Lee Enfield won't close bolt

Hi,

I have recently obtained a lee from 1943 (sniper). I don't know to0 much as I am just entering the gun collecting world. I had the rifle checked and took it to the range, once i loaded the .303 British everything seemed fine as I closed the bolt it stuck. I could see the bolt close and move closer to the bullet but it would just stop and I could not close it. The bold is not getting stuck on the lip of the right side but something seems to be impeding it from fully closing. Sorry if my terminology is incorrect as I said I'm new an appreciate any help.
Thanks

Is the bolt matching serial number to the rifle? What kind of ammo are you using?

Check and make sure the bolt head is screwed in fully. Overturn from the right hand locking lug, (the long one), should not exceed 1/8" when tight. If the problem persists it should be checked with gauges and inspected to be sure the bolt is assembled correctly. It should close on a .064 GO gauge.

A few questions that we need to know the answers to; so we can help.
1: Does the serial number on the bolt match the rifle?
2: Does the bolt close easily on an empty chamber?
3: Is the ammunition factory made or somebody's reloads?
4: Have you checked the the barrel and chamber are clear?

Some photos may help; of bolt position and safety position etc when the issue occurs.

Having put a bolt back together after removing cosmoline, i know that not turning the bolt head in sufficiently will do what you describe.

Pull the bolt and see if the head will make another full turn in.

Maybe some pics of the action would also help. Maybe we can see something...

Did you check to see if the chamber is clear?

1. The serial numbers match
2. The bolt closes easily on an empty chamber
3. The ammo is .303 British
4. The barrel and chambers are clear

I'm unsure how to upload pics but ill figure it out.

---------- Post added at 08:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:56 PM ----------

Hey, I think that was it. The bolt head was a little loose and I tightened it. I will bring it to the range tomorrow and give it a test. Thanks!

You have to check headspace on that rifle
None of my Enfields will close the bolt with on a empty chamber if it is one full turn out.

Jsne

I just got my first Enfield rifle and I made the mistake of over rotating. What a relief when I sorted it out.

Quote:

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A few questions that we need to know the answers to; so we can help.
1: Does the serial number on the bolt match the rifle?
2: Does the bolt close easily on an empty chamber?
3: Is the ammunition factory made or somebody's reloads?
4: Have you checked the the barrel and chamber are clear?

Some photos may help; of bolt position and safety position etc when the issue occurs.

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YES, THE ABOVE.
I would add... Does the bolt close on an empty chamber and then try a military spec dummy .303 cartridge and see if it closes on that? It is possible a broken off cartridge case or partial case is lodged in the chamber area? Did you inspect the chamber? Please read about bolt assembly if this is your first Enfield. On an expensive jewel like that I would check its headspace prior to shooting. Heck, an intact original sniper would be a safe queen in my world... but I never had that kind of cash or luck. Lots of videos... OR :confused:

add video of just bolt insertion: Lee-Enfield No4 Mk2: Bolt Removal and Installation - YouTube
take downs for both :https://www.angelfire.com/sc/simonne...dno4bolths.pdf

headspace if you do not have gauges & more info: Our SRF posts: (SRF is a little photo user friendly)

Enfield Headspace, Measurement and Bolt head Replacement - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

Hope that helps, the experts can help if you provide some photos & information.

Where in America can I buy - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

If you have cash for an original Sniper, then spend a little more and have a qualified Enfield gunsmith check it out and headspace the rifle. You do not want to damage such a jewel- Cheep insurance . :super:

Brian Dick is the expert!

If you are just getting into the surplus rifle world :Think Books --reference materials. Some general info., then specific Classics on the type of rifles you collect. These are generally $125-200 each and hard to find books due to cost & out of print due to limited runs.
Might I suggest this post from SRF by me
Buying first surplus rifle, what to look for - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

As a start cheep but nice books on general:
Buy a copy of Collecting Classic Bolt Action Military Rifles by Paul S Scarlata and read the introduction twice: "Caveat Emptor Let the buyer beware".
Buy a copy of Bolt Action Military Rifles of the World by Stuart Mowbray and Joe Puleo
Also :
More good books for a beginner:
A Collector's Guide to Military Rifle Disassembly and Reassembly, by Stuart Mowbray and Joe Puleo, 2007, Mowbray Publishing
Fantastic pictures on the bolt take down and special tricks for different rifles. It covers 48 common surplus rifles. Excellent step by step color pictures. Mowbray is know for his excellent photography. Just great details & steps on the many different bolts.

Shooting World War II Small Arms, by Mike Venturing, 2014, Wolfe Publishing.
This book is about shooting the rifles and reloading ammo for the odd surplus stuff. Great info and comments on reloading and what factory ammunition is made for each rifle/ pistol. Primary emphasis is WW II firearms, both rifle & pistols. He looks at the ammunition.

For prices and a general value one of the better price guides for military surplus rifles from all over the world is the STANDARD CATALOG OF MILITARY FIREARMS: The collector's price and reference guide, by Phillip Peterson now in its 8th edition, 2016-2017. A Guns Digest Publication. Well worth the 35 bucks.

Then seek out specialist books on your rifles you want to collect: I'll let Brian and others provide some Enfield references:

some food for thought:
Reference Books on Lee-Enfield Rifles www.captainstevens.com

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Originally Posted by DaTaNK55

Hi,

I have recently obtained a lee from 1943 (sniper). I don't know too much as I am just entering the gun collecting world. I had the rifle checked and took it to the range, once i loaded the .303 British everything seemed fine as I closed the bolt it stuck. I could see the bolt close and move closer to the bullet but it would just stop and I could not close it. The bolt is not getting stuck on the lip of the right side but something seems to be impeding it from fully closing. Sorry if my terminology is incorrect as I said I'm new an appreciate any help.
Thanks

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Does this rifle have the slot cut in the bolthead guide rail? The slot is easily damaged as you will see in this photo, and sometimes the burrs created by rough handling can impede the travel of the bolt head.

You guys are aware OP hasn't been on since... 06-16-2021 @ 11:41 AM... Two posts and gone...