Photos of #4MK1 converted to 7.62 Nato

[Alfred]

My theory was that the bullet left the barrel and spiralled in a cork screw fashion until it was stabilised by its spin. Thus, it struck the target randomly at shorter distances until the spiral was reduced by the spin on the bullet, and it was better stablilised at about 300 metres.


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Theres a diagram of bullet flight in one of my old books that suggests very much what you've said. This was in relation to US service rifles and had nothing to do with the SMLE rifles.
I'll see if I can find that book.

[bigduke6]

>>>Can get some pics of No4 Mk 2 have two of them Used as target rifles one is a sterling conversion, the other i dont know but a match trigger has been installed, have to say who ever did this, it is a work of art.<<<

bigduke6,
I would especially enjoy seeing a photo of the match trigger if you have any.
I have never even seen a photo of the #4 Mk2 standard trigger so I don't know how they were mounted.

Lot of pics to get through so will keep it short, pics based on the difference between the Mk 1 and 2 trigger also info on the 7.62mm conversion by sterling and a intresting Match trigger conversion.

Start off with the main difference between Mk1 and 2 actions

Mk1 below with the trigger gaurd, on and off


Next is the Mk2,guard on and off,


Below shows trigger gaurds the Mk1 above and the Mk2 below

As you can see the main difference was the the Mk1 had the trigger mounted in the gaurd and the Mk2 had the trigger installed on the wrist.

Next group of pics based around the .303 and the 7.62mm, i will start with the mags and then barrels.
I am only providing the pics and a brief outline, regarding military conversions etc, i will leave to the experts.
Below shows the stirling conversion mag this would of been purchased in a kit with a barrel (7.62mm ) and would come with a selection of spacers to be able to allow for a good fit and align the knox form up with the action

Below shows the .303 and 7.62mm (right)

Next up are the difference in the barrels, the basic difference is the protrusion of the 7.62mm case, again i am not going into a full history of the conversion,
below the standard .303 No4 barrel ( Left) and the 7.62mm conversion barrel


you can see above the length of the tenion of 7.62mm (right) is longer from the shoulder this is to allow for the correct spacer to be fitted. The reason behind the spacer as i am led to believe was, simplicity, as the conversion come in kit form it offered anybody within reason to fit thier own barrel with success with out the need of a lathe and chamber reamers.( head space gauges and maybe a spare bolt head would be needed)

Below (sorry about pic but you make out the spacer fitted to the 7.62mm)

Pic below to show no change in the bolthead and extractor, top .303 bottom 7.62

The only problem on these conversions were the ejection of the spent case, The Mk2 in these pics was my rifle, sometimes the case would eject if the bolt was operated at speed but on most ocasions it was the fingers what got the case out.
modern conversions now are done in house, so the barrel is produced for that action, and the extraction is overcome buy altering the bolthead with a plunger built in and a modified extractor.

My last pics are the conversion of a Mk2 action with a match trigger fitted. i have compared this with the prevous Mk2 action also please look at the last pics showing the detail of the cocking piece which was machined to suit also the pics showing the difference regarding the travel of the firing pin when cocked, i have kept this action/ barrel as i have shot it and was very accurate.










And finally, off the subject the pic below shows a pistol grip which i made and fitted this was only done to prove someone wrong they said "you cant fit a pistol grip to an enfield" so i did, the stock bolt holds it in position and the bar is extra support.



Please note, The above thread is for illustration and general knowledge only, it is not my intention to promote the conversion of a servicable Milsurp rifle, if i can restore a bubba,ed rifle i will, if its a bad case of bubba at work (see my thread on the No1 MKV) or a standard sporterised with drilled action to take mounts etc i will restore as a shooter or convert to a pistol calibre (.45 ACP).

[ireload2]

bigduke6,
Thanks very much. This was far more comprehensive than I ever expected.
This is worth archiving somewhere.
Is the mainspring in the rifle with the custom trigger stronger than a normal #4 main spring?
The custom trigger housing has some striking similarities to a Canjar single set trigger that I once owned.

In regard to your restoration of a #1MKV, I passed up a twin to yours about 10 years ago. It was offered for sale by an Aussie (living in the US) for $175. The action had not been drilled or modified. The barrel and wood had both been cut. I had no idea where I could have found the wood in this part of the world. I have always regretted passing on it. But at lease I can say I have actually seen a real MkV.

[tiriaq]

I have a 7.62mm target rifle built up on a C. No. 7 Mk. I receiver, set up as a single shot in an early one piece Robertson synthetic stock. Schultz & Larsen barrel. A Canjar trigger has been fitted, in a manner similar to the target trigger installation illustrated above, and the action has been speedlocked in a similar manner. The mainspring is very stiff compared with a standard Lee Enfield. I believe the gunsmith was named Collins. Apparently he did a number of conversions of this sort.
Becasue I am on dialup, I have given up trying to post phots, but I could take photos and email them if anyone is interested.

[bigduke6]

The spring is only for the mag release so strength not as critical, as the original, which was dual purpose and served trigger and mag release.

[tiriaq]

I referring to the firing pin spring. Closing the bolt and cocking the rifle requires a good push.
In a box of odds and ends from an auction, I found a couple of single shot trigger guards - just a plain narrow bar running up to the front guard screw, and some single shot adapters that replace the magazine catch. The outer end of the trigger spring engages the adapter, the adapter fills the bottom of the receiver and makes a loading platform.

[villiers]

Great photraphy ....VERY interesting and informative. Makes the forum invaluable!

[villiers]

"I have seen long running raging arguments where very experienced reloaders and shooters say this can't be possible. They cite the logic "Ok how do the bullets know when to start steering themselves back toward the point of aim to give a closer group."

Anyone who´s been on the receiving end of a good spin bowler will have first hand knowledge of the fact that the ball can (and often does) deviate, only to adopt devastating accuracy when it hits the wicket.

[ireload2]

bigduke6,
Is your trigger a single set type?
Have you ever tried pushing the bottom of the shoe forward to see if it will set?