About 30 years ago one could buy DP P14 Enfields for $40 a pop, so I bought several. These were complete rifles with holes drilled through the chamber end of the barrels and a steel pin welded in so they couldn't be made to fire, and DP (Drill Purposes) stamped all over them. I removed the old barrels and ground the receiver bridges to Mauser couture, polished off the DP stamps, mounted Timney triggers, Model 70 type safeties, hinged the floor plates, converted to cock on opening, narrowed trigger guards, welded new bolt handles on 1917 bolts, and polished and sweated over them until they became rather nice sporters, if I do say so myself. Yeah, I know it would be a lot easier just to buy a modern action and go from there, but that wouldn't result in a classic Enfield. One became a 270 Win another a 25/06, and on one I even shortened the bolt and receiver to make a short action 22/250. I carved and checkered my own stocks, and threaded, contoured, and chambered barrels on an old Logan metal lathe. I learned a lot form all this, and each one came out a little better than the one before it.
Enough background, now I'll get to the point. I've got it in my head to build one into a classic 375 H&H Magnum. I visualize it with folding leaf rear sight, ramp front, barrel band sling swivel, and cross bolt stock. In other words a classic African monster stopper in every way. I'd use the original bolt with a new handle, and even stick with the original safety this time for a more classic look. My question for you fellows is: What sort of barrel couture would give it enough weight that it won't beat me to death, and still be light enough to actually carry? I'm think 26 inches, but classic 1930ish. What diameter should the muzzle be? Thanks.
