Lee-Enfield Conversion to .45/70

R1145 · July 27, 2005, 12:32 AM

I have a serious "jones" for a #4 mk 1 in .45/70...

It cannot be explained on any rational level...suffice it to say, I've had a #4 for 25 years that some ham-fisted jerk sporterized (oh wait, it was me...), I love it, it is imbued with my manna, but it would be PERFECT if it were in .45/70...I know I should just buy a Gibbs, if they still make them, or a Marlin...but I want mine. I know the .303 is a fine, powerful round, but I just want a sexy smooth, light, fast, cut-down Lee-Enfield, big gooey recoil pad, 18" barrel, all black and dark wood, 2, maybe 3 stubby rounds in the mag...whoa, getting excited, there...

So much for "why"; on to the "How?":

-How can I locate a gunsmith who will rebarrel, chamber and headspace my stripped action? What can I expect to pay?

-I feel like I can take on the rest of the project: Magazine/feedramp/adding a floorplate maybe, refinishing, stocking, scoping, etc.; the safety-critical work being the chambering and headspace, right?

Jim Watson · July 27, 2005, 08:38 AM

I recently saw a magazine advertisement for an economical conversion of a SMLE to look like a Remington-Lee sporter in various calibers. Unfortunately, I can't find it this morning. If it turns up, I will let you know.

GREGB · January 15, 2006, 02:28 AM

Try this link
http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting...ntry/index.asp
The story is sorta corny but gives the basic info on what is needed to do the conversion. Greg

R1145 · January 19, 2006, 09:58 PM

That's exactly what I want to do. Project's been on hold because I've been busy (work, holidays, etc.), but I will definitely do it.

Jim Watson · January 19, 2006, 11:18 PM

You're back!
And I found the ad I was thinking about in July.

1879 Sharps Lee Sporting Rifle
Original Lee patent rifles were built by the Sharps Manufacturing Company in 1879.
Now you can re-create this rare rifle using common available components. Calibers .45-70, .42-60, .405 (short), or .303.
Rifles can be built for $300 or less.
Detailed plans with photographs for builiding, as well as parts sources are available for $20, ppd.
Tom Jackson
PO Box 332
Davenport, IA 52805
(563)359-7903

What in the world is a .42-60? I don't know.
I bet a .405 (short) is a .405 Winchester shortened enough to go in the magazine of a common SMLE donor action.

**Unclenick** · January 19, 2006, 11:45 PM

.42-60? Really? Beats me. There are 3 40-60's I can find, the Marlin, the Maynard 1882, and the Winchester. .40-65 Winchester comes close to a good conversion, with a 2.1" case that is .425 just behind the bullet. But who knows?

Nick

July 27, 2005, 12:32 AM	#1
R1145 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 351	Lee-Enfield Conversion to .45/70 I have a serious "jones" for a #4 mk 1 in .45/70... It cannot be explained on any rational level...suffice it to say, I've had a #4 for 25 years that some ham-fisted jerk sporterized (oh wait, it was me...), I love it, it is imbued with my manna, but it would be PERFECT if it were in .45/70...I know I should just buy a Gibbs, if they still make them, or a Marlin...but I want mine. I know the .303 is a fine, powerful round, but I just want a sexy smooth, light, fast, cut-down Lee-Enfield, big gooey recoil pad, 18" barrel, all black and dark wood, 2, maybe 3 stubby rounds in the mag...whoa, getting excited, there... So much for "why"; on to the "How?": -How can I locate a gunsmith who will rebarrel, chamber and headspace my stripped action? What can I expect to pay? -I feel like I can take on the rest of the project: Magazine/feedramp/adding a floorplate maybe, refinishing, stocking, scoping, etc.; the safety-critical work being the chambering and headspace, right?

July 27, 2005, 08:38 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	I recently saw a magazine advertisement for an economical conversion of a SMLE to look like a Remington-Lee sporter in various calibers. Unfortunately, I can't find it this morning. If it turns up, I will let you know.

January 15, 2006, 02:28 AM	#3
GREGB Junior Member Join Date: January 14, 2006 Posts: 1	Try this link http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting...ntry/index.asp The story is sorta corny but gives the basic info on what is needed to do the conversion. Greg

January 19, 2006, 09:58 PM	#4
R1145 Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 351	Thanks for the link That's exactly what I want to do. Project's been on hold because I've been busy (work, holidays, etc.), but I will definitely do it.

January 19, 2006, 11:18 PM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	You're back! And I found the ad I was thinking about in July. 1879 Sharps Lee Sporting Rifle Original Lee patent rifles were built by the Sharps Manufacturing Company in 1879. Now you can re-create this rare rifle using common available components. Calibers .45-70, .42-60, .405 (short), or .303. Rifles can be built for $300 or less. Detailed plans with photographs for builiding, as well as parts sources are available for $20, ppd. Tom Jackson PO Box 332 Davenport, IA 52805 (563)359-7903 What in the world is a .42-60? I don't know. I bet a .405 (short) is a .405 Winchester shortened enough to go in the magazine of a common SMLE donor action.

January 19, 2006, 11:45 PM	#6
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	.42-60? Really? Beats me. There are 3 40-60's I can find, the Marlin, the Maynard 1882, and the Winchester. .40-65 Winchester comes close to a good conversion, with a 2.1" case that is .425 just behind the bullet. But who knows? Nick