Sporterizing the Lee Enfield Porch Project -- Forestock

Worked on the Mk. III forestock today; there was no shortage of wood to bring true to the metal. I used a rasp for that and it wasn't a difficult job, though you have to be careful. As with all these things, patience is definitely a virtue.

look at all that wood

After an hour or so (I was being careful), the stock fitted flush with the trigger guard and receiver ring and the wood around the barrel channel was shaped. 

clamp and rasp

Then it was time to sand. I started with 150 grit and worked up through 220, 240, 320, 400 and finally 600 grit. I used an old dry dish sponge as a block and kept the sawdust. Why? To mix with the finish when the time comes to fill the grain; I'm cunningly thinking that this might save some time and effort. We'll see.

getting there

I put the old warhorse together and was pleased with the result, it was good to see the rifle progressing. Next step is staining the forestock to match the butt (I'm tempted to keep the military original for now) and apply the finish. Then it'll be time to glass bed the barreled receiver, blue the metal and get a smith to attach iron sights, perhaps a 2/3 leaf express, and crown the barrel.

But that will have to wait till after The Episcopal Church's (TEC) General Convention in Indianapolis which, Enfield enthusiasts, is another story altogether.

Shoot straight,

LSP

Just Get Out And Shoot Something

Seeing as 2012 is the Year of the Gun, I thought I'd better go out to a parishioner's range and shoot after Mass on Sunday. I like it there -- just you, the guns and, in this case, my linguistic philosopher friend GWB and his dog Jeb. he's training Jeb for a bird dog.

Jeb

I was pleased with the new Lee and shot moderately well with it, far easier to handle than my friend's Winchester Featherweight. Beautiful gun with a crisp and clear Burris scope but full of sound and fury, which took a little getting used to.

The AR performed like a right little heater; neat to see the muzzle flash in the twilight, though my "walk and shoot" performance against metal plates and a silhouette was fairly dismal. Practice, LSP! Practice.

Then it was back to HQ for curry.

Result.

Shoot straight,

LSP

Steenson Loves Schori.

Steenson

The United States now has an Ordinariate in which Anglicans can convert to the Roman Catholic church while keeping elements of their heritage. The newly minted leader of the U.S. Ordinariate is Geoffery Steenson, former TEC (The Episcopal Church) Bishop of the Rio Grande.

In a recent article in The Living Church, Steenson had this to say about his former boss, litigious abortion advocate, Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori.

“One of the people I’m still very grateful for is Katharine Jefferts Schori. She was absolutely wonderful... I could not have asked for better pastoral care from my presiding bishop.”

Absolutely Wonderful!

Resisting the urge to say "let's all break out the cuddly toys and go hug a tree while trying not throw up," I congratulate Fr. Steenson on his new appointment. 

Someone's Parker Hale awesomness

All you need is love and a custom Lee Enfield.

I love Lees.

LSP