Parker Hale 1858 Conversion

[whitneyrifle]

I have always loved the lines and engineering of the Enfield P-60, I have even owned two originals at different points of time, but always had hesitation of taking them out for completion shooting and hunting. I took the plunge and decided to convert a Parker Hale 1858 Enfield. I am just waiting for my lock plate to return. I have it out being stamped "1861 Tower" with the town stamp. I purchased the iron butt plate from The Rifle Shoppe, the extended trigger guard and rear sling swivel from Peter Dyson in England. (I had to inlet the trigger guard). The rear band is an ArmiSport Palmer band. I converted the Parker Hale front band into the correct contours for a Palmer band. (I just purchased an original this week, we will see if it fits). I got the pewter nose cap fromS&S Firearms. I am planning on keeping the barrel blued since historical records vary about the finish. The bands have a Brass Black "faux case hardening" as do the trigger guard and butt plate. I refinished the stock, put in a tang post pin in the stock, and glass ended the barrel. Hopefully she shoots well!! It's tough to find iron estucheons, so brass for the time being….

 

[whitneyrifle]

Just a full view of the rifle

 

[scooter748driver]

That's quite the project! Thanks for sharing

 

[whitneyrifle]

That's quite the project! Thanks for sharing

Thank you, much appreciated!

 

[Tinkers Dam]

Would there be a difference in the twist rate between your converted Parker Hale Enfield and an original p-60 ?
Any in the barrel twist rate ,number of grooves etc. ? I know some competitors really like the p-58

 

[whitneyrifle]

Actually, NO! Both the P-58 and the P-60 have the same twist rate of 1:48. Both variants also have progressive depth rifling and are five lands and grooves. Parker Hale also followed this procedure and are exactly the same as the original's barrels. Also the P-61 is basically an updated/graded version of the P-60, but having a Baddley band as the rear band (versus a Palmer Band) and a 1250 yd slide in the rear sight instead of 1100 yds. An easy conversion of a PH for anyone with some basic knowledge of tools and patience.

 

[whitneyrifle]

Would there be a difference in the twist rate between your converted Parker Hale Enfield and an original p-60 ?
Any in the barrel twist rate ,number of grooves etc. ? I know some competitors really like the p-58

I posted a reply below…

 

[whitneyrifle]

I finally completed the project! Basically it is an interpretation of what a P 60 would have looked like IF Parker Hale had produced one. I am quite happy with the finished project. In NO way am I trying to pass it off as an original. It is NOT a "defarb". I left the PH stamps as if it came from them. The only PH stamp removed was from the lock plate. This is the original plate to the rifle, just restamped as Tower 1861.
All the parts are out on the market, you just have to search. The rear band is an ArmiSport band, and the front is the original PH band, just modified to have better contour lines. Both have Palmer screws. The front sling swivel is the correct centered sling. The rear sling swivel is from Peter Dyson (as is the trigger guard) and the butt plate from The Rifle Shoppe. It may look like poor fit to finish around the trigger guard, it is not. What you see is a buildup of linseed oil and beeswax. I left it there for weather protection.
The finish to the metal is…..uh…..unique! I constantly have seen the argument/discussion on Blued or In the White. So, my take was, how would an imported Enfield look after three years of heavy service? Routine cleaning, slight burnishing, weather, etc…..leads to worn out bluing. Not quite blue, but not quite bare metal. So, I used Birch Wood Casey , Brass Black. One pass, moderate rubbing with a cloth on bare metal. This was the finish, co erred with a "burnishing" from a wax candle and rubbed with a soft cloth.
S&S Enfield sling for the rifle. This rifle is going to be a plinker/hunting rifle. So, for me, a nice representation of the P 1860.

 

[JOHN42768]

Very nice results

 

[Conquerordie]

I think you did real good. Has that been there done that look.

