Boys Anti Tank rifles for the Carriers

[kevin powles]

Hi, I have been working on a project to get my two desert carriers kitted out with Boys Anti Tank rifles, After looking for these guns for the last five years it seems 3 have come my way at once, I have managed to pick up a alive fire which someone is holding on my behalf and a complete lower frame, the third is on loan from a guy.

I picked up this week three replica barrels I have had machined, next step is to have the breeches cast in resin patterned from an original, will keep you posted as the project progresses. I also have some left over Boys rifle parts if anyone is interested, (see last picture), on a first come first served basis.

[RichardT10829]

What cal. Are they ? 50 ? I have a sec.1 licence would love to send a few rounds down range out of one of those things !

[kevin powles]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

What cal. Are they ? 50 ? I have a sec.1 licence would love to send a few rounds down range out of one of those things !

Richard, From what I can make out original 0.55, I wouldn't want to fire it as its not been fired in many years and probably needs to go to a gunsmith for complete overhaul, plan is to use the lower frame from it and make a replica breech with one of the new barrels so I can take it on the 'show circuit', with original breech and barrel safely locked away.

kevin.

[cletrac (RIP)]

Some guys make a 50 cal US machine gun barrel fit then bullets are a mere $8 or so apiece. I have to stop at a friends' place in the Alberta badlands and try his out. I've seen a few videos of guys shooting them from a standing position.
You tube videos

[rob love]

I had one modified to 50 cal by using a mint M2HB barrel. That was a PITA, especially since the barrels are chrome lined. Much cheaper and easier to simply use a 50 cal barrel blank, which is what I did on my present rifle.

I changed mine for the exact reason that cletrac mentions: I can get 50 BMG for around $5 a round, whereas what little Boys 55 ammo that is still out there will command from $25 to $50 a round these days, and there is not enough of it around to satisfy dragging the heavy bugger to the range.

[shaun]

I had a live one when I was 20 . Fired it many times on the range but never more than 5 rounds a day . We use to shoot 50 gallon drums filled with water , it would rattle your teeth with very round down range. FUN !

[kevin powles]

Hi,

I have treated the three barrels today with some special 'reactor black' carbon primer. Firstly they were sand blasted, this special paint used on nuclear reactor components is applied by wiping it on with some wire wool, it's dry in seconds so you have to be quick, after five minutes you can wire wool it to bring up the edges and blend the finish, further coats can be applied to darken the finish. The coat is wafer thin and will not chip or flake and to me looks the same as any heat applied gun finish. A coating of machine oil will be applied later.

Kev.

[Jordan Baker]

Very nice Kevin.

[kevin powles]

Finished making a Boys barrel trunnion from scratch, this started off as hexagon nut.

I have a barrel available if anyone else is doing a similar project.

Kevin.

[eddy8men]

kev that's some nice work there but when are we going to get a day on the ranges with that gun of yours .

[Jim Burrill]

In the states, a unmolested .55 Boyes is considered a Destructive Device, like any tank main gun. And needing papers. Many have converted them to .50 for lacking the paperwork requirements first, then the cheaper cost of the ammo.

There is a shop nearby that has a Boyes in .55 and asking some US$ 3,500.00 for one.

They do look impressive sticking out the front of a bren carrier!

[Hobie Saunders]

Originally Posted by kevin powles

Finished making a Boys barrel trunnion from scratch, this started off as hexagon nut.

I have a barrel available if anyone else is doing a similar project.

Kevin.

Kevin,
I have a .50 cal boys rifle. I’m missing the trunnion. Could you send me measurements to make one, or make one for me and I will pay you.
Thank you, Hobie

[kevin powles]

Hi, I don’t have a drawing of the trunnion but can make one for you in a few weeks time.

Kevin.

[James Douglas]

I know this is an old thread but I was wondering if you might possibly still have the monopod for the Boys AT rifle available? Thanks

[kevin powles]

Hi, Will have a look out in the shed, might still have a couple.

give us a couple of weeks.

[James Douglas]

Thanks very much! I know this is a long shot but I need a rear sight assembly also.

[RichardT10829]

just re read through this thread, exquisite work !

[kevin powles]

Originally Posted by RichardT10829

just re read through this thread, exquisite work !

Rich, You can see the boys in this film, he used it to shoot down a Stuka!, worth a watch. Lol

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/u...-jericho-sun#/

[Nigel Watson]

I will be at Stoneleigh on Sunday and have some Carrier bits and Boyes Rounds etc. Stall 27&28, Hall 2.
Sorry to hijack your thread Kevin.

Nigel

[Hobie Saunders]

Hi, I have the boxes parts kit, I need to find a trunnion or have one made.
Cam anyone assist?