Enfield 45acp conversion instructions

This kit is very easy to install, even easier than the Mauser 45acp kit. The hardest part of this conversion is removing the barrel from the Enfield action. We will have instructions for that soon.

 

Step 1GUNSMITH SAFETY

Before proceeding read all safety rules and warnings.

  1. Do not work on any firearm that does not have a safety, unless a new one is to be installed.
  2. Before working on a Mauser, or purchasing one. Make 100% certain that the cocking piece and sear are correct; in serviceable condition and that the parts interact correctly and safely.
  3. Always record the changes you have done to the rifle or any parts used on it.
  4. Do not attempt to use or work on a rifle that is not in good working order.
  5. Remember a firearm is always loaded.
  6. Never point a firearm at anything but a target.
  7. Always check for yourself to make sure a firearm is unloaded.
  8. Always check the barrel for obstructions and bulges.
  9. Always wear safety glasses
  10. Wear hearing protection when shooting.
  11. Always heed all warnings when using chemicals.
 
Do not allow live ammunition in the work area

  

Step 2                 Installing the barrel

 

  
The barrel can be screwed in by hand until it is head spaced. Then you use the locking ring to lock in in place. Use a spanner wrench to lock the ring in place. We can supply these for $6 each. Use BLUE "Lock Tight" to keep everything from vibrating apart.  

 

You may have to re-inlet the stock for the trigger guard in front of the screw hole. This is very easy if you have a milling machine.  You will have to re-inlet the stock for the barrel nut and wider barrel on some stocks. This can be done with chisels or a Dremmel. Here you can see the were the stock was widened using a milling machine.

 This is very easy to do, just follow the step-by-step procedures.

  1. Insert a dummy round into the chamber of the barrel
  2. Remove the extractor from the bolt
  3. Insert bolt into receiver and close it all the way
  4. Screw barrel in all the way until it comes to a stop.
  5. Cycle the bolt to make sure the dummy round is seated in bolt face properly and that the bolt will close all the way.
  6. Re-check the barrel to make sure it is in tight; now back out 1/8- ¼ turn.
  7. Remove dummy round
  8. Insert a NO-GO gauge into the chamber and try to close the bolt.
    1. If the bolt does not close then the rifle is head spaced, proceed to next step.
    2. If bolt does close, rifle is not head spaced—See trouble shooting
  9. Use the locking ring to secure the barrel, use a small drop of blue LOCK-TIGHT on the threads and use a spanner wrench to finish tightening the locking ring. Spanner wrenches are available from Rhineland Arms. If the slot ends up were it is visible you can remove the ring and sand the back side of it some, this will cause it to rotate, keep trying this until it ends up on the bottom side of the barrel were it is not seen.
  10.    you are finished.

WARNING ON BARRELS

1.If you have any question about the head spacing please contact Rhineland Arms or visit a professional gunsmith, this is a easy operation for them.

2.Headspace---This is the relationship of the cartridge between the bolt face and the inside shoulder of the chamber of the barrel. In other words the distance between the closed bolt face and the end of the chamber. If it is too short it will crush the rounds or not allow the bolt to close. If too great then the firing pin may not hit the primer, or the round will not get under the extractor claw and fail to extract. Accuracy will fail also.

  

STEP 3      Installation of the Adapter
This is the adapter unit. The mag catch is already installed. There is a magazine catch on the rear, it is adjustable for the various Enfields and different stocks. You can alter the height of the catch by loosening the screw and moving the catch either up or down. It is inserted just like a original magazine. You can easily inlet the trigger guard with a Dremmel so the new mag catch can move freely. By inserting the adapter you can easily see and mark the areas that need to be removed.

This is a very easy procedure, just follow the steps below.

  1. Test fit the adapter into the magazine well. First remove the new mag catch on the adapter. Now insert the adapter like it is a regular Enfield magazine. It should be a tight  fit and the Enfield mag catch should snap in.
  2. Test the adapter to make sure it is locked into the rifle by trying to pull it out. It should not want to pull out.
  3. Once the adapter is installed mark the areas on the trigger guard that need to be cleaned up with a Dremmel for the new Mag catch to work. Next remove the magazine adapter and using a Dremmel and a little drum sander remove the material from the trigger guard. Now reinstall the magazine catch on the adapter and re-install the adapter into the rifle. Check the new mag catch  in the adapter to make sure it freely moves from right to left.
  4. If you are having problems with the Enfield mag catch locking into the adapter, try moving the adjustable catch. You can either trial and error it or use caliper.
  5. Once the magazine adapter is installed you are ready to move to the next step.

 

STEP 4         Modify the Extractor

 
The extractor is very easy to modify. Simply grind the top down so the extractor top will not hit the barrel, this is what the red arrow is pointing to. Then grind the inside shoulder away so the extractor will curl over further and grab the smaller 45acp cartridge, this is what the yellow arrow is pointing to. 

 This is very easy to do and a necessity for proper feeding and extraction of the 45acp cartridge. The hardest part is removing and reinstalling the extractor.  To remove the extractor ----------. See the Diagram for modifying the unit. Now re-install extractor.

 

STEP 5 Testing

 Here you can see a dummy 45acp round is inserted into the magazine. It is being tested to make sure there is good contact with the bolt face. The dummy rounds like this are also used to test for function and head spacing.
   

At this point the rifle should be built up and the action properly install in the stock. Now you want to make sure that the conversion works safely. The first item to test is the feeding and extraction. Insert a dummy round into the magazine and insert magazine into the mag well. Now test to see if the round will feed and extract easily. If it does then it is time to test the firing pin protrusion. Using a brass case with a live primer only( no bullet or primer) insert it into the chamber and pointing the barrel at a safe target, fire. Now extract the case and inspect the primer. The firing pin should not have penetrated the metal primer and it is safe to proceed. Now re-inspect the bore to make sure it is clean and unobstructed. Using a live round and aiming at a safe target fire the round and again inspect the primer and case for any deformations. If the case and primer appears normal, the rifle is ready for use. If you experience any problems during any of the testing, stop work and contact Rhineland Arms or a professional gunsmith.