SMLE Problems

[LJM]

Hello, First time posting and I have a problem with a SMLE No.4MKI. The saftey rocker arm seems to be stuck in the on position( forward ). I have a exploded view diagram of the rifle and will attempt to take it apart to find the problem. I am looking for any advice I can find before I attempt this or would like to hear from someone who has diassembled one of these rifles as to what to look for.

Thanks, LJM

 

[Jim K]

First, remove the bolt. (Not necessary, but gets a possible complication out of the way.) I suspect the safety was assembled wrong. Disassembly is easy. Just remove the safety bolt spring screw and remove the safety bolt spring. The safety bolt (the part with the thumb piece) and the safety catch should just lift out of the receiver. If they are stuck, you should be able to tap them from the inside (the reason I said to remove the bolt) using a brass punch.

Then if the safety bolt and the safety catch are not assembled so that when the safety bolt is straight up, the safety catch is at one o'clock (looks like a clock with the hands at 1 o'clock), assemble them that way. Clean the holes in the receiver and free up the parts as necessary. Reinstall the parts.

Jim

 

[LJM]

Thanks Jim

I will try that tomorrow when I have some shop time. I should have mentioned in my post that the rifle was functioning fine up till this point, I noticed the problem when I removed it from the safe to go to the range. The rifle is cocked with the safety stuck on, I suspect my son did this when he put it away after our last outing.

 

[LJM]

Jim

Much to my embarrassment it was pointed out on another forum that I problably had the rifle in the half cocked position. This was the case. Just goes to show that I have some things to learn about SMLE. Thanks for the help and info.

LJM

 

[Marintime Mike]

Lee Enfield safety..

LOL...Don't go off half cocked as they say...
Yep....they sure won't do nothing if they are half cocked...
I have a new Lee-Enfield type action and I find it surprising that the safety will ONLY go to the "Safe" position when the rifle is fully cocked. Anyone know if this is normal ?

 

[LJM]

Yes I have a new definition of half-cocked! My SMLE will go into the safe condition when it is cocked or uncocked......... But not half-cocked.

 

[cypher1024]

My No. 1 Mk III is the same - 'safe-able' cocked or uncocked.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

Part of the problem is that your called your Rifle No4 Mk1 a SMLE.

 

[LJM]

I stand corrected on the SMLE terminology..... I think. Looked at a old book I have titled Small Arms Of The World by Smith & Smith. They stop refering to the enfield rifles as SMLE after the MK1.