Enfield No4 MK1 bolt/headspace problem

[lpd843]

Any advice,

bought two surplus Enfield no4 mk1 and after researching about enfields different bolt heads, I decided to check the two rifles for proper headspace before I took them to the range. I used a "field" no go gauge and both bolts closed, one of the enfields had a no. 1 head and the other a no.2 so I switched the heads and the bolts still closed, I know enfields was designed with plenty of room in the chambers to allow for sand and gunk but how much is too much on these rifles?

 

[navyretired 1]

If a field gage allows the bolt to close you need some new bolt heads or bolts. You need to know exactly how much over go gage size you are so if you only have a field gage get a throwaway feeler gage and cut some small case head size shims I'd use 0.002" thickness. A field gage is usually 0.008" thicker than a go gage in rimmed cartridges so you know its at least that much over. Using shim stock you use grease to stick to either bolt head or field gage add until you know exactly how much head space you have. After you find that figure contact surplus parts dealers and try to find the bolt heads that will bring your head space into correct spec's. A lot of guy's are going to scream gunsmith but just think if field gage is max how will they (gunsmiths) measure head space other than trying replacement bolt heads (expensive). This is dangerous territory so if you doubt your ability take it to smith.
If the head space is not fixable with bolt heads then barrel set back is the only and maybe prefered fix. I do my own barrels so I would just set the barrel back one thread and rechmber to 0.002 over go gage.
This is the reason that you should always have surplus checked out by a gunsmith.

 

[nicholst55]

First off, are your headspace gauges made to SAAMI spec, or British military spec? If SAAMI, you may or may not have a problem; there's at least a .004" variation between SAAMI and British military.

Go here: http://forums.gunboards.com/showthr...-ammunition-pressures-et-al-ALL-GOES-HERE!*** and read it all. It covers the subject ad nauseum. If you still find yourself needing bolt heads, contact Brian Dick at BDL, Ltd.: http://www.bdlltd.com/ He doesn't list parts on his website, but he both carries them and smiths Lee Enfields. Be advised that setting the barrel back on a Lee Enfield is generally not cost effective, assuming you can find someone who is: a) willing to undertake the job, and, b) qualified to do so.

 

[lpd843]

Thanks guys for your advise,

my guage is SAAMI spec. Gunshops usually don't let you "borrow" the gun before buying so you can check headspace before forking over dough. With surplus, it is hit or miss.

Got two bolts, I'll try to switch them around and then the heads and see if I'm in the green that way. If not, looks like a good re thread project to do after I finish my mauser project.

 

[nicholst55]

You probably already know this, but LE bolt heads were individually fitted to each specific rifle. Take two used bolt heads with the same number marked on them, and measure them; they're almost certainly different lengths. Thus, simply changing used numbered bolt heads in an attempt to correct headspace may well be futile. A used #1 bolt head may well be shorter than a used #0 bolt head! Measure them before you install them.

 

[lpd843]

soon as I get a battery for my caliper I will be able to measure the bolt heads and be more precise. I hate batteries!

 

[navyretired 1]

The LE design was to adjust headspace without handwork. When the guns were built and at FTR guns were installed and headspace checked is off the boltheads are changed to a differant number longer or shorter (5 sizes). If none worked a different bolt was tried. If still out of spec the receiver was condemned and destroyed. I've never seen one I couldn't correct and I've seen some rough #1 Mk 3's. I've got 5 various numbers and marks and ever one was a basket case when the come to me Bubba had been busy with saw, file, and sandpaper with lots of wood putty. I had to order some bolt heads and replacement metal and all needed replacements stocks but waxed up and polished they really look good on the wall.
The wife didn't want them in family room at first, now she won't let me move them, I thought they were rifles but she insist they're decorations.