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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Lee Speed Forum & Archive
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FrankS
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Reged: 06/10/08
Posts: 114
Loc: New Iberia Louisiana
poor mans version of the lee speed
      #119763 - 29/11/08 04:11 PM

I think "The Ghost and the Darkness" had a lot to do with the popular and increased interest in these rifles. Just like "Matthew Quigly" did for the sharps rifles. Me, well I'm different. Saw some of the posts on these rifles on this forum and was hooked. My rendition may not truely be like the Lee Speed, but it will be a rendition of my own mind. I plan on using military #4 wood as I have seen a coulple in that guise. Walnut of course. Will be sometime before she speaks but will appreciate that even more. I've gone down the "project road" and they always seem to fall by the wayside. Usually its because I run out of patience or money or both. Been whiling away the time working on the parts I presently have. The bolt is almost cleaned up, but thought a bolt with a solid lug on the right side would look much better than one whose lug has been hollowed out. May have a line on a couple #1MKIII cocking pieces so if that pans out I'm just that much closer. Frank

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darwinmauser
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #131341 - 03/04/09 09:28 PM



Hi Frank, I'm trying to make sense of your post, do you have a #4 lee enfield or a #1 ???,

the inletting on a #4 is very different to a #1 as is the bolt , the 2 rifles look similar but they're not interchangeable.

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Sarg
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: darwinmauser]
      #131391 - 04/04/09 08:15 AM

Hi Darwinmauser ! I sent you a PM did you get it ?

Thank you on the 6.5 ! !

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darwinmauser
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Sarg]
      #131437 - 04/04/09 01:58 PM

Quote:

Hi Darwinmauser ! I sent you a PM did you get it ?

Thank you on the 6.5 ! !



pm sent.

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FrankS
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Reged: 06/10/08
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: darwinmauser]
      #131445 - 04/04/09 03:55 PM

darwinmauser,well it started out as a jungle carbine receiver. Since I don't have a milling machine all work was accomplished with files aka "the norwegian milling machine". I removed the charger bridge with a small hacksaw, then settled down listening to celine dion on the radio and commenced filling away. Figure I have about at least 30 hours just in filing. The left sidewall was probably the hardest to do. I didn't cut it down as far as others had. As I wanted a little suport for the receiver ring. Found a spare bolt that wasn't pitted and that also is in the white. That channel in the bolt rib was the hardest of all to do. Made up some wooden forms which when arapped with abrasive paper helped remove all the paint, divots in the metal and basically cleaned it up real nice. Next step is to take a large large semi turned barrel blank and make something useful out of it.Should finish up about 24 inches long. Scope mounting is out for now. But have a nice redfield receiver sight that a friend in california used a surface grinder on the back and this should do well with the 35 receiver. Wood will be ex military from springfield sporters. Got the buttstock, and a few other bits. But have to get the trigger, sear spring,and mag release, as well as the bolt release assembly. So as money becomes available I'm getting the bits and pieces bits and pieces at a time. Only way I can presently afford it. When done will be bead blasted and then blued. So instead of a shiny black finish I'll have a matte finish.So that is where I stand right now. Frank

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Huvius
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #131447 - 04/04/09 05:18 PM

Quote:

I removed the charger bridge with a small hacksaw, then settled down listening to celine dion on the radio and commenced filling away. Figure I have about at least 30 hours just in filing.



Celine Dion? Must have felt like 90hrs!

