Picked up SHTle No1 Mk3 last night how did i do?

[Vincent]

Could he use a larger bolt head to get into the correct CHS range?

[Peter Laidler]

He could of course but you know by now that the average joe (no offence meant to anyone here) changing a bolt head can cause mre problems than it answers unless you go through the reast of the checks and balances afterwards.

[Seaspriter]

Really nice find. I love all those battle scars. This gun really has a story to tell.

my question to you all is should i just keep it as a collector piece or should i hunt a bolt head down i want to shoot the rifle but i am a bit paranoid

This is just my opinion: You obviously show both caring and curiosity for our beloved Enfields. Restore the gun to operating capacity, even if you don't decide to shoot it (I have done this with all my Enfields. This is a standard of excellence that's the hallmark of a true master and preserver of heritage; and it honours the brave souls like Tom that carried this gun into combat, risking their lives to ensure our freedom.)

The rationale: just imagine someone, one hundred years hence, trying to find parts for this gun. (If you think parts are hard to find now, imagine the poor blokes several generations down the line who inherit this gun and try to find parts!)

Once you get all the insights from the experts, copy the deciphering of all the markings into a file, print it out, roll it up tight like a scroll, and stuff it into the Butt Plate hole for posterity; someone ages from now will cherish you in your grave.

[Vincent]

I would probably start by doing the O-ring thing, sandbag the gun on the bench and use my string to pull the trigger. Then inspect the spent cartridge case and compare it to an unfired one.

If you are really paranoid (and you can never be too paranoid ) you could use masking tape to build up your field gauge. It won't be precise, but it will give you a rough idea of how far out the CHS is.

[Peter Laidler]

I had a No4T that was so clapped that the CHS was .012 excessive or CHS'd at .086" It still shot the issue Mk7 and HXP OK. Obviously a worn body as nothing would fix it. So don't be tooooo paranoid of CHS faults - within reason - if the rest of the bolt fitting and mechanicals is OK. CHS faults is/are easier on weapons with rimmed ammo than rimless. This was the theory put forward by Boys with his .55 rimless - but belted!

Added later..... I meant to say that rimmed ammo is more forgiving in weapons with poor CHS.

[om3gad3a7h]

The gauge measures at 0.74 hmm i'm thinking i will fire a round and compare for deformation

[Peter Laidler]

On the other hand, why not just send the rifle down to Brian at BDL in SC. He's only 1/2" away from you according to my world atlas. He can check it properly with the correct gauges, fit a new bolt head properly or maybe fit a new bolt, get the bearing surfaces correct and set it up properly too.

[om3gad3a7h]

Now thats i option i had no idea i had thanks so much ill have to give them a call tomorrow sadly they are actually 5hrs away from me

[AD-4NA]

He He, I think if your so worried about it you should just get rid of it by selling it to me! (for some profit of course) I'd love an Enfield/ ER instead of a BSA, especially one with some neat history...

... and there goes that pledge not to ever be that "just give it to me, then" forum guy!