Back in 2007, I decided that I might never again draw another breath unless I owned a Lee Navy that I could take out and shoot. I had $2500 in my Lee Navy fund and went shopping. Every example I found that I could actually hold & was for sale had an asking price of $4,000 or more.

Then, 2007-2008, a story went round about someone being killed while shooting a Lee Navy. The story said the firing pin & striker blew out of the rear of the bolt, pierced the shooter’s skull & killed him. Another story says that, back in the day, there was a modification to the bolts that made them safer. Those stories pretty much ended my desire to do a lot of shooting with one.

There is a book on the 1895 Lee Navy. I do not remember the name nor the author, but Buffalo Arms had it in their catalog. Also S&S Firearms has some Lee Navy parts, etc., and perhaps can connect you to other users. Both firms are quite reputable. I suggest you do a lot of reading and ask a lot of questions. Armed with proper knowledge, you can replace the firing pin & take it from there.

The original cartridges are collector’s items. A few months ago, I paid $11 for a WRACo armorer’s dummy. The clips are difficult to locate. S&S may be able to provide some. Purpose-made cartridge cases may (or may not) be available. I thought that a firm called Quality Ammunition located in Maryland made a run, but I am operating strictly from fuzzy memory. Also check out Buffalo Arms.

For experimental purposes, one can turn the rims off .220 Swift cases and expand the necks to .243. You can fire those cases, but the necks will be too short for good accuracy. You can form cases from .30-06 brass, but it takes a set of form & trim dies and a VERY sturdy press. Regular .243 jacketed bullets will work very well.