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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darwinmauser
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #131457 - 04/04/09 10:24 PM

Quote:

darwinmauser,well it started out as a jungle carbine receiver. Since I don't have a milling machine all work was accomplished with files aka "the norwegian milling machine". I removed the charger bridge with a small hacksaw, then settled down listening to celine dion on the radio and commenced filling away. Figure I have about at least 30 hours just in filing. The left sidewall was probably the hardest to do. I didn't cut it down as far as others had. As I wanted a little suport for the receiver ring. Found a spare bolt that wasn't pitted and that also is in the white. That channel in the bolt rib was the hardest of all to do. Made up some wooden forms which when arapped with abrasive paper helped remove all the paint, divots in the metal and basically cleaned it up real nice. Next step is to take a large large semi turned barrel blank and make something useful out of it.Should finish up about 24 inches long. Scope mounting is out for now. But have a nice redfield receiver sight that a friend in california used a surface grinder on the back and this should do well with the 35 receiver. Wood will be ex military from springfield sporters. Got the buttstock, and a few other bits. But have to get the trigger, sear spring,and mag release, as well as the bolt release assembly. So as money becomes available I'm getting the bits and pieces bits and pieces at a time. Only way I can presently afford it. When done will be bead blasted and then blued. So instead of a shiny black finish I'll have a matte finish.So that is where I stand right now. Frank



Well OK that makes sense now. Are you keeping it in 303 or is it going to get adventuress ???

I'm also building a speed, one thing led to another and mine's going to become a 375 ,2 1/2 flanged Nitro Express.

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FrankS
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: darwinmauser]
      #131528 - 05/04/09 04:53 PM

Actually the caliber of choice is at this time between two calibers. I have a long branch 2 groove barrel thats on another rifle its in great condition and has just been completely cleaned of any copper fouling so as to shoot cast bullets.Has one small pitted area about 8" from the muzzle and that should not present any problems with cast bullets. The other choice of caliber is the 303 british cartridge necked up to take 375 diameter jacketed bullets or 377 diameter cast bullets. That barrel is presently a semi turned barrel blank. I have enough meat at the breech end of the barrel blank to get a good mate up between the receiver and the barrel. Since the 375 blank will probably see more cast bullets than
jacketed ones it just may have a heavy taper to it maybe on the order of .750 at the muzzle.It should finish up about 24" long when all is said and done. Never did any barrel work in a lathe before sso this will be a definite learning experience for me. Will be using military wood for this as I cannot afford a fancy two piece stock set.I already have the butt stock and for end from springfield sporters. The enfield for end will require a lot of cleaning and reshaping as it came of a drill rifle. Will see how well it matches the long branch for end I already have. So that's about it for now. Frank

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Rolland
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #131580 - 06/04/09 09:18 AM

Here are a couple of reworked SMLE's that I have. The top is a 1925 Lithgow that I made into a semi Lee Speed. .303 caliber with a Bishop stock. I cut the magazine to 5 rounds and added a front ramp and peep rear sight. I am not sure what sight would be correct but the peep works very well. I removed the charging clip and welded up the holes. I left the cutoff intact.
The bottom is a 45-70 I made up a couple of years ago for a pig gun but as yet it is not blooded.
I like the SMLE's the action is smooth and really very simple to work on. The brits had it right when they developed this action. I can see why it has stuck around for so long.




Edited by CptCurl (20/10/10 10:09 PM)

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Rolland]
      #131717 - 07/04/09 05:55 PM

Quote:


The bottom is a 45-70 I made up a couple of years ago for a pig gun but as yet it is not blooded.
I like the SMLE's the action is smooth and really very simple to work on.



Did you do anything special for the 45-70 magazine?

Oh, and James Paris Lee was an American. His original design was in .45-70, showing once again how things come full circle.

http://www.remingtonsociety.com/rsa/books/Gene

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Rolland
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #131866 - 09/04/09 06:59 AM

Story
The magazine in the gun was from Navy Arms, they can be made from the .308 mags by a new follower and reshape the mag lips.

