P14 - M17 Enfield

NE Newton 5 months ago

Was looking at Classic Arms Auctions and notice a few P14's at very reasonable prices
I know that Oom Driepoot has a 7x64 based off one
Anyone else have / use / modified a P14 ( .303 ) or M17 (30-06)

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NE Newton OP

A question ...

IF you had complete choice what cartridge ( calibre ) would you like to chamber a P14 in ?
What would be your reasons ?

After some thought I am thinking a .338LM-Improved
Action is strong enough and enough space with a new magazine box
Bolt would need slight opening

Anything smaller is somewhat wasted on this action ?

NE Newton OP

I had the P14 and the barrel was shot. I do not understand the change to cock on opening (COO). The bolt has momentum going forward and gives a faster reloading than with COO.

It is an American "thing"
I also prefer cock on closing ..

TR Tripodmvr

I had the P14 and the barrel was shot. I do not understand the change to cock on opening (COO). The bolt has momentum going forward and gives a faster reloading than with COO.

NE Newton OP

The big issue with the P14/P17 action is the square thread for the barrel to screw on. The bolt is good for larger calibres like 300WM, 375H&H and 458WM. My bolt head had to be welded to hold the smaller 7x64 case head. Feeding is also a pain as the 303 follower tends to tilt the cartridges so that they do not enter the chamber at the correct angle. The feedramp has been altered, but is not 100%.

What Ds J mentions is thus true. Save on the action, but spend on the alterations.

Any good machinist should be able to cut a thread like that no problem
IF I understand correctly many of the parts are interchangeable
I believe an M17 30-06 bolt will fit in a P14 ?
Perhaps the 30-06 follower as well ?
It is possible to make up an internal box magazine for 30-06 type cartridges
You can also make is shorter and get rid of the .. "guppy belly"
However for a 7x64 perhaps one should have first started with a M17 ?

This is what a buddy of mine in Texas does ...

P14 Mods

Problem is .. how to get it here ?

TR Tripodmvr

My 7x64 has a converted Bisley stock on it. I still have the original stock.

OA oafpatroll

I have an original as possible P14 on my growing bucket list.

TR Tripodmvr

The big issue with the P14/P17 action is the square thread for the barrel to screw on. The bolt is good for larger calibres like 300WM, 375H&H and 458WM. My bolt head had to be welded to hold the smaller 7x64 case head. Feeding is also a pain as the 303 follower tends to tilt the cartridges so that they do not enter the chamber at the correct angle. The feedramp has been altered, but is not 100%.

What Ds J mentions is thus true. Save on the action, but spend on the alterations.

DS Ds J

No, I don't have one, but I have read up on them and spoke to quite a few experienced gun smiths.

The P-14 action seems to suffer from a similar fate as the WWII Mauser action. It was made during the 1930's and 1940's rush for military use. It means that some are simply great, and some are less than great.

They came to fame during the 1960's to 1980's (?) when few other actions were available or affordable, and did a great job of the actions expected of them.

However, with modern technology there are new challenges to the old war horses. Production costs are low for new actions, and it is expensive to work on an old action. In SA, barrel changes are cumbersome, which makes it even more attractive to simply buy a new rifle.