Lee-Enfield #4 Mk.1
.303 British
This project started when I purchased a basket
case #4 Mk1 Enfield rifle, disassembled, for $30. The previous owner had attempted to
sporterize the wood, chopping the length and checkering that looked just horrid. After
getting the cosmoline out, the bore looked like a sewer pipe, and the owner had stripped
off the blueing of the barrelled receiver and it has rusted in many spots. Still, for $30,
I got a magazine, a set of parts and a box of brass in the deal. I assembled and fired it,
getting 8" groups at 100 yards. I then noticed that SOG was selling barreled actions
for $7.95 each. I ordered two and one turned out to be a very good candidate. I planned to
use the rest of the parts gun to make a sporter, but I ran into some bargains that took me
down another path. Here is what I did:
Original parts gun, $30
Fiberforce synthetic stock, $55
Barrelled recievers $16
Flush fitting 5 round magazine, $30
Uncle Mikes black nylon sling and swivels $15
Weaver TO-1 scope base & rings $15
Gunsmithing to cut the barrel to 21 1/4"
inches, recessed crown, drill & tap for scope base, milling of unneccesary metal from
trigger guard and reciever. $60
Used Bushnell Sportsview 3x9 BDC scope, $25
Total cost $245
Was it worth the cost? Well, look at the
targets to the right and decide for yourself. The final rifle is 42" in length,
21.25" barrel, flush magazine, weighing it at around 6 1/4 pounds. It uses a Long
Branch 1941 Reciever, two groove barrel.
