Gibbs 45/70

[telewinz]

Got back from the PA gunshow. Still didn't see even one Hakim or FN49. plenty of Garands and 03's and shotguns. Got to take a real good look at Gibbs 45/70 remanufactured British Enfield Mk 3 (?). Their 303 Scout rifles looked pretty well made, if I was into bolt action rifles I'd get one at $279. But the Gibbs 45/70 convert had terrible workmanship and costs $100 more! The barrel was nicely blued but the receiver was crudely machined (original) and looked like it had a spray painted finish. The receiver site had been removed (unlike the 303 & 308 survival) due to the rear site being relocated to the barrel. Had a "select" hardwood stock. on a scale of 1 to 10 with a Marlin 45/70 being a 10 the Gibbs 45/70 would be hard pressed to make it to a solid 3. Why did they even bother to make it?

Did get a good deal on 1000 rds of .308 surplus, $133 out the door. Also picked-up the book "Cross of Iron" for $18. Saw the movie 15 years ago that starred James Coburn, don't like the price but I got it because I may never get the chance again.

They had a like new Auto-ordinance .45acp rifle for $775 with the finned barrel, all steel. Looked at it 3 times before I decided to past. Its just too big and heavy for the cartridge it fires, it do make a statement through

Any comments on the Auto Ordinance?

 

[Tamara]

Any comments on the Auto Ordinance?

I have yet to see one that ran well.

(Besides, a closed-bolt Thompson is just wrong! )

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

i need to email gibbs and yell at them. the number4mk1 sight is the best boltgun sight ever, and it wouldn't be too hard to face the sight body off and remark it for .45-70.


i've always wanted a .45-70 with GR sights on it. i guess i'll have to build one.

 

[telewinz]

I only have casual knowledge of British Enfields and it struck me as strange that they would leave the receiver site on there "Jungle Mk 5" reworks (they looked nice too) yet removed the site and left the bridge on the receiver of the 45/70 version. I doubt that you could purchase a worse "new" 45/70 than the Gibbs version. That rifle could serve as the "Poster Child" of cheap, inferior workmanship. They must operate a "sheltered" workshop, if so they are giving sheltered workshops a bad name.


BTW: They had there "MK5's" in 303 and 308 I didnt think the enfield action (45,000psi) was rated to fire the 308 cartridge.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

the number4mk1 action is plenty stout enough to handle the chamber juju a .308 puts out.


the number1mk3 isn't.

the ishy 2A is.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Gibss = Junk

I had the chance to evaluate several Lee-Enfield rifles reworked by Gibbs a few years ago. Their workmanship at that time was extremely poor. E.g.:

1. No.1 Mk.III "Tanker" -- Shot over 18" to the side a 50 yards. Headspace was excessive, too.

2. No.2A "Tanker" -- Forearm dissassembled itself under recoil after a few shots.

3. No.4 Mk.I "Tanker" -- Was missing the firing pin retaining screw. Decided not to shoot it since who knew what else was missing.

4. No.2A -- Supposedly stock rifle, but would not chamber any 7.62mm rounds.

They have some neat concepts but unless execution is improved, I wouldn't buy one.

 

[glockten]

I've got an Auto-Ordnance M1. It's 100% reliable with American Eagle and Speer Lawman FMJ. Accuracy is adequate. Holding that 11.5 pound beast steady for 30 aimed rounds is a bit of a strain, but I love it anyway.

 

[Kaylee]

pardon the houseclearing guys... Gibbs, Thompsons, Enfields.. sounds like Rifles to me...

-K