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FrankS
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Rolland]
      #131981 - 10/04/09 04:54 PM

Or a second version for the selection of 303 barrels. Have a P14 in 303 british.receiver is toastcould take the good p14 barrel off the messed up receiver and use it to rebarrel the "poor man's lee speed project". Bore dimensions should be tighter, and should be able to get a tight chamber out of it. We shall see cause I have a cheap sporterized P14 coming in shortly. Check out that barrel and see which is the better of the two and use the best one. So actuslly I now have three choices 2-303 barrels and 1 375 semi turned blank. Ah the wheel keep turning. Frank

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #132140 - 13/04/09 02:33 AM

Frank,
As they're becoming rarer, you'd be better off selling or using a good, un-messed-with P14 barrel to restore a sporterized P14, then finding a chopped or as-issued No 4 barrel for your Lee Speed project.

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DarylS
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Rolland]
      #132160 - 13/04/09 09:43 AM

Quote:

Here are a couple of reworked SMLE's that I have. The top is a 1925 Lithgow that I made into a semi Lee Speed. .303 caliber with a Bishop stock. I cut the magazine to 5 rounds and added a front ramp and peep rear sight. I am not sure what sight would be correct but the peep works very well. I removed the charging clip and welded up the holes. I left the cutoff intact.
The bottom is a 45-70 I made up a couple of years ago for a pig gun but as yet it is not blooded.
I like the SMLE's the action is smooth and really very simple to work on. The brits had it right when they developed this action. I can see why it has stuck around for so long.


Roland - your work on those Enfields is inspiring. I have a couple #3 actions and a #4 that I re-chambered to .312 Express than I might convert to something useful, like a .45/70 - or maybe just another .458 2" - hey - be modern a .450 Marlin would also work in the #4 - and with improved performance over the lever gun - really not needed but definitely possible.

The #4 .312 Express gets 2,960fps with 174's.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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FrankS
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: DarylS]
      #132168 - 13/04/09 03:03 PM

Story, well I do have a spare P14 action I've been just saving until the right barrel came along. Has some pitting on the receiver ring and along the wood line. And there is a blonde p14 stock just waiting to be married to the receiver and barrel. It all depends how the new p14 looks when I get it. The receiver has been drilled for both weaver bases and the right side of the receiver for a rear sight.So at the present neither barrel is actually will be wasted or should I say unused.
Almost sent the folks here a missive about not getting the rifle up and firing. Seems I found a winchester high wall rifle chambered in 23-20wcf. Barrel has been relined so the bore was good. Price was right as well.Only bug a boo was that it was a number 1 barrel on the high wall action. After getting it opened to take either the 32-40 cartridge or the 38-55 cartridge. But then the question arouse about the small barrel tennon on the #1 barrel. So would had to get a 30" long 32 or 375 barrel and get it threaded to take either of the two mentioned cartridges. And since I have a perfectly nice high wall action with schutzen trigger guard and set triggers and has the larger barrel tennon I passed on the sale. I'm not one to tempt the fates especially when it comes to safety.So with that said and as money becomes available the calibers will be either the good old 303 british or a version that is the 303 british cartridge case necked up to take 375 cast and jacketed bullets.Still have to get some more parts from springfield sporters such as trigger assembly, mag catch and spring, trigger guard with the two screws, stock bolt, spring and washer, the pins for the trigger set and bolt release assembly. Once I get all that and test fit them, construction can start from there.I find that If I do a project slowley but shuely it gets done. Am looking for a early type cocking piece for my project. The one that has the flat end with the circular ring around it and the knurling. These seem to be kind of hard to locate. So there we are for now. Frank

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Rolland]
      #132212 - 14/04/09 02:14 AM

Quote:

Story
The magazine in the gun was from Navy Arms, they can be made from the .308 mags by a new follower and reshape the mag lips.



Roland,
The next time you make one, would you consider taking step-by-step photos and posting a tutorial?

As a Public Service Announcement, I've seen the following 'For Sale' posted on several other forums within the last 24 hours and figured fans of this thread might want to contact the seller. I have no association with this person and no further information these rifles.

