JDinFbg
Member
I have a 1917 Enfield with the original barrel (5-groove, left-hand twist) that has been sporterized and shortened to about 22" with the majority of the barrel floated (that is, it passes the dollar bill test for most of its length). I've tried several powder/bullet combinations in it, working up the loads in 0.5 grain increments. I haven't gotten much better than 2" groups at 100 yds. with any combination I've tried. That may be as good as that old dog can get. However, in doing a general cleaning, I took an air nozzle to the gun and blew out what looked like graphite between the receiver and the stock, so my suspicion is that the receiver is moving in the stock, even though it is not perceptibly lose. I've bedded several Remington 700 actions before using bedding compound only under the receiver and leaving the barrel completely floating. However, I've read several posts where folks have recommended also bedding the part of the barrel just in front of the receiver. The Enfield is somewhat unique from the other rifles I've bedded in that the barrel is the same diameter as the front receiver ring and is essentially perfectly cylindrical for about 1 1/4" in front of the receiver.
So my questions. Has anyone had experience bedding a 1917 Enfield? What technique did you use (just receiver or combination of receiver and first part of the barrel)? What type of groups have you been able to achieve? Is it wishful thinking to get this to a 1 MOA rifle?
So my questions. Has anyone had experience bedding a 1917 Enfield? What technique did you use (just receiver or combination of receiver and first part of the barrel)? What type of groups have you been able to achieve? Is it wishful thinking to get this to a 1 MOA rifle?