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Enfield needs a shorter front receiver screw

MRogersII

I've been building a 300 H&H on a Winchester 1917 Enfield action. I'm nearing the end of the project and have encountered a new issue. The stock I built for the rifle is considerably leaner than the one that was on it previously. What I've run into now is my front screw is 1/2" or so too long with the leaner forearm. The issue is that the screw is not threaded throughout the length, only the last 1/3 of it, so simply shortening the screw doesn't appear to be an option. Any suggestions are much appreciated.
Thank you
Michael
 
If it's not British Whitworth left hand double V Back threads, you should be able to find one or make one. (perhaps out of that one)

I'll pull mine out and see what it is. Although mine isn't a Winney. jd
 
1917 Enfields have a 1/4-30 thread. Not common, but you can probably get a die from Brownells, and extend the threads unless you can find a custom screw with more threads.
 
Fast14riot said:
Yep, 1/4-30 on those.

Have you modified your magazine box? That normally sets the height between action and bottom metal.
Click to expand...
C
Fast14riot said:
Yep, 1/4-30 on those.

Have you modified your magazine box? That normally sets the height between action and bottom metal.
Click to expand...
Check out your local ACE hardware or stores like home depot. They have a good assortment of screws that have straight, philups,and hex heads .I have had good luck for sako, rem. And savage actions.
 
Get a 1/4-30 die and extend the thread on the original screw. Keep the die on the screw until you shorten it and then back the die off to clean the starting threads. I'd suggest getting a tap (ground threads) at the same time. MDX is good quality imported stuff. Tool And Equipment Sales Corp. is good to deal with on the MDX stuff...they have an ebay store.

 
Good morning, All, and thank you for the quality input.

Regarding the mag box, yes, I built a new one out of flat stock. The rifle now holds 2+1. One of the goals of the build was a lighter weight carry rifle.

So.....why did I choose one of the largest actions to build a lighter carry rifle? Great question! I like the classic actions....and I had one on hand. ;)

Though, in hindsight, I probably would not elect to do another build on an Enfield. While i very much like the action, the combination of that angled rear receiver screw, and the complicated geometries on the bottom, made inletting a real chore.
 
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As for buying a proper die, and running the screw in to add additional threads, I thought about that, but I wasn't sure how to secure the screw while turning the die, or vice versa, without boogering the head...if that makes sense. I only have the one screw, need to get it right the first time.
 
I have made quite a few action screws from "Screw Blanks"

I have a box half full of them that I believe were made by Clymer Reamer company, Brownells used to sell them and they still might.

Many times you can fit them inside of a 5C collet by sliding them in from the rear of the collet up to the head and thread them on the lathe.
 
Sniperhandle said:
I have made quite a few action screws from "Screw Blanks"

I have a box half full of them that I believe were made by Clymer Reamer company, Brownells used to sell them and they still might.

Many times you can fit them inside of a 5C collet by sliding them in from the rear of the collet up to the head and thread them on the lathe.
Click to expand...
Yep. They still offer them. Another use for them is an endless supply of blanks for making odd size/depth roll pin starters, sacrificial pins, and slave pins.
 
So, I do OWN a lathe, but I havent used it yet. Still learning to use my milling machine. My wife and children bought me a small bench lathe back in Nov for my birthday but I haven't had the time to start using it. Mostly just using the mill and I've become a pretty fair hand with files. Certainly I've done more wrong, than right, and some of the things I've done right, we're done poorly enough that it was hard to tell that it was the "right" way to do it. Very much a beginner. :)

But I have the action feeding properly and I have proof fired the rifle and all went well with that. And I think I'm about done with the finished shaping of the stock. I'm hoping to start rust bluing next week.

Here's where I am thus far....be gentle
 

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The latter pic shows the inletting and the new internal mag box I fabricated. I chose to do this one with internal box so I had to make the trigger guard by hand. I chose to do it from brass stock. I thought it would look nice against the dark walnut and accent the blonde schnabel forend cap.
 
What is this chambered in?

Never mind I see it's in 300 H&H, I also have a beautiful Mauser chambered in 300 H&H, A Classic caliber that won many 1000 yard matches a long time ago!
 
I used standard steel recoil crossbolts but countersunk them 105 below grade, and then machined brass plugs to fit over top of them and then filed the brass plugs into the wood.
 
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