose in 306 bore.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/fireforming316-299135gnGD_zpsb4c31b9f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/fireforming316-299135gnGD_zpsb4c31b9f.jpg.html)

[zuke]

They aren't tumbling, so good so far!

[W.R.Buchanan]

Gruff: try some harder lead in your mould. You might get it to bump the nose section up a little by using linotype.

I have found all the Lyman and RCBS moulds for this type of boolit were originally spec'd using the shrink rate of linotype. AS a result they tend to cast smaller with Wheel Weights or similar materials.

Something for you to try that might work out for you.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

That may well be but I want this as a hunting bullet and lino wont do it. We have another mould happening with the correct dia nose that I can cast with a hunting alloy.

[Von Gruff]

I have been working on a second Lee Speed the last few days. Euan got in a 90% inlet and shaped stock for one he wanted to use as a rough hunting rifle and keep his genuine BSA Lee Speed for less strenuous affairs.
90% inlet is a bit of a misnomer as it still took about 15 hrs to get it all into the wood. but having Euans genuine article in hand was a good thing and a bad thing as he wanted both his rifles to "feel" the same in hand. Now I have to say that mine felt good and reasonably slim but after having Euans BSA to compare it to I had to take to the forestock and wrist area with a file and will have to refinish it again.
This is the genuine BSA at top, the 20 in barrelled hunter centre and my effort at the bottom. One thing I had to do with Euans was to change the angle of the butt plate to an agnle which is more suited to his style of shooting. I am quite happy with the angle I have on mine as I am more inclined to stand upright where Euan leans into his shot. Only a few degrees but it does make a difference. I get flat butt against my shoulder with mine while I get more toe with his.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1229_zps11339fdc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1229_zps11339fdc.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1228_zps921e4029.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1228_zps921e4029.jpg.html)

[nekshot]

jolly good lookin guns for sure! The last few guns I stocked I left the guns a little heavier then I normally would because my son is a budding checkerer and if he makes a booboo he can still sand it out.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Gruff: I liked the striker mounted Peep sights on those two guns. Was that a common thing in the Empire?

I have seen ones for Springfields but never one on an Enfield.

We do live a sheltered life here in the US.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

Both of us prefer aperture sights and Euan was able to find one to fit to the second rifle. They are not uncommon but pricey if you can find them. I have a Rigby style bolt mounted aperture sight on the DWM 7x57 I built but that is a new made item from a guy on your side of the pond.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/7x57StalkingRifle02-02-09010.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/7x57StalkingRifle02-02-09010.jpg.html)

[W.R.Buchanan]

Very cool stuff.. I have all the drawings for the Howe/Whelen Bolt Shroud Sight for both Springfields and Mausers. I might make a few some day .

They are kind of complicated but are among the most desirable sights for a classic Bolt Action Rifle that were ever made.

Surprisingly there is one for sale on Ebay (due to close in 1:30) and it is at $455. Pretty sure it will break $500 and maybe +$ 600. Extremely rare.

He also has the best detailed Pics I have seen of this sight. This one was made by Hoffman Arms who was a well known Remodeler of Springfield Rifles in the 30's and 40's.

The only ones better were made by Griffin and Howe.

Here's the link to the auction.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Howe-Whelen-Bolt-Sleeve-Sight-for-Springfield-Model-1903-Rifle-Hoffman-Arms-Co/201135671204?_trksid=p2050601.c100269.m3464&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1% 26asc%3D20140716145430%26meid%3D875576098171773292 5%26pid%3D100269%26prg%3D20140716145430%26rk%3D1%2 6rkt%3D4%26sd%3D201135671204%26clkid%3D87557617290 87009766&_qi=RTM1562569

Randy

[Von Gruff]

It went for over $1000. They may be the desirable sight on your side of the pond but they look (to my eyes) quite heavy and overly complicated in comparison to the Rigby.

[W.R.Buchanan]

$1026,,, WOW! and that one was made by Hoffman Arms not Griffin and Howe! If it was mounted to an original Hoffman remodeled Springfield it was worth more than the Rifle itself, since Hoffman was one of the more "Generic" Springfield remodelers, as opposed to Griffin & Howe which were the top o the line guys.

These sights are basically a Lyman 48 with a new base that replaced the bolt sleeve. They are very complicated and the only real advantage to them other than the coolness factor is the maximum amount of sight radius obtainable in a bolt action platform at the time. They do work very well, but they are also Hens Teeth and as such command such ridiculous prices.

For practical purposes a Lyman 48 would be my first choice for a Springfield or even on your Enfield.... However your Enfield,,, is YOUR Enfield and not mine, and as such should be completed as you see fit and I personally think you're doing a damn nice job of it.

Randy

[Von Gruff]

Apreciate the comments Randy---
If you look at my rifle you will see I have a dust cover on the bolt so the Lyman 48 simply will not fit and with a bolt mounted units costing $$, I made my own and it seems to be a real workable solution, as in a very long sight radius, a decent sized aperture with minimal "rim" and it lines up with the new front sight in such a way that only a very small adjustment will be needed to zero a load when it is developed. I was just given a Lyman 57 and it will be reserved for a hoped for kurz or medium length Mauser that I would like to build into a straight wristed 250 Savage like one I have seen and admire.

