My .303 Enfield number 4 mk 1 won't chamber

[Machete]

I just took my recently purchased .303 Enfield to the rage to shoot. I bought a case of wolf .303 British to fire. So when I get it out load it and slide a bullet into the chamber, the bolt won't go all the way forward. It's hard to explain. When I get the bolt forward and start to push it downward it stops halfway. Any idea what is going on here.
I just bought it from dunhams. Is it a quick easy fix, if not what do I do? They have a no return policy, but does that count if they sold me a broken rifle?

 

[jzimm9mm]

I'm assuming there are no obvious obstructions in the chamber. Are you letting the round load from the magazine, or are you inserting a round in the chamber and then trying to close the bolt? If it is the latter, extractor on the bolt head will have to make its way over the cartridge rim, which will greatly increase the force it takes to close the bolt. If the cartridge is stripped off the top of the magazine, the rim slides in behind the extractor and it is much easier to close the bolt. Might be something to check. Good Luck.

Jer..

 

[Coronach]

Headspace?

Enfields have different bolt heads to ensure proper headspace. Your rifle may have the wrong one installed...buying one off of Numrich and installing it might help. However, you really should at least use a set of go/no-go/field gauges to check for certain (first to make sure that is the problem, and second to make sure the new bolt head headspaces properly.

And, here's the next question: did you get a .303 No4 or a .308 2A? And, no matter what the paperwork says, are you sure?

Mike

 

[dstorm1911]

its not designed to single load, ya mention you sliding a round into the chamber if this is what ya are trying to do thats the problem right there load the magazine then feed from the magazine as the case head must go UNDER the extractor........

 

[BruceB]

I'll lay dollars to donuts that the bolt head is not screwed fully home in the front of the bolt.

Remove the bolt from the rifle, and ensure that the bolt head is screwed as far as it will go into the forward end of the bolt. Re-install, and all should be good.

The #4 WILL easily close on a round single-loaded into the chamber, but it does cause some extra stress on the extractor spring. Best to put the round into the magazine and feed it from there.

 

[redactor]

I think BruceB has it right. This is the classic symptom of a bolt-head not screwed on all the way.

 

[daniel (australia)]

BruceB's suggestion is most likely. Another worth considering is a case which has separated, leaving the forward part of the case wedged into the chamber.

BTW it is completely untrue that Lee Enfields aren't designed to single load by simply dropping a round into the breech. The extractor snaps over the case rim easily - or should do. Indeed earlier versions up to the No. 1 Mk III had a magazine cut-off.

 

[Machete]

I'll lay dollars to donuts that the bolt head is not screwed fully home in the front of the bolt.

Dude, you rock. That's exactly what it was. I had already called Dunham's, and they said if I bring it in they'd send it out on Friday. Can't believe I couldn't figure that out:banghead: That saved me a lot of headache. THR saves the day again. I love this Forum.

 

[Coronach]

Well, there you go. I'm glad it wasn't anything more involved than that.

Mike