 

[Trooper "D"]

I finally completed the project! Basically it is an interpretation of what a P 60 would have looked like IF Parker Hale had produced one. I am quite happy with the finished project. In NO way am I trying to pass it off as an original. It is NOT a "defarb". I left the PH stamps as if it came from them. The only PH stamp removed was from the lock plate. This is the original plate to the rifle, just restamped as Tower 1861.
All the parts are out on the market, you just have to search. The rear band is an ArmiSport band, and the front is the original PH band, just modified to have better contour lines. Both have Palmer screws. The front sling swivel is the correct centered sling. The rear sling swivel is from Peter Dyson (as is the trigger guard) and the butt plate from The Rifle Shoppe. It may look like poor fit to finish around the trigger guard, it is not. What you see is a buildup of linseed oil and beeswax. I left it there for weather protection.
The finish to the metal is…..uh…..unique! I constantly have seen the argument/discussion on Blued or In the White. So, my take was, how would an imported Enfield look after three years of heavy service? Routine cleaning, slight burnishing, weather, etc…..leads to worn out bluing. Not quite blue, but not quite bare metal. So, I used Birch Wood Casey , Brass Black. One pass, moderate rubbing with a cloth on bare metal. This was the finish, co erred with a "burnishing" from a wax candle and rubbed with a soft cloth.
S&S Enfield sling for the rifle. This rifle is going to be a plinker/hunting rifle. So, for me, a nice representation of the P 1860.

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I hate to be a wet blanket but the wood stock is really nice. Pristine almost. If you are going for a campaigning for 3 years of the war look with the barrel blueing I think the.stock would be banged up a little as well. I have a Remington Zouave re pro that I got from Pony Express gun store in Encino, CA in 1976. I used it in my early years of reenacting. I take casualty as much as I can in battles. I'm good at it. People have come up to me to make sure I was ok because I can time a bullets travel from live firing that rifle a million times. Fun but that rifle took a beating. The point I'm getting to is that the stock is dented and missing finish in places and blemished all over. The bluing is still pretty good. It's hard to see the rifling in the muzzle but the bluing is ok.
Just a little food for thought. I'm not suggesting that the stock should be aged or anything. Maybe an alternate stock that's not so pretty could be employed.

 

[whitneyrifle]

I hate to be a wet blanket but the wood stock is really nice. Pristine almost. If you are going for a campaigning for 3 years of the war look with the barrel blueing I think the.stock would be banged up a little as well. I have a Remington Zouave re pro that I got from Pony Express gun store in Encino, CA in 1976. I used it in my early years of reenacting. I take casualty as much as I can in battles. I'm good at it. People have come up to me to make sure I was ok because I can time a bullets travel from live firing that rifle a million times. Fun but that rifle took a beating. The point I'm getting to is that the stock is dented and missing finish in places and blemished all over. The bluing is still pretty good. It's hard to see the rifling in the muzzle but the bluing is ok.
Just a little food for thought. I'm not suggesting that the stock should be aged or anything. Maybe an alternate stock that's not so pretty could be employed.

Just to let you know, The stock was stripped and redone with just linseed oil and beeswax. I based it off of a stock I have from an original enfield that is JS anchor marked, but is a P56. The stock on the 56 is in as good condition as the one on the PH.
Not disrespecting your thoughts at all, and quoting you, not to be a wet blanket, but not every solider fell during battle. If I read your statement correctly, you "fall in battle" quite frequently. With that being said, you must be rather abusive (not meant to be derogatory, just an observation) to some of your equipment. Granted, you take pride in your representation of the combat simulation. BUT, in reality, how many firearms were issued and reissued several times in a war? Even if it was reissued, if it was in poor or damaged condition, it would have been sent to an armory for reconditioning.
Also, this rifle would not be a standard issue rifle. The P53 and the P56 were three land and groove rifles in 1:72 twist. The P58/60/61 rifles were five land and groove with 1:48 rifling. With that information, it was standard policy (Mainly with Confederates) to issue the P56/60/61 to skirmishers/sharpshooters (equivalent of "snipers") in the troops. Those soldiers were not standard line of battle troops in campaigns. These rifles were coddled and prized. Needless to say, they were not exposed to the same rigors as a line of battle front line rifle.
Again, this response was not to disrespect you or belittle you, but just to give you an insight to why the stock is not as "damaged" as you would believe it would/should be.

