Need 2 reasonably priced replacement barrel(s) for #4 Mk. 1* (please don't laugh!)

[Dienekes]

I bought 3 "sporterized" rifles of this mark some years back; said sporterizing consisting primarily of stripping off the military wood and fittings, and mounting Advanced Technologies' "zytel" fiberglas stocks. One of the three had a decent barrel, and is actually one of my favorite utility rifles. It has taught me to respect these rifles! The other two have "bad" and "awful" bores and won't shoot for beans. I hate to junk them out for parts, which is about all they are good for as they are.

Some years ago I googled my way around the globe and came up pretty empty handed. Thought I would try it again and see. Would appreciate any leads as I hate to see potentially good rifles moldering away unused.

[Hal O'Peridol]

www.e-gunparts.com

Look under SMLE

[lucky dog]

If you find one you then have to find a gunsmith who knows his way around the Lee-Enfield. It's not the same as re-barreling other rifles. What ammo were you shooting? These rifles that have some wear do not like boat tailed bullets. I would slug the bores and if possible try .312 flat based bullets, if those are too small, cast bullets should do wonders.

[Sunray]

"...not the same as re-barreling other rifles..." The only difference is how the headspacing is done. Changing bolt heads with headspace guages is how the headspace is adjusted. Same use of a barrel vise and a proper action wrench otherwise.
"...have "bad" and "awful" bores...." Please define that. Heavily pitted/rusted? The rifling is not square cut like American rifling. It's shallow. This ( as opposed to this [.
"...slug the bores..." Absolutely. Lee-Enfield barrels can measure between .311" and .315" and still be considered ok. Over .315" is shot out.
In any case, like Hal O'Peridol says, Gunparts lists 'Good to Very Good' used No. 4 Rifle barrels with the front sight base at $64.85 each. You will need a barrel vise and the right action wrench or a smithy who has 'em. You can install the barrel to use the bolt heads you have, but it must be done with proper headspace guages.
"...my favorite utility rifles..." You want to check the headspace on that one too. Thousands of both models of Lee-Enfields have been assembled out of parts bins without ensuring the headspace is ok.

[lucky dog]

Sunray, Peter Laidler went through what it takes to properly index the barrel. It's not as simple as just having the vise and wrench and then changing the bolt head. Here is the link to a tutorial on the proper way to "breech up" a No.4.http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=13452

[smle-man]

I just sold a BSA made new #4 barrel and a take off #4 barrel in excellent shape. I had them laying about for years. Keep checking the various gun forums with classifieds. Northridge Int. had take offs a couple years ago 5 groove and 2 groove that I looked at, they were in nice shape. You may try them.