1917 Enfield, 30-06

[velocette]

Folks, I have a '17 Enfield rifle which has been "sporterized", at least half way. No way could it be returned to stock condition. Therefore I intend to proceed & finish the sporterization with a new sporter stock, Timney trigger & other work. It was re-barreled in the 40's with a High Standard 1 : 10 barrel.
It's the "other work" that has me concerned.
Is there an online source for information about how one goes about shortening the magazine, straightening the magazine floorplate, re-shaping the rear of the receiver and other tasks as needed?
I realize that I can buy a modern rifle for (MUCH) less than it will cost me to build this rifle, but as a project to wind up with something special with really nice wood, it's worth it to me.

Any guidance out there?

Roger

[Jim Watson]

I don't know about online.

Frank DeHaas covers such stuff in 'Bolt Action Rifles'
http://www.dehaas.com/guns/
It is presented in a general way and assumes you have the necessary gunsmithing skills and equipment to plan and make the detail changes.

As I recall - my copy was ruined in The Incident - he mentions straightening out the factory floorplate OR replacing it with 1903 bottom metal.

When the receiver sight "ears" are removed to make room for a rear scope base, there are two approaches. The simple way is to turn the receiver bridge to the same diameter as the receiver ring, looks like a Model 30. The more streamlined way is to mill it to the same contour and height as a Model 700.

The rear end of the receiver can be trimmed up and the bolt stop shortened but that is getting pretty advanced.

[James K]

Straightening the trigger guard (not the floorplate) involves nothing more than cutting off the front end, cutting or grinding off the ramp, then welding the piece back on. That is what Remington did to make the Model 30 trigger guard. Of course that assumes you will be using all new wood, as the modified guard won't fit the old wood.

If you want, you can cut down the magazine box (from the bottom) so you can use a more slender stock. (The M1917, with its magazine originally made for the .276 Enfield, will actually hold 6 .30-'06 cartridges; many sporter rifle magazines hold only 4, so there is a lot can be done in that area.)

Jim

[velocette]

Update of sorts; I found an introductory book on gunsmithing the '17 Enfield
"Introduction to Modern Gunsmithing" by Harold E. MacFarland. It is on its way as I type. I spent three days cleaning the barrel. If I could have reclaimed all the copper that I got out of that barrel, I could'a paid for some of the parts I will need. BUT when I was done, the bore was bright and shiny with sharp clean rifleing. Surprised I am! Happy too.
As soon as the book arrives, I will proceed with the job of making a silk purse out of a sows ear.

Roger