With Warmest Regards,
Bryan

 

[Trooper "D"]

Just to let you know, The stock was stripped and redone with just linseed oil and beeswax. I based it off of a stock I have from an original enfield that is JS anchor marked, but is a P56. The stock on the 56 is in as good condition as the one on the PH.
Not disrespecting your thoughts at all, and quoting you, not to be a wet blanket, but not every solider fell during battle. If I read your statement correctly, you "fall in battle" quite frequently. With that being said, you must be rather abusive (not meant to be derogatory, just an observation) to some of your equipment. Granted, you take pride in your representation of the combat simulation. BUT, in reality, how many firearms were issued and reissued several times in a war? Even if it was reissued, if it was in poor or damaged condition, it would have been sent to an armory for reconditioning.
Also, this rifle would not be a standard issue rifle. The P53 and the P56 were three land and groove rifles in 1:72 twist. The P58/60/61 rifles were five land and groove with 1:48 rifling. With that information, it was standard policy (Mainly with Confederates) to issue the P56/60/61 to skirmishers/sharpshooters (equivalent of "snipers") in the troops. Those soldiers were not standard line of battle troops in campaigns. These rifles were coddled and prized. Needless to say, they were not exposed to the same rigors as a line of battle front line rifle.
Again, this response was not to disrespect you or belittle you, but just to give you an insight to why the stock is not as "damaged" as you would believe it would/should be.

With Warmest Regards,
Bryan

What a sweet, respectful and professional reply.
I thought of possible restock of the weapon but I had babbled enough. I was just wowed by that woodgrain. It's a work of art. My suggestions were not meant to be disrespectful, just relating about my Ol' Musket's blue finish barrel after 40 plus years of Living History, Live Firing, and Reenactments. It's still my go to gun for plinking. Ihaven't that hard for replacement part because it isn't welcome at most events which I understand. I do have a bayonet and I used as a representation of a "rifle" compared to muskets, rifle muskets, and carbines.
After all this blather I never mentioned that I find your workmanship and dedication to that rifle second to none. Beautiful piece.
The only thing I have read about barrel finishes is that the ANV stripped the bluing off their Enfields and preferred the "bright" finish of the barrel. Can't verify that though.
Cheers! And you have a great weekend.

 

[whitneyrifle]

What a sweet, respectful and professional reply.
I thought of possible restock of the weapon but I had babbled enough. I was just wowed by that woodgrain. It's a work of art. My suggestions were not meant to be disrespectful, just relating about my Ol' Musket's blue finish barrel after 40 plus years of Living History, Live Firing, and Reenactments. It's still my go to gun for plinking. Ihaven't that hard for replacement part because it isn't welcome at most events which I understand. I do have a bayonet and I used as a representation of a "rifle" compared to muskets, rifle muskets, and carbines.
After all this blather I never mentioned that I find your workmanship and dedication to that rifle second to none. Beautiful piece.
The only thing I have read about barrel finishes is that the ANV stripped the bluing off their Enfields and preferred the "bright" finish of the barrel. Can't verify that though.
Cheers! And you have a great weekend.

As to you also, Sir! Again, I respect all that you do for the sport/hobby and you have my deepest thanks and utmost respect for what you do! I hope you next season campaigns go well!

 

[Trooper "D"]

As to you also, Sir! Again, I respect all that you do for the sport/hobby and you have my deepest thanks and utmost respect for what you do! I hope you next season campaigns go well!

Speaking of Sharpshooters, I have a Whitworth of the civilian market pattern. I'm sure that I can come with a good story of why I have it in the field. I think at my age and physical state my campaigning will be skirmisher in front of the battle line or up in the branch notch of a tree picking off artillerymen and officers from afar.
Cheers again!

 

[whitneyrifle]

Speaking of Sharpshooters, I have a Whitworth of the civilian market pattern. I'm sure that I can come with a good story of why I have it in the field. I think at my age and physical state my campaigning will be skirmisher in front of the battle line or up in the branch notch of a tree picking off artillerymen and officers from afar.
Cheers again!

Absolutely! Love the Whitworth, and yes, you could be out of the front line, but still able to participate in a VERY cool role!

 

[Kyle Kalasnik]

I like it, well done!