[Von Gruff]

Got the first wet grain raising from 240 grit paper on Euan's Lee Speed today. A couple more raisings with 360 and I can start to finish it. Certainly showing promise of some very good colour.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1236_zps35b7c28f.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1236_zps35b7c28f.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1237_zpse7fc94bc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1237_zpse7fc94bc.jpg.html)

[gnoahhh]

Geez Louise! Now I gotta spend time/money building myself one of these!! Thanks a lot...:-P

[W.R.Buchanan]

That stock is going to be spectacular!!!!!

Randy

[Euan]

That stock is going to be spectacular!!!!!

Randy

It Sure Is!!

[nekshot]

I might have missed the wood but is that solid walnut or laminated? Looks great!

[webradbury]

Love the stock! I want to attempt one from a blank sometime. Good work!

[Von Gruff]

I might have missed the wood but is that solid walnut or laminated? Looks great!

All solid walnut. At present it is hanging waiting for the oil to dry.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1248_zps7ac40b9a.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1248_zps7ac40b9a.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

Yes flat or slab sawn.

[texaswoodworker]

All solid walnut. At present it is hanging waiting for the oil to dry.

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1248_zps7ac40b9a.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1248_zps7ac40b9a.jpg.html)

Very nice! What kind of oil did you use? Tung Oil? Tung Oil Finish (oil with vanish mixed in)? Boiled Linseed Oil?

[Von Gruff]

The flooding coats are 50/50 tung oil and vege turps. The finish coats are 50/50 tung and blo.

[nekshot]

Well Von Gruf you did it, I can't take looking at my smle and its broken stock. I turned a Santa Fe into a 1 pc stock unit and it fell off the wall bracket and broke. So today I started on a piece of walnut, your guns are my inspiration but I also know my limitations so we'll see what happens. I am not a craftsman like many of you but I try and what I end up with is what it is!

[nekshot]

The flooding coats are 50/50 tung oil and vege turps. The finish coats are 50/50 tung and blo.

Does that finnish stay hard in the rain? Looks great!

[Gus McCrae]

Wow, very nice.

[Love Life]

Just an absolutely stunning rifle you have built. Just beautiful.

[Von Gruff]

Does that finnish stay hard in the rain? Looks great!

It takes some time to really dry and harden up but after that is as water repellent as any other non epoxy or plastic finish. Tung oil and or BLO has been the gunstock finish in common usage for a very long time and it is no less effective now than it has always been. The flooding coats are taken deeply into the wood and dry in there and the top coats seal the surface.
The old English method for their bespoke rifles and guns that might take two years to deliver was,- a coat a day for a week (flooding coats) a coat a week for a month(to be the grain fillers and under surface coats) then a coat a month for a year to be the finish coats. Then a coat a year for life.
Many of the guns finished like this are still in very good condition.
Today that time frame is not exceptable and so a shortened version must suffice although a good finish is still attained.
I like tradition and the traditional ways where it is still relevant and possible.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I knew that wood was going to be special. It is!:holysheep

You got me going on an Enfield also, so we'll have to see what can be done with the ugly one I got.

You done good!

Neckshot: It is all about the desire to do the best you can, and not being willing to settle. Sometimes you have to start over if the job doesn't turn out right.

I've done it a million times. :mrgreen:

Randy

[Von Gruff]

It is time to call these two rifles done. I have been out playng with mine this morning but am only fireforming brass till our group buy mould gets here before I can do any load development. Euan will pick his up next weekend when the oil has hardened off a little although it really needs a month or two to really come good. That is why the modern finishes are preferred by most as they are a quick turn around item.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/LE1_zpscde18c3a.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/LE1_zpscde18c3a.png.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/LE3_zps8fb34567.png (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/LE3_zps8fb34567.png.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1268_zps0622b3ae.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1268_zps0622b3ae.jpg.html)

[Von Gruff]

The two different sighting systems
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1270_zps67c254cc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1270_zps67c254cc.jpg.html)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1271_zps4e7e9565.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1271_zps4e7e9565.jpg.html)

http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1273_zps3a2a06e5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1273_zps3a2a06e5.jpg.html)

[W.R.Buchanan]

Both of those guns came out very nice.. The wood on the lower one is very uncommon.

I get mine tomorrow.

Randy

[W.R.Buchanan]

Gruff: Going for something a little different with mine. More Canadian Ranger oriented.

Look here: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?251781-New-Project-Enfield-#4 Mk1

Randy

[Ballistics in Scotland]

The two different sighting systems



http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv39/VonGruff/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1273_zps3a2a06e5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/VonGruff/media/303%20Lee%20Enfield%20sporting%20rifle/Photo1273_zps3a2a06e5.jpg.html)



I think what you have here is a variation on the Parker-Hale Sportarget sight, more often fitted to rimfire receivers with the moveable arm lying in the windage direction. It could be Parker-Hale throughout, or someone may have adapted it by screws or soldering.

Cocking-piece sights can be good if they aren't heavy enough to slow down the lock time. The snag is that some rifles allow this sight to have a bit of sideways wobble. In a Mauser I might try for a bolt-shroud sight, but I don't know if you could get it both low and adjustable. Here is what I did with my Swiss 1889, which might be the bulkiest bolt-action receiver in the world. I bought a spare bolt plug from Numrich, so the original is unaltered. The sight is a Marble-Goss, and it is fixed first to a piece of mild steel and then the bolt plug, with silver solder ribbon from Brownells.

136045

Although the stock you started with is very well done, I think nobody has lowered the comb, it is just a particularly good adaptation of particularly good military wood. Inside the forend you can see the shallow recesses for the clips that used to hold the handguard.

You have used the same Track of the Wolf buttplate I put on my straight-pull Mannlicher!