Enfield 303 bolt ?

[howlnmad]

I've searched through this forum and didn't find what I was looking for so I figured I'd ask the experts.
I have an Enfield 303 #1 MkIII (?) and I am curious if the head of the bolt should be loose. I've fired the rifle several times with no problems and this thought came to me when I removed it for cleaning. If I tighten the bolt head up snug the body of the bolt won't line up to install. Is this the way they were manufactured?
Sorry if this seems stupid and thanks in advance for any help.

 

[rcmodel]

Normal.

rc

 

[howlnmad]

Thanks rc. After I posted that I googled it and it is said that they are made that way to adjust headspace. Go figure.

 

[Jim K]

Not really. The bolt head is made so when the bolt is closed, firing will force the bolt head back against the bolt body, and everything is OK. One of the benefits of using a separate bolt head is that the head can be exchanged for a longer one if headspace becomes excessive, but simply screwing the head in or out is not the way to adjust headspace.

Jim

 

[howlnmad]

Jim,

Thank you for clearing that up. I was thinking they meant to adjust headspace by unscrewing the head. Another reason to check several sources.