Rumor Control

[Art]

I went to the range today and an old boy was there who pretty much builds his own rifles sometimes almost from scratch. He told me that Criterion plans to start producing replacement barrels for the Lee-Enfield series of rifles. If true a lot of folks will be able to breathe some new life into some well worn Enfields.

[joem]

I have a candidate that would like a new barrel.

[WarPig1976]

It's no rumor, been discussed at length on another forum. Coming soon....

[Alan De Enfield]

Criterion and Armalon are both planning to produce No4 barrels.

Armalon are already in production.
Price released as US$800

Here is a link to their Australian distributor (Aus $850 + fitting)
http://www.t-boneshipwrighting.com.au/shop/

And - the same guy is looking to get SMLE barrels produced

SMLE Barrels

I am currently considering commissioning a run of SMLE barrels. These would be available in standard and heavy profile, and possibly long lee pattern. Initial cost estimates predict a retail price of between $700-$750 each, blued with no sights or bases. I will need to get a significant batch of these done to be at all worthwhile and I am interested in any expressions of interest in these items from individuals or dealers.

These barrels would be cold hammer forged, which gives several times the barrel life of the original cut rifled barrels. In terms of value over shooting life these barrels represent excellent value. Such barrels, including the No4 barrels I already have in stock will shoot 5,000 rounds + before beginning to show any deterioration in accuracy, and that’s not even close to being worn out!

[dave]

700-800 bucks? the rifles are not even worth that!

[WarPig1976]

Criterion barrels will be much cheaper. I don't know anybody who'd pay $800 either, that's two rifles.

[p246]

Yep 800.00 would kill it for me especially when I know where there are three nice WW2 lithgow smellies for 325 to 350.00. It is nice someone is finally going to make a run though.

[mack]

You have to remember that the $800 price is for rifles Australia. It's harder than sin to get another rifle in down under since the great confiscation move some years back. That may be why there's some effort to save these old girls at any price.

[p246]

Very good point Mack

[Sunray]

A No. 4 isn't an SMLE. The Aussies never used the No. 4 Rifle either.
$800 Aussie dollar is worth $723.08 US.