Enfield #4 mk1 bolt head (head space)

[Doucme2]

Does anyone know if bolt heads for the Enfield #4 mk1 are available for purchase. I have a beautiful Longbranch with the correct numbered bolt but it swallows a field gauge like it wasn't even there. The bolt head I have has a 0 stamped on the round side of the head and a 1 on the flat where the extractor is. Is this a 0 or 1 bolt head? How would one go about finding out which bolt head is needed to close the head space gap? Any help is appreciated.

Roger

 

[ball3006]

Number 4 Enfields headspace can be adjusted by changing the bolt head. They are numbered 0, 1, 2, 3 with 0 being the shortest and 3 being the longest. You can find them on ebay from time to time. In your case, I would look for a 2. Threes are hard to find. I bought one from a guy in England about 5 years ago. Springfield Sporters comes to mind. Might try Numrich too.....chris3

Had to go look at a bolt. The bolt size is stamped on the curved top where the extractor mounts.......chris3

 

[dprice3844444]

try sarcoinc.com and the gun parts company=numrich arms

 

[Jeff F]

If your using a SAAMI head space gauge, its possible your rifle is still within its limits and safe to shoot. You really need to use the British mil spec gauge. Enfield's have a rather generous chamber and their head space is longer then the more modern SAAMI specs. What does your fired brass look like back by the rim?

If you change out bolt heads and get your head space on the tight side you risk wearing the locking lugs on the bolt and receiver.

 

[GCBurner]

Sarco lists the 0, 1, and 2 boltheads as available.

 

[twofifty]

What are the actual dimensions, or the differences in length, between the 0,1, 2, 3 bolt heads?

 

[Jeff F]

The British field gauge is .074. If your bolt closes on a .074 gauge you need a longer bolt head. If it does not close on a .074 gauge then go shoot and enjoy your Enfield.

Heres a link that explains boltheads and haedspace for No4 Enfields.
http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=89327&p=650656&hilit=bolt+head+survey#p650656

 

[Doucme2]

Thanks for the info. I was using a field gauge which is .070. I think I'll still try to find maybe a #1 bolt head to close the gap a little. Have never shot the rifle. I'll take it to the range and put a few rounds through it and look for signs that the case is stressed. Thanks again.

 

[Sunray]

"...What are the actual dimensions..." Go here. http://www.enfieldrifles.ca/ti3.htm
"...where the extractor is..." That number. Just going up by one number doesn't guarantee a fix though.
"...Numrich Arms..." AKA Gunparts. Sold out of anything but a '0'. Noticed they've lowered the price of 'em though.
Marstar, up here, wants $19Cdn each. Listing 0's, 1's and 2's.

 

[twofifty]

Thanks all.
That surplusrifles link is very useful.