With our custom rifle project we must also decide on caliber and what action, barrel and what modifications if any are needed. In this case I was building a .366 DGW and needed a large, (.416 Rigby size) action so I chose the good old P-14 Enfield action. There were several reasons for this decision. First it is a very strong action with a big shank diameter, second if a P-14 action is used you do not need a counter bore or extractor cut in the face of the barrel, both of which I feel do not give as much suport to the cartridge head as a Mauser style barrel face does, but this is open to debate. I also like the big Enfield and when cleaned up I feel they are rather nice looking, reminisint of the Remington Mod. 720.
First the ears were ground off and the "dogs leg bolt handle shortened and straightened out. The rear bridge was cut down to 98 Mauser countours which simplified scope mount problems and removed weight and improved balance. The ejector/ bolt stop was cut back, the button removed along with the suporting metal and also the metal along the ejection port to enable a cartridge the size of the .416 Rigby to eject cleanly. Other modifications such as "cock on open" and opening up the rails were required on this rifle but I am getting carried away so enough said about this action.

The top cartridge is a .338 Winchester and the bottom the .366 DGW for comparison.