1917 Enfield Headspacing

[CZguy]

I have a 1917 Enfield that is missing the bolt.

I just ordered a replacement bolt from Numrich.

Can anyone tell me how to set the head space.

 

[Zeke/PA]

Your BEST bet is to have a COMPETENT gunsmith check the headspsce for you.
He will be equipped with a proper set of headspsce gauges and the knowledge to complete the task.
Chances are that with the new bolt, the headspace is within limits but it's best to let someone who FULLY understands the headspace game determine this.
Zeke

 

[rcmodel]

Yep!

You can't "set the headspace" on a 1917 unless you have an action wrench, barrel vice, big bench lathe & a chambering finish reamer.

There is no adjustment to it, short of setting the barrel back one thread and re-chambering it.

If the new bolt head-spaces correctly, you are good to go.
If it doesn't, you have a problem beyond anything you can do about it yourself.


rcmodel

 

[frogomatic]

+1 to what RCmodel said.

a difference of .003" is the difference between correct headspace, and dangerously over headspace.

if you want to check the headspace, buy a set of go/no-go gauges. the bolt should close fully on the go gauge. With the no-go gauge, you should only be able to close the bolt about 2/3's of the way. As my instructor told me "you should be able to drop a house on the bolt and it still not close with the no-go gauge inserted"

 

[Zeke/PA]

When checking headspace one should dis-assemble the bolt, extractor included , insert gauge into chamber and CAREFULLY manipulate the bolt handle.
There is quite a bit of camming power in a bolt action rifle.
Zeke

 

[rcmodel]

"you should be able to drop a house on the bolt and it still not close with the no-go gauge inserted"

That's very bad advice with a 1917 Enfield.
They have much more closing-cam force then any other bolt-gun I know of.

You can probably force a 1917 closed on a NO-GO gage, even if it has to stretch the receiver to do it!


rcmodel