The Monster Enfield Defarbing Thread

[CPL_Conner]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

I'd also recomend the Geoff Walden article Mr. Boccadoro mentioned. Defarbing is relatively easy. The correct square eared lock screw washers can be obtained from Lodgewood Mfg. (http://www.lodgewood.com/) as well as the correct lock plate with Tower 1862, though the only ones they have left in stock are the case hardened ones. Pretty much all that is left is filing the serial numbers off and any marks from Euroarms manufacture, and have correct ones put in their place on the left side of the barrel near the tang, and a stamp on the stock. Then there is the matter of triming down the stuck just below the lower band and reshaping the upper portion of the small of the stock to more of a point. I would recommend leaving this to someone who has done it before as well as removing and stamping the serial numbers. Hope this helps.

[Mutt]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

Mr. Midander,

I ordered a copy of Mr. Walden's instructions a good while ago and have found them a very valuable resource for defarbing my Enfield. The most work I've had on mine has been the stock. I sanded the bulky butt end down a good bit but still think I need to take a tad more off for my liking. I have yet to order the correct escutcheons (spellings?) aka eared lock scew washers and other hardware due to my fund being short and life happening. I found filing off the serial number not too hard of a task. Patience is key to every step and the whole process.

Oh yeah, don't forget to strip the finish off the stock before going at it with sanding. Even if you take it to someone to get it trimmed down this step is an easy do-it-yourselfer.

Best of Luck!

[Sherry Key]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

Gentlemen,

My husband (some may know him as 'Cornbread') highly recommends the new publication from The Watchdog, Lock, Stock and Barrel by Craig Barry.

Respectfully,
Sherry Key.

[Jay Spurr]

Re: James River Armory enfields

Would anyone have Mr. Hartman's contact information/website address (if he has one)?
Thanks,
Jay Spurr
Co. A', 4th VA. Inf, SWB

[fahtz]

Re: James River Armory enfields

http://www.jamesriverarmory.com/

contact info:
1512 Jabez Run
Millersville, Maryland 21108
410-923-7942

[Jay Spurr]

Re: James River Armory enfields

Thanks. Appreciate it.
Jay

[Fenianboy]

Re: Regimental Quartermaster defarbed lockplates

Our unit(13th NJ, Co.K Mess) has had two 61's and two Enfields done there with great results and excellent service.I've got a Trenton lockplate they've done thatI'm equally pleased with.My advice Terry is to call again,they are worth the effort. Bud Scully aka Fenianboy 13th NJ

[Western Blue Belly]

Re: Regimental Quartermaster defarbed lockplates

I got my de-farbed Enfield from RQ (Tower '62 lockplate). I love it and would recommend them to anyone in need of an Enfield. They are really beautiful pieces with great detail and craftmenship. They do draw some attention at events.

[csabugler]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

I haven't worked a weapon in a few years, but have done 6-7 in the past.
There wasn't much info out there 15 years ago when I started. I am wondering if the current technique is still to 'Peen" the stampings befor you file them?
Patrick

[ephraim_zook]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

If you peen the stampings you shouldn't really have to do much filing other than to smooth out the hammered area. Filing removes metal -- peening just rearranges it so you aren't taking any from the barrel.

Ron Myzie

[CPL_Conner]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

When I did mine, I just took a six in inch single cut flat file and ran over the stamping turning the barrel while I did it. You can't tell anything was ever put on there unless you look REALLY close.

[Jimmayo]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

If you peen the stampings you shouldn't really have to do much filing other than to smooth out the hammered area. Filing removes metal -- peening just rearranges it so you aren't taking any from the barrel.

Ron Myzie

Ron: This is the first time I have heard of this method. I have a 1st Gen Parker Hale with deep markings and decided not to file them off since so much metal would need to be removed. Could you elaborate on this peening method? Do you use the round end of a ball peen hammer just to peen the metal over into or covering the letters? Does it look like the barrel has been monkey stomped after peening and filing the high spots off or does it come out smooth?

[ephraim_zook]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

Jim,

When I did it I just played for a while, using both sides of the hammer as the spirit moved me or appearance dictated. The flat head produced less "dimpling" than the round side. It didn't really require an excessive amount of sanding / steel wooling to smooth it out.

My Springfield is quite old -- it has a 3 digit serial number. I bought it used from a guy who never fired it (literally -- it was a virgin). Not sure if the steel used today is harder, softer or the same as it was then.

Just go gently and see what happens. Don't start whaling away at it with a 4 lb hammer!

regards
Ron Myzie

[csabugler]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

we always used very small ball peen hammers. Start with the round end. Lightly tap the stampings at an angle to try to push the raised edges back into the groove. It is a slow process, with each blow being aimed. If you leave bents in the metal arouind the letters, ease off . After that use the flat end to work down the remaining rough spots.
You still have to file some, but it helps.
Patrick

[Jim Chochole]

Re: Defarbing advice wanted!

I have contacted and talked to Craig Barry, who has done some excellent postings and flyers and books about defarbing the Enfield. Try and contact him if you have questions, he is a valuable and helpful resource.

Cheers,
Jim Chochole