[SirPorl]

What are the dangers of an out of spec headspace on an Enfield?

SirPorl

[Andrew Wyatt]

bulged and split cases. the enfield seems to vent gas pretty well and doesn't kaboom when cases split.


you should get any excess headspace problems corrected ASAP, though.

[SirPorl]

I test fired it from the hip today. The case seems to be fine. I was using some S&B factory ammo. I was just curious as to what to look for in an excessive headspace problem. It wouldn't appear that this beast has one.

SirPorl

[Destructo6]

Mine had excessive headspace when I bought it. It never split a case, but the lower section was slightly bulged, making extraction less than easy. It went up 1.5 bolt head increments.

[SirPorl]

How did you adjust the bolthead to bring it into spec? Did you just get a new bolthead or what? Where can one score new boltheads?

SirPorl

[swingset]

If it's a No4 action, then yes you just change bolt heads (they're numbered 0 to 4 I believe).

If it's a no1 action, then it becomes much more tricky as they were individually headspaced and not numbered or standardized. You might have to experiment with different bolt heads till one does the trick.

[Destructo6]

You're right, I forgot to add that mine is a No4.

Changing the bolt head is as easy as unscrewing a light bulb. However, since I did not have access to a set of gauges, I let the local surplus rifle shop do it. The cost was around $25.

It's a truly beautiful rifle, the favorite of my WWII bolt guns.

[SirPorl]

I shot the beast some more today. It takes a little bit of effort to yank the bolt back after each shot. I think I am gonna break down and score some gages just to be on the safe side. I haven't really checked it for accuracy yet due to the fact that the sites on it are not quite what I am into. I am gonna put a scope on the pig. Anyhow, I don't know if I am just being a little girl or what but that thing totally rocked my shoulder. That brass buttplate is some hard hittin shizza. Ohwell, it is still one cool rifle.


SirPorl

[Andrew Wyatt]

dude, seriously, don't scope it.


if you want some better sights, get one of the parker hale SMLE target sights. those are historically correct.