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Author Topic: Eddystone actions  (Read 1214 times)

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Offline Con

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Eddystone actions
« on: December 07, 2005, 09:17:16 AM »
Guys,
You hear a lot about the Eddystone actions being the least desirable of the M17/P14s due to possible cracking in the front receiver ring. Given 100 Eddystone's, what percentage are likely to crack or be found cracked IF the barrel is removed properly and with all due consideration? If an action has already been rebarreled, is it then considered safe from further cracking? Looking towards making a future "heavyweight" 35Whelen.
Cheers...
Con
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Offline Turkeyfeather

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Eddystone rifles
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2005, 10:59:53 AM »
Con,

Some time ago I bought an old P14 303 Eddystone drill rifle. The action was in fine shape but the barrel was demilled by having it drilled through in the chamber area and a pin driven through it. This was common years ago when building parade rifles for marching bands. I took the old piece, discarded the stock and barrel and did a complete refurbish job on it.

Combining a nice E.R. Shaw sporter barrel in 300 H & H Magnum along with a Richards Microfit thumbhole stock, I had a very nice rifle. Being the P14 was chambered for the rimmed 303 Brit cartridge, it is very well suited for a magnum cartridge and the bolt required no modification.

Since it's construction, that rifle has served me very well in taking game. I can speak very highly of that design. It is true however to watch for an action in very good condition. I also understand from my investigation that the M17 is the better selection when attempting to create a sporter and not be concerned with metallurgy. The only short coming I can identify is, that action is quite heavy and does not serve well as a lightweight walking hunting rifle.  Have fun.

 :-)
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Offline Con

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Eddystone actions
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2005, 03:12:42 PM »
Thanks Turkeyfeather,
Opinions are varied on the Eddystones! In my case it looks like I may end up with two, one an M17 the other a P14. Both have been rebarreled previously which gives me some sense of reassurance. Not sure which way I'll end up going but the weight will be advantageous in all cases. One thought is a 35Whelen or 9.3x62; but both throated for 300+gr projectiles, another is a regular 303/35 on the P14 (currently 303/25). The M17 may end up staying as a 30/06 and shooting 220gr Woodleighs exclusively ... don't know, but it'll keep me out of trouble for a year or three! :)
Cheers...
Con
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Offline gunnut69

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Eddystone actions
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2005, 09:44:29 PM »
I have heard it opined that the barrels were torued in so tight the over time the receiver rings developed stress cracks. I would check ANY action before rebarreling but don't have any less faith in an Eddystone.
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The 2nd amendment to the constitution of the United States of America-
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Offline RugerNo3

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Eddystone actions
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2005, 03:09:46 PM »
The first 200,000 +/- Eddystones were the brittle ones then the heat treatment was adjusted to correct this. Any milsurp action should be magnafluxed to be sure there are no cracks invisible to the naked eye. I personally think it is pennywise and pound foolish to build a rifle on any milsurp action. There are many modern rifle actions to accomplish the same results with and there will be a better retained value. :D
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Offline thales

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Eddystone actions
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2006, 03:06:01 AM »
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    It is my understanding that the cracks occur when removing the old barrel.  They were torqued in tight.  Then 80+ years of corrosion would make it really difficult to remove.  Then Joe Gunsmith puts a twelve foot extension on his action wrench to get it off and VOILA!, instant cracked receiver.

   The way to get the barrel off is to cut it down, leaving about a 1 inch stub of barrel sticking out.  Then, on a lathe, enlarge the bore until there is only a little thickness of barrel metal left in the threaded end.  Soak it in Kroil for about three days.  Then a regular action wrench will remove it with little sweat and no cracks.

   My brother rebarreled my P-14 this way and it worked beautifully.  If you don't know who rebarreled yours, you might want to get it magnafluxed.


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Offline gunnut69

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Eddystone actions
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2006, 07:00:34 AM »
Over tightened barrels are common on many old rifles, and some newer ones. I removed a few and some were extremely tight. In only one case did I resort to extreme measures. I used a cutoff tool and cut a groove around the barrel just in front of the receiver ring. The tension is relieved and the barrel was removed easily. No need to bore it out.. The tension is not on the threads but on the shoulder of the barrel/receiver ring contact surface..
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gunnut69--
The 2nd amendment to the constitution of the United States of America-
"A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."

Offline Zeke Menuar

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Eddystone actions
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2006, 08:04:16 AM »
I had my Eddystone action magnafluxed at a cylinder head machine shop.  No muss, no fuss.  Safe for rebarreling.

ZM
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