WTS: Antique Lee Enfield #1 rifles $340.00 and up
By:Jim B in Warroad MN <riversidesports@gmail.com> (74.61.156.141)
Date: 4/12/09 11:46

Have here an assortment of historic #1 Lee Enfield rifles in .303 British. All are manufactured prior to 1899 and are exempt from GCA regulation meaning they ship direct without need for FFL. Know your States laws. All have been sporterized in one way or another but each are shooters. These can also be used as the basis for build up of your own Range Rifle using available #1 MkIII furniture, hardware & barrels.
{1} Enfield 1896 SN16XX. Barrel length 21" w/VG bore. No mag, cut forend. $350.00
{2} Enfield 1896 SN81XXX. Barrel length 27" w/VG bore. No mag, cut forend. $325.00
{3} Enfield 1893 SN82XX. Barrel length 25.5" w/Fine bore. No mag, cut forend. $360.00
{4} Enfield 1898 SN63XX. Barrel length 25" w/VG bore. Cut forend, MkIII barrel in exc cond fitted with #1 sights $395.00
{5} Enfield 1892 SN47XX. Barrel length 25" w/Fine bore. Cut forend $385.00
{6} Enfield 1896 SN2XX. Barrel length 21", fitted up with rare original Lee Enfield carbine barrel with fine bore. Cut forend, no mag. $385.00
Lots of potential with these. Actions are clean and undrilled/buggered
Shipping flat $20.00 anywhere in the lower 48' per rifle.

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FrankS
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #132281 - 14/04/09 02:38 PM

Story, is there enough meat left in the breech portion of a #4 barrel to set it back so as to get a decent chamber?. And have enough metal to correctly fit it to the receiver ring?. And you are correct as to the saving the P14 barrel as like you mentioned there aren't many good ones around. Thanks, Frank

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darwinmauser
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #132285 - 14/04/09 04:47 PM


Frank ....your making it hard for yourself here, .A#4 barrel has the same thread as a #1 so it will screw straight on, but....the barrel timing is different so the extractor slot will be on the wrong side,so ...all you need to do is machine half a thread+ or- off the breach and the same amount off the shoulder,recut the extractor slot, tidy up the chamber and Bob's your uncle.

cheers
Pete

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: darwinmauser]
      #132353 - 15/04/09 10:05 AM

Frank
What DarwinMauser said, although stripped No 1 barrels are $42 (these had been out of stock, guess they found more) and No 4 barrels $63 at Numrich.
http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=486190&chrSuperSKU=&MC=
http://www.e-gunparts.com/DisplayAd.asp?chrProductSKU=306890&chrSuperSKU=&MC=

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darwinmauser
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #132370 - 15/04/09 01:34 PM

Story, the #1 barrels will be to light a profile unless ,they are the Australian made heavy barrels which end up about the same diameter as the #4 barrels.
cheers
Pete

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FrankS
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: darwinmauser]
      #132378 - 15/04/09 03:09 PM

Story, sure wish us yanks could get some of the 303 match barrels you seem to have in Australia unfortunately importing barrels is no longer possible. Some more of our shrinking tax dollars at work.
Frank Checked the gun parts section you mentioned. Doesn't say wether or not they are two or five groove barrels. My long branch sporter 1942 has a two groove bbl and my 1949 FAZ has a five groove barrel. Come to think on it, don't remember ever seeing a long branch with anything but a two groove barrel Frank

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #132470 - 16/04/09 09:47 AM

Frank,
I'm an American in America and those barrels are from Numrich, up in NY.

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Carpetsahib
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: FrankS]
      #145112 - 04/11/09 02:02 AM

Here is a reworked No.4 that I did a few years ago. This one is equipped with a Parker-Hale target sight.

Edited by CptCurl (20/10/10 10:10 PM)

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BillfromOregon
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #145440 - 09/11/09 03:32 AM

Carpetsahib: Nice rifle! Even nicer stock!

