Changing a Rifle Barrel.

[Blu]

I have a Lee Enfield No4 Mk1 rifle that has a barrel on it that is shot to hell, this has been confirmed by a gunsmith. Now then I have been able after much searching and waiting to get my hands on a replacement barrel, the new barrel is in excellent condition. My problem is twofold, firstly I can't find a gunsmith in Michigan to change the barrels, I've made lots and lots of phone calls but no joy.

So I have decided I am going to buy the barrel vice and the wrench and do it myself, hence my second problem. The torquing of the new barrel once it's on. How do I set the torque on the wrench and also what is the correct torque for the Enfield No4 Mk1. I have done a lot of research on this but I can find nothing that tells me how to set the torque and what I have found on how much torque varies widely from website to website.

I have asked gunsmiths who I have phoned if they knew but again no joy, it would seem these days that over here the emphasis on gunsmithing is on modern rifles or the more commonly known mil surplus rifles. Head spacing is not a problem, I already have the gauges and I also have spare No's 0 1 2 and 3 bolt heads and I know how to check head space.

So does anyone know how to do this, also is there anything else I should be aware of when I attempt this. I really would like to do this myself for the experience and to gain knowledge. Any help/advice would be really welcome. I could send it out of State to be done but I am not to keen on doing that, I prefer to interact with a gunsmith face to face to avoid any problems that may crop up in the future with the barrel change. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Blu

[Sim G]

I imagine Adam will be along soon with the definitive. However, in case he's stuck in a whole somewhere in Scotland waiting for Bambi, I reckon give Robert a ring at Fultons, he will certainly know.

[saddler]

You'll probably find the answer by searching on MilSurps.com

[Blu]

Saddler, already been there mate, while there is info, it is at best very sketchy and only shows the basics, it doesn't really go into detail with things like how to setup and how much torque. Thanks for the reply anyway mate. I'm thinking I will post this over on GT as well see if that comes up with anything.

Blu

[Blu]

SimG, Fultons??? Do you have a link for them mate or a phone number?

Blu

[Gaz]

Don't quote me, but while I was hunting for a barrel for my project rifle I heard a figure of 240 ft/lbs. I really have no idea at all whether that's even in the right ballpark, let alone accurate!

[saddler]

Got a book on gunsmithing, er actually, got a few of them.

Cannot remember the one I saw it in, but seem to recall the data being in there
If not it may be in one of the old British manuals I have

Going to be otherwise occupied until after the weekend though

Try a PM to Pete Laidler on the other forum

[John25]

Fultons will certainly have the knowlege.

http://www.fultonsofbisley.com/

HTH

:cheers:

[Blu]

Thanks for the replies guys, I've just fired off an email to Fultons. Just have to wait and see what comes back. I've now got my mind set on doing this myself and I will somehow or other find out what I need to know in order to complete the barrel change. :G

Blu

[Blu]

John25, thanks for the link mate.

Blu