No4 Mk1 firing pin & refinish

[busdriver72]

My No4 Enfield stopped firing. The end of the firing pin looked like it had been broken or chipped off, so I've order a new one from Numrich. Wondering if I should've ordered a spring, too. Any tips on replacement? Never done it before.
Also, the stock (rear portion) has some of that brown, smooth plastic like material they used for stock repairs. If a person wanted to sand and refinish the wood on this gun, I take it that it would be preferable to replace this stock portion, or is there someway to work with or work around the repair area?

[Claven2]

You will need to buy or make a small slotted tube to go into the bolt body and engage the flange cutouts on the firing pin to unscrew it. Otherwise, it's pretty straight forward. If the rifle is cocking as it should, the spring probably isn't a problem.

While the bolt is apart, make sure it's properly degreased as that can be a factor as well.

If there's any wood filled in the stock, the British armed forces didn't put it there. I'd remove it and perhaps fit wooden patches if it was a badly damaged enough area to warrant it.

[busdriver72]

Thanks. I've ordered the tube-thing from Numrich as well.
The firing pin (striker) is my best guess as to the failure to fire.
The unfired rounds (decent ammo, new) show a dent on the primer. I tried several rounds, so the problem is consistent, and all show a dent in the primer. The bolt cocks and has a good, solid release when the trigger is pulled.

[jjwelin]

Have a smith with a No. 4 striker protrusion guage check your striker... It may be too short. otherwise, it may be a broken spring or some such thing.

[Claven2]

Sounds like definitely the pin needs fixing. Honestly though, you could have just unscrewed it a turn or two and dressed the head back to round. Probably didn't need replacement.

[busdriver72]

I may try that and keep the new one as a spare.

[woodchopper]

Don't know where you live but IF your near Edmonton I will give you a hand with fixing it. I have the firing pin tool

[busdriver72]

Thanks for the offer. I live in the country of....I mean the state of Texas.:)

[woodchopper]

well I don't have any plans for a road trip that way.

and my work trips are looking like Norfolk Virginia and Savana Georgia this summer

[busdriver72]

Well...this went good...............not!
After removing the correct screw and soaking in penetrating oil, I broke the two "teeth" off of the special removal tool. I think the striker had been in there since 1943 and it wasn't going anywhere.
You know, I think I'm gonna just get a complete bolt from Numrich for $44.95. That's less expensive than just getting the parts I need, as well as another special striker remover tool. When they say "complete" do they really mean it....head, striker (firing) pin, everything?

[woodchopper]

I broke the little fingers off my first bolt tool as well.

I made a heavier one :)

[busdriver72]

I feel better now.
I got a complete bolt assembly in from Numrich.
The bolt wouldn't slide in at first. I noticed the bolt head wouldn't turn enough counter-clockwise to slip into the receiver. It was very tight, but I managed to unscrew it. Using 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper I smoothed the flat areas where the bolt and bolt head meet, then finished it off with 1500 grit. The bolt head lined up perfectly.
Took her to the range and it funtions great.
Lotta work to get a gun to go 'bang.'
Also ordered an issue WWII Enfield sling. My gun is a 1943, and the sling I got just happened to be dated 1943. Sweet!:dancingbanana:

[Cantom]

Well...this went good...............not!
After removing the correct screw and soaking in penetrating oil, I broke the two "teeth" off of the special removal tool. I think the striker had been in there since 1943 and it wasn't going anywhere.
You know, I think I'm gonna just get a complete bolt from Numrich for $44.95. That's less expensive than just getting the parts I need, as well as another special striker remover tool. When they say "complete" do they really mean it....head, striker (firing) pin, everything?

Wait! You have a new firing pin right? Read the last post in this thread.

Was the old bolt serial number matched to the receiver? What number was on the bolt head? Does the firing pin protrude more on the new bolt than on the old?

http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=341&page=2