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Carpetsahib
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: BillfromOregon]
      #151603 - 24/01/10 03:23 AM

Thanks, Bill. We initially had a problem with this rifle, in that it exhibited a wandering zero. The rifle made nice little cloverleafs while testing, but the cloverleafs were sometimes several inches away from the desired POA. These variations appeared to coincide with weather changes. Several fixes were contemplated, including using a barrel band to tie the front end of the forend to the barrel.

Then we noticed that the back of the forend was touching the front of the socket; it is supposed to have a clear sight-line from top to bottom, but did not. To correct it, we simply scraped the offending area until we did have a sight-line. Test firing reveals that the zero is holding steady, even after a recent episode of rainy weather. The problem appears to be solved.

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #151628 - 24/01/10 06:09 AM

CarpetSahib,
You do nice work.
If firing from the sling-supported position, does the pressure on the forward sling mount on the barrel do anything to the POI?

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Carpetsahib
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #151643 - 24/01/10 09:24 AM

A friend owns the rifle now. I'll get him to try some groups with the sling and let you know what happens.

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #151698 - 25/01/10 04:56 AM

Thanks!

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Carpetsahib
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #152887 - 05/02/10 07:13 AM

Well, I asked my friend what would happen to the POA with a tight sling. He replied that he has no intention of finding out; the sling is for transportation only. So.....

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #152945 - 06/02/10 02:57 AM

Considering the accuracy advantages of sling-supported shooting, I'm surprised he doesn't want to sacrifice a few test rounds to at least see what - if any - differences there are to the point of impact.

This relates back to Lee Sporter construction - I've noticed more than a few converted military rifles making use of the rear sight protector screw (part #34, most schematics) hole for the front sling swivel. I can see that for aesthetics sake as well as practical shooting, but I also have a factory BSA Lee Speed with it's front sling swivel mount in this position.

Considering that any torque from the sling while firing from the supported position would be offset by the off-hand, this seems to be the better place to mount the front sling swivel.

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tinker
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #152951 - 06/02/10 04:08 AM

I'm in the camp of guys who feel a hunting rifle sling is for carriage and carriage only.
Proper field shooting position doesn't need a sling to complicate matters.

Everyone has their own opinion.

To the guys who like slings as support -- good for y'all!
In the same hunt, the different guys with similar skill and experience will succeed just as well as each other...

As I could give a flying hack as to what my bolt rifles will do with pressure-via-sling -- I wouldn't waste any ammunition in my .303 to find out either.





Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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Carpetsahib
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #153012 - 07/02/10 01:17 AM

Quote:

Then we noticed that the back of the forend was touching the front of the socket; it is supposed to have a clear sight-line from top to bottom, but did not. To correct it, we simply scraped the offending area until we did have a sight-line. Test firing reveals that the zero is holding steady, even after a recent episode of rainy weather. The problem appears to be solved.


Zero is still holding firm even after a few weeks of variable weather. In our case, it appears that the key to consistency is to completely bed the barrel and action, while keeping the back of the forend free from contact.

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Old_Glass
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #157056 - 21/03/10 06:12 PM

For barreling a Lee Speed "replica" or rebarreling an original, the Lithgow SMLE heavy barrels in .303 are still available sometimes in Australia. They were made in two versions, the earlier one having deeper cut rifling. I wish I had imported a few more before Australian export regulations became so restrictive. A few have shown up fitted to Lee Speeds on this forum and others. They are easy to ID by the shoulder just behind the front sight where the barrel is stepped down to original SMLE dimensions to allow the use of the same frontsights. There is also an "H" on the flat of the Nock's Form, but that would probably be removed on some polished and blued barrels.

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Old_Glass]
      #169575 - 15/10/10 10:52 AM

Found this inspiration elsewhere - by Lon Paul (http://www.lonpaulcustomguns.com/) in .348 Winchester.




