First post and P17 sporter question

[rsu11]

Hello everyone! Question for the Enfield gurus out there.

I recently got a P17 Winchester sporter with a cosmetically worn-out stock, which I'd like to replace. The gun has a flat trigger guard but retained its military barrel. I'm in the process of checking out the action, headspace, bolt, etc. before firing it. So far so good, and if everything checks out, I'd like to put a new sporter stock on it.

I've emailed several stock makers, but none have answered my question about fitting a new stock, specifically the barrel channel. I'm thinking the military barrel contour is bigger than most sporter replacement barrels. If this is true, then I have two choices.

1. Go with a military barrel channel model, which for those I've contacted means using a
stepped trigger guard and (I assume) a deeper mag box, longer screws, etc.

2. Go with a sporter barrel channel model, which means I don't need to change the guard
or mag box, but would require carefully opening up the barrel channel.

Do these choices sound reasonable? Am I missing anything? If a sporter barrel is actually bigger than original military, then option 1 is the only real choice.

I'd do the detail letting-in and finishing myself, but re-contouring for a larger barrel would be a challenge. What do you think?

Information

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[Daan Kemp]

Pictures would help the experts to give expert advice.

[rsu11]

Yes, I'll see if I can post some in the next couple days.

[browningautorifle]

I don't think you'll have a problem with a replacement barrel unless it's a full bull or semi bull. Most replacement barrels are original contour. Not many pencil thin either.

[NORTHOF60]

P17 Winchester sporter with a cosmetically worn-out stock,

Just how bad is the stock? As long as there are no cracks, or major gouges ... it can be refinished. Before I would replace the barrel, and after I had confirmation that the rifle was safe to shoot, I would try it out. Pictures would certainly help in providing useful advice. From the information you've provided, we could be dealing with a BSA P17E or a bubba.

[browningautorifle]

Before I would replace the barrel, I would try it out.

Very true that, a crappy barrel sometimes shoots a dream and a new looking barrel can't do a barn door.

[jamie5070]

I'm going to be replacing the stock on my sporter as well. I way try richards microfit stocks. He has a lot of options

[rsu11]

Thanks for the comments guys. Here are some pics. The stock is just an ugly style, is pretty beat up and has damage as noted. The mechanicals check out well and the bore cleaned up very nicely, so no replacement barrel at this point. In fact, the metal is in surprisingly good shape. Just shows normal age patina and nearly no pitting. The JAO rear sight is very similar to the one on my 03A3, so I'm fine with that.

The stock is not cracked and is secure to the receiver, so after confirming proper headspacing, I'll take it to the range. I don't think the missing wood near the receiver would be a safety issue, but I'm wrong, please say so! The chipped out wood area has been smoothed and there are no cracks running from it.

Otherwise, if the first shot brass looks good, I'll run a few more Garand loads through it for accuracy. Then back to the bench for inspection, cleaning and brass measurements.

I'm talking to a seller about a stepped plate stock with military barrel contour, but not sure what pieces would be needed to convert from a flat plate stock. Thinking a stepped trigger guard and mag box for sure, but is anything else needed? Hope the pics help.

[browningautorifle]

I'm going to be replacing the stock on my sporter as well.

Love to see it when it's done...?

[rsu11]

Some pics attached - hope this helps. Entire rifle pic makes the stock look better than it actually is. However, no cracks and it does secure solidly to the receiver. Also included a shot of a chipped out area on the right rear of the receiver. The metal is in very good condition, including the bore. Everything works as it should, but I need to verify good headspace before firing it.

You can see it's a flat trigger guard version. I'm talking to a seller about a curved/stepped replacement stock with a military barrel channel. That would mean at least a stepped trigger guard and new mag box. Anyone else done a change like this? Is there anything else needed?

Hope this isn't a repeated post...tried to post last night but don't see it in the thread.