Re: Gibb's Enfield No. 4 in 45-70

[1911crazy]

I read about Gibb's rifle company taking Enfield No. 4's, rebarreling to 45-70 with 21"  match barrel, re-stocking with nice, checkered one piece stock, and selling for $389.00.  I posted this on the bolt action and lever action forum and am posting here becuase I'd appreciate any input from you experts in mil surps  about what you think of this rig.  I know little of the Enfields. According the article, the No. 4 was the strongest and best of the lot.

your thoughts?

I have seen their other guns in a local gun shop here and the quality looks great and if the 45/70 looks like they do it has to be awesome.  And the cheap price has me thinking about one too.            BigBill

Its on my want/wish have to have one list!!!!!!!!

[savageT]

OSOK,
Big Bill and I both have seen these in the gun shops and I agree, they are verrrry impressive (in .308 cal.)!!  They look brand new, unissued.  Now having said that, I can only wish you well on your decision, because we've all drooled over owning one in 45-70.  Maybe if Mikey would jump in here, he will have a few words of wisdom.??


savageT

[1911crazy]

I found more info at www.gibbsrifle.com.

I've been there many times not a good place for me to go to right now. I'm in a christmas present buying mode right now and can't do to me from me this year.  I got enough guns this year I have to wait till '03 then i can start all over again I hope.                              BigBill

Mama did get me a M1895 for christmas and my oldest son is buying me "two mausers for christmas" sounds like a christmas story. I hate waiting for anything??

[Mikey]

Hay Jim and BigBill - howdy guys.  Hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year.

I read OSOK's question on the Lever Action forum but he posed it in terms of which would be stronger, the converted SMLE or a lever in 45-70.  To answer his question I felt the lever would be the stronger action and could handle the hotter loadings in 45-70 easier and without coming apart.  The pressure ratings for the 303 and the 7.62x51 NATO (not the 308 commercial or sports loadings - thank you Mr. T) are within the same ballpark as are those for the lower pressure loadings in 45-70, which is why the SMLE can be safely converted to 45-70.

I think the Gibbs conversions are really neat and would love to have one and may someday.  Standard pressure 45-70s would do anything I would want a cartridge to do in the continental US.  I wouldn't need the heavier pressure loadings.  I just did not want to mis-advise OSOK into thinking that a Gibbs conversion from 303/308 to 45-70 would be the best bet for high pressure heavy hitting 45-70s.  

Otherwise, I think all three of you are gonna have to get in line somewhere behind me if these things ever come out on the shelves.  Ya know, I wonder if they would shoot black powder loadings with any degree of success?  Hmmmmmm.  Just Mikey thinkin' over here.

[1911crazy]

Hay Jim and BigBill - howdy guys.  Hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year.

I read OSOK's question on the Lever Action forum but he posed it in terms of which would be stronger, the converted SMLE or a lever in 45-70.  To answer his question I felt the lever would be the stronger action and could handle the hotter loadings in 45-70 easier and without coming apart.  The pressure ratings for the 303 and the 7.62x51 NATO (not the 308 commercial or sports loadings - thank you Mr. T) are within the same ballpark as are those for the lower pressure loadings in 45-70, which is why the SMLE can be safely converted to 45-70.

I think the Gibbs conversions are really neat and would love to have one and may someday.  Standard pressure 45-70s would do anything I would want a cartridge to do in the continental US.  I wouldn't need the heavier pressure loadings.  I just did not want to mis-advise OSOK into thinking that a Gibbs conversion from 303/308 to 45-70 would be the best bet for high pressure heavy hitting 45-70s.  

Otherwise, I think all three of you are gonna have to get in line somewhere behind me if these things ever come out on the shelves.  Ya know, I wonder if they would shoot black powder loadings with any degree of success?  Hmmmmmm.  Just Mikey thinkin' over here.

Mikey It will make a good bear gun too one shot clears the woods next shot shoots the bear? (just kidding)                          BigBill

Happy holidays, stay sober, enjoy and if you can't figure out what to do with that left over eggnog make my favorite eggnog french toast I just love this time of year?? Never tried it with RUM?? HUMMM

[savageT]

I received this e-mail today 12/18/02 from Gibbs:
savageT


We recommend standard .45-70 ammo.  We have found that the Remington Express Rifle 405 grain works extremely well in the Summit .45-70.  If you are handloading, please load to the normal .303 pressures as stated in the SAMMI guidlines.
 
As for the .308 guns we sell, you may use any commercial or surplus .308 (7.62x51) ammunition safely.
 
Best regards,
 
Gibbs Rifle Co.