(other examples of his work can be found at http://www.lonpaulcustomguns.com/html/lon_paul_photo_gallery.html )

Edited by CptCurl (20/10/10 10:10 PM)

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458Win
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #169933 - 20/10/10 05:04 PM

Here is the other side of Lon's rifle



--------------------
Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either never used one - or else is unwittingly commenting on their marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com

Edited by CptCurl (20/10/10 10:11 PM)

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VonGruff
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Reged: 08/02/09
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: 458Win]
      #169958 - 21/10/10 05:59 AM

The thing that has always made me wonder about this design of stock on the Lee Speeds that wern't on a checkered military style stock is the angle of the bottom of the pistol grip area.It is very flat to the bore line compared to practically all other customs that angle up towards the heel of the comb. Any one have any light to shed on this. To my eye it sets the Lee Speeds apart and is very apealing.

Von Gruff.

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: 458Win]
      #169992 - 21/10/10 11:56 PM

Quote:

Here is the other side of Lon's rifle



That's a ten round magazine body, any idea of how many .458s it holds?

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Story
.333 member


Reged: 15/10/08
Posts: 262
Loc: SE PA, USA
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #170460 - 28/10/10 01:34 PM

I've been remiss in sharing my faux Lee Speeds, a pair of former NZ Enfield IIs turned into Orc slayers.

An 1893, 25" .303 barrel with one of those SARCO three folding leaf rear sights, with gunshow-found front ramp and front barrel-mount sling swivel. Stocks are bubba'd military, magazine might be a Santa Fe.


An 1892, 17.5" .303, No 4 buttstock and a bubba'd SMLE No 1 foreend (with that taped-on $5 ebony foreend found at a gunshow: it is a work in progress). Have a PH 5 sight that I'll hang on it.
Gotta figure out how to make some fish-belly six-round magazines.


Edited by CptCurl (29/10/10 09:30 AM)

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Story
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #170510 - 29/10/10 06:19 AM

FYI,
A .458 Winchester Magnum dummy round in a .45-70 Navy Arms magazine, with a standard SMLE magazine alongside.


Edited by CptCurl (29/10/10 09:30 AM)

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458Win
.333 member


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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #170540 - 29/10/10 04:21 PM

Lon's rifle is chambered for the 348 Win

--------------------
Anyone who claims the 30-06 is ineffective has either never used one - or else is unwittingly commenting on their marksmanship
Phil Shoemaker
www.grizzlyskinsofalaska.com

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tinker
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Reged: 12/03/05
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: 458Win]
      #170560 - 30/10/10 03:26 AM

Story-


For the magazine bottom-plate of your fishBelly box mags, use a steel motorcycle fender or a VW beetle (or similar) car fender.
The 'dish' shape you want is already present, and at the wrecking yard there should be enough there to outfit every rifle in the empire.






Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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Sarg
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: tinker]
      #170598 - 30/10/10 12:47 PM

Thanks Tinker !

Thats a good idea , I was going to just shape the bottom using thicker metal .

Cheers

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tinker
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Sarg]
      #170599 - 30/10/10 01:15 PM

Sarg!


Yes mate, there's bound to be acres of perfect tin for dirt-cheap at your local auto wrecker.

Come out here to NV and run the WR on our coyote and cougar.
Cold beer at no expense!




Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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Story
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Posts: 262
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: tinker]
      #170636 - 31/10/10 03:03 AM

Quote:

Story-
For the magazine bottom-plate of your fishBelly box mags, use a steel motorcycle fender or a VW beetle (or similar) car fender.
The 'dish' shape you want is already present, and at the wrecking yard there should be enough there to outfit every rifle in the empire.
Cheers
Tinker



I owe you a Guinness. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DPKf7y1F-Q

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Sarg
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: tinker]
      #170665 - 31/10/10 02:15 PM

Tinker my man , I would love that , a Big Tom is high on my list , a Cold Beer/Bear would be nice to !

Ps I have a couple of 8 bore barrels on they way , might be a light 8 yet !

Cheers !

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tinker
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Story]
      #170734 - 01/11/10 10:23 AM

Story-

Quote:


I owe you a Guinness...




A Guiness would be brilliant!!



