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All,
I've noticed on my second SMLE that the striker indentation on the primer is off-center by approx. half the striker diameter (maybe a snidge less). I've had a look and cannot determine what might be the cause of the offset on the primer. Note that the bolt fits the rifle properly and is not loose in the body, the striker is straight, and the extractor & spring appear to be ok. Any thoughts as to what might be causing this to occur and how to correct it would be appreciated.
Thanks!
GC
I'm no expert but if it works OK I would be happy with it.
I think there was a centring gauge for the bolt head firing pin hole but don't quote me on that.
Your cartridge has room to move in the chamber, even if only a little. This is when the extractor will push it to one side, only a little. When you fire, you get what you got...
Its very, very common to have the pin indentation off centre. Many rifles - particularly well used old British WW1 rifles - tend to have enough slack in the bolt alignment and chamber that the round gets struck off centre. Most of these rifles actually strike off centre very consistently, so that they have a corresponding off centre primer ring burnt into the boltface.
My L42 does it, still very accurate though.