.425 Express?

[Grumpy gumpy]

I am interested in making the bastardized P14 Enfield my late wife inherited into something more glamorous. I'm curious about just how much metal I'll have to remove from the rear sight ears/receiver bridge. There is an oval pocket recessed into the bridge between the ears. Is the bridge machined down to the bottom of the pocket or is the pocket filled? The bolt face on this 303 would only require very slight modification to accept 404J rim. I'm thinking it will easily accept as is any of the Winchester Short Magnum rims. During my second safari I took a couple of animals with my PH's 270 WSM. Very impressive. Both critters were in the stratosphere way beyond the reach of my 30-06. I have sourced flat bellied bottom metal and a stock to fit it. And a Timney trigger (I HATE 2-stage triggers!). Apparently it's not hard to find kits to change P14/1917 Enfields to cock on opening. Cleaning off the ears is the big concern at this point.

Open to suggestions.

The 425 is the same head size as a H&H (parent case) so the same as a303 . The "pond" is filled with a metal plug and blended in when the ears are milled off with a carbide cutter
Gumpy

 

[USN]

@Bob Nelson 35Whelen
The 270 Winchester (or 25-06) is just a kitten's kiss.
The .35 Whelen is just a maiden's kiss.
The .425 Express (or .404 Jeffery, .416 Taylor, et.al) is a woman's kiss.

All are nice.
And good rifles.

Well said Sir!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

The 425 is the same head size as a H&H (parent case) so the same as a303 . The "pond" is filled with a metal plug and blended in when the ears are milled off with a carbide cutter
Gumpy

I already have a 404 so making this gun into a 425 would almost be redundant. 270 WSM might even work without modifying the P14 mag box, although I'm certain 1917 box would work with no modification. Presumably 1917 box is straight drop?

So I would have to make a plug, have someone weld it in place (without warping the receiver!), and then machine off the ears? What a hassle. Definitely more challenging than the 98 Mauser project.

Aren't these supposed to be three position safeties? I cannot get the bolt open in position two straight up.

 

[MooseHunter]

I am trying to reply to Roch Sent him a PM

Let me get this Enfield out and give you detailed pictures or ears removed.
Not familar with cannnon used in Africa but the barrel looks like what I know as heavy varmint. Dont have my calipers handy but will guestimate with tape measure

 

[MooseHunter]

I am trying to reply to Roch Sent him a PM

Let me get this Enfield out and give you detailed pictures or ears removed.
Not familar with cannnon used in Africa but the barrel looks like what I know as heavy varmint. Dont have my calipers handy but will guestimate with tape measure

 

[MooseHunter]

Muzzel measures 3/4 inch at 26 inches. Action appears to cock on open

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Muzzel measures 3/4 inch at 26 inches. Action appears to cock on open

My #5 profile 404 barrel by Lija is 0.78 at 23.5". I would guess yours is also #5 profile. Should be a good weight with the extra length and larger magazine. Thanks for the photos. Gives some idea what I would be up against modifying the receiver. Filling the cavity would be the only problem for me. I can build a sliding jig to grind down the ears but I don't have the machining tools or welding skill to fill that pocket. Hmmm. Since it's not a structural issue as it is, I guess it doesn't matter what I use to fill the hole. Exotic wood? Semiprecious stone? Petrified wood? Antler ivory? Schwarosky crystal? This problem could actually be fun to resolve.