[Mike Irwin]

I think I may have a headspace problem with my rifle, and may need another bolt head.

Anyone know who carries these?

[Stinger]

Tapco might, I'll check and get back to you.

Stinger

[Schuey2002]

Mike, have you looked here? :)

http://www.sarcoinc.com/l13.html

[Mike Irwin]

Schuey,

It looks like they have breech bolt heads, but they don't list what sizes they have.

[Freedom in theSkies]

Try www.milarm.com and talk to Gord.
They usually have this kind of stuff.
BOL

[Wildalaska]

What size do you need..

WildigotslotsofjunkAlaska

[geekay]

There is NO numbering system for SMLE bolt heads, they were indivdually fitted for H/S before leaving the factory. Unless there is excessive wear to the locking lugs the H/S should be OK.

[Mike Irwin]

Geekay,

What you're saying is completely opposite of what I've seen numerous other places, but I'm seeing that the No 4s and No. 5s have the numbered bolt heads -- No. 1s don't.

Check here, about half way down the page:

http://www.geocities.com/lee_enfield_rifles/PartsGuide.html

Here, too...

http://www3.sympatico.ca/shooters/equip.htm

[geekay]

SMLEs or #1s as they are now called involved a lot of hand fitting and machine tool work, the bolt-head of each rifle was one of the fitting jobs. #4/5s were a way of simplifying production and the number system of sizing bolt-heads was adopted for this reason. With #4/5s the barrelled action was sent for proof firing without a bolt and the bolt and bolthead were fitted as part of the assembly of the rifle. Don't ask me for chapter and verse because I've been turning the house upside down looking for it to no avail, but will keep looking.It might be among my son's stuff but he is moving at the present and you know what kids are like.

:D BTW I just checked both the URLs you posted and suggest you also check them again.:neener:

[Mike Irwin]

Geekay,

OK, I just ran thorought the websites again.

Again, I'm seeing that the No 4 & No. 5 rifles can have headspace altered fairly simply by going up or down one bolt head number, i.e.,

"If you've got a No 4 rifle, check the bolt head. On the top, there is a number stamped into the metal. The numbers go from "0" to "3". Each increment of one adds 3 thousandths of an inch to the length of the bolt head. If the number stamped there is 0, 1 or 2 you will be able to adjust the headspace by simply removing (unscrewing) the bolt head and installing another with the next highest number. It will be necessary for you to check using the gauges again.

If you've got a No 1 rifle, the fix isn't as easy. Leave it with the gunsmith and let him work his magic. The bolt heads in these rifles are not interchangeable like the No 4s."

Once again, as I have a No. 1, I'm pretty screwed if the headspace is off on my rifle. I'm hoping that the firing pin protrusion is off, though. That will be a lot easier to deal with.

[geekay]

Unless something horrible has been done or happened to your rifle I expect the H/S should be alright. If the bolt has the same serial number as the action it is highly unlikely there will be a problem. Of all the thousands of #1s that have issued and re-issued during two world wars; some of which would have received the most minimal maintainence while firing hundreds of rounds, the only doubtful headspace rifles that I know of do NOT have the original bolt in them.
I just went back to read your first post on this subject. What makes you think you have a problem?

[Mike Irwin]

"If the bolt
has the same serial number as the action it is highly unlikely there will be a problem."

You know, shame on me, but I never freaking checked the serial number on the bolt... :o

OK, here's the problem I'm having...

1. Light strikes on the primers. That in and of it self could be a firing pin problem.

2. A bright ring around the head of the case.

The two in concert have me suspecting a headspace issue.

[geekay]

and poor striker marks are good reasons to get a gunsmith to have a look at it. I hope you have a good one nearby who wont try to rip you off.
If the H/S is out of spec you need to measure the length of the solid (unthreaded) part of the bolt head and try to get a second hand one which is longer, it will not matter if it is too long because it can always be stoned to the correct length. Of course, this will not fix the firing pin thing.