Rebarreling/breeching a No 4 MkI.

[leo.181997]

Hello all,
I only just joined this site in order to further my understanding of the Lee Enfield as detailed technical knowledge is now only evident in the minds of a few Subject Matter Experts. I am seeking details on the process of rebarreling/breeching a No 4 MkI. With the following considerations;
1. Background of Personnel Experience
Armourer experience - Aust Army Fitter Armourer (Artificer).
Lee Enfield experience - next to nothing except to have stripped and cleaned my own Mk II (a novice).
2. The rifle I want to rebarrel had a worn out and severly pitted barrel which has been removed prior to being in my possession.
3. I purchased a heavy barrel (possibly used but in better condition) at a gun show, identification of barrel still not clarified, with intent of rebarreling No 4 MkI.
4. Understanding some of the complexities of rebarreling (is that the right terminology?), I would like more clarification of the process in order to ascertain the likely costs incurred when I engage my local civi Gunsmith as I currently do not have the tooling or experience in this weapon.

Can someone please educate me on the details or direct me to someone who can?

Regards

Leo.

[tbonesmith]

Here is an article by a member here, Peter Laidler: http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...ching%20Up.pdf
Check out the rest of his articles: Index of Peter Laidler's on-line series of articles.......

I recently did a rebarrel on a No4 using a heavy target barrel out of an M17. Have a look at the thread: No 4 7.62 build



Most of the complexities are shown in that thread I linked above, but if you want to get technical send me a PM and I'll give you my phone No. Fundamentally it's the same as any other rebarrel, where the receiver face breeches up on the shoulder of the barrel tennon.
The original barrel can be extremely tight and difficult to remove, and I have found it necessary many times to make a relief cut just forward of the face of the receiver in the barrel, to relieve the tension held between the face of the receiver and the barrel shoulder. Though sometimes they come out without difficulty. That's out anyway so no drama's there.
Also don't assume that they will just shoot with a nice barrel, every other part of the setup and bedding is critical to performance.
What caliber is the barrel you have bought? And is it threaded for a No4 already or something else?


... And welcome to the site, I hope you find a lot of what you're looking for here.