Sarg-

The new pad is great, and there's room here to beer and shelter you for the visit!





Cheers
Tinker

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...

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Carpetsahib
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Reged: 29/04/07
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: VonGruff]
      #177208 - 16/03/11 07:40 AM

Quote:

The thing that has always made me wonder about this design of stock on the Lee Speeds that wern't on a checkered military style stock is the angle of the bottom of the pistol grip area.It is very flat to the bore line compared to practically all other customs that angle up towards the heel of the comb. Any one have any light to shed on this. To my eye it sets the Lee Speeds apart and is very apealing.

Von Gruff.

Mannlicher Schoenauers were made with a similar grip angle. It is a feature that I have never cared for; my tastes run more toward the more traditional Brit styling exemplified by Westley Richards, et al.

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Nailcreek
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #188734 - 28/08/11 12:07 PM

Any more rifles to show? I'm kicking around putting together a Lee-Speed~ish rifle at some point! I enjoy the inspiration!

--------------------
Veni, Vedici, Veggie ... I came, I saw, I had a salad.

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Carpetsahib
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Nailcreek]
      #343775 - 29/07/20 05:03 AM

Resurrecting the thread...

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EDELWEISS
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Reged: 22/11/05
Posts: 608
Loc: Gettysburg
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Carpetsahib]
      #343794 - 29/07/20 10:33 AM

OH Man, we just got two Lee Enfields in the shop today. One is an Indian 308 that has not been sporterized. The other has more possibilities. Its a No1 MkIII* thats been Bubba sporterized by cutting the stock and removing the top forend pieces and front metal. The rear sight is still intact. I almost think it could be put back in military form; but it might be a fun project if we price it right?

--------------------
If it's not custom, it's just borrowed

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szihn
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Reged: 24/06/07
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: EDELWEISS]
      #343980 - 03/08/20 05:00 PM

Here is one I made. The mag is a GI magazine I simply cut down and made a new bottom for.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA by Steve Zihn, on Flickr
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA by Steve Zihn, on Flickr
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA by Steve Zihn, on Flickr

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93x64mm
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Reged: 07/12/11
Posts: 4194
Loc: Nth QLD Australia
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: szihn]
      #343985 - 03/08/20 09:53 PM

Very slick work there szihn!
Lovely timber & rather nice engraving work to top it off.

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EDELWEISS
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Reged: 22/11/05
Posts: 608
Loc: Gettysburg
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: 93x64mm]
      #343986 - 03/08/20 10:39 PM

YES very nice indeed. Ive been looking at a couple spoterized (Bubba-ized) Mk 111's as projects.

--------------------
If it's not custom, it's just borrowed

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DarylS
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Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: EDELWEISS]
      #343997 - 04/08/20 01:55 AM

Good job, Steve.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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bwanabobftw
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Reged: 29/12/04
Posts: 675
Loc: Texas
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: DarylS]
      #344770 - 03/09/20 10:16 PM

That is very nice, which Enfield did you start with?
Robert

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Iowa_303s
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Reged: 22/03/13
Posts: 1016
Loc: Iowa, USA
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: bwanabobftw]
      #344774 - 04/09/20 11:50 AM

Quote:

That is very nice, which Enfield did you start with?
Robert


Steve started with a 1941 Lithgow No.1 MkIII*
It's a wonderful rifle!

--------------------
Matt

formerly known as Iowa_303

"Once your reputation is ruined you can live your life quite freely."

"Enkelkinder über alles"

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bwanabobftw
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Loc: Texas
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: Iowa_303s]
      #344775 - 04/09/20 12:23 PM

It really is !!!!!!
Thanks
Robert

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Rule303
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Reged: 05/07/09
Posts: 5057
Loc: Woodford Qld
Re: poor mans version of the lee speed [Re: bwanabobftw]
      #344787 - 05/09/20 07:29 AM

That is one sweet looking rifle. Bet it handles well.

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