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Now You Are Getting Me interested!!

I have a 505 or two in my future plans. I was fortunate back in the 1980's and purchased many P-14, P-17 and M98 actions when they were available at the gun shows at reasonable prices. Think I have about 15 P-14 and P-17 actions, and around 30 or so Mausers "salted" away for my gun projects. Now that retirement is a reality, I finally have time to work on some guns.

I have built a few belted magnums on the Enfields, but not a big case like a 505. The 505 could be a challange, but I have a good instructional article by Jim and Leroy Wisner on how to do it, complete with drawings. The Wisners made one of the best looking conversions, and are still in buisness in the US Washington State making parts for obsolete guns. Being a retired Machinist, I have the usual machinist machinery tools in my shop, so I am well equipped with tools and machinery, although the knowledge may be a shortcoming!!

Notes on P-14 and P-17 Enfield actions: Many say the Eddystone actions are brittle and should be avoided. The Winchester actions are good, but have a large hole in the rear bridge under the rear sight that must be plugged and TIG welded up. (I use a piece of 4140 cut to fit the hole and TIG weld it in). The Remington action is considered the best, as it does not have a hole in the rear bridge. Regardless, either action requires a substantial amount of metal work. And if you weld up that hole in the rear bridge, you will have difficulties drilling and tapping for either a rear sight or a scope base.

The A-Square rifles worked, but were somewhat "simply" done, after all, what would one expect for a gun costing some $1700 or so back when they were made? I have had a couple in my collection in the past, after making some improvements, I sold them to "friends" as I did not like the stock style or the way the metal work was accomplished. And that long eye relief scope on the barrel drove me nuts!

Welding on the Enfields: TIG only. Gas welding is a real no-no, as you put way too much heat in the receiver when welding. Standard arc welding is sloppy. Both gas welding and arc welding entrap slag in the weld and should not be employed in gun work. If your gun worker does not use TIG, find someone that does. Copper heat sinks and heat sink paste are a requirement on both the receiver and the bolt when welding. I also wrap the bolt lugs and forward portion of the bolt with a cold water soaked rag when welding on a new bolt handle.

It is interesting that some of the British makers may have used Enfield actions for the bigger cartridges. Anyone have a photo of one?