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So, in my collection I've got a No.3 mk3 1927 FF marked rifle with a butchered stock, also a No.5 Mk1 that's just been butchered but was CHEAP, $100 cheap.
So my question is when firing both of these, the bolt pops up about 1", far from enough to kick it out of battery though. Unfortunately I'm not too familiar with this and no longer shoot them for fear they're out of headspace. Is this normal for enfields?
Here you go https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=45534&page=3
I guess you are letting go of the bolt handle and pulling the trigger with your index finger. I don’t let go of the bolt handle and use my middle finger to pull the trigger. That’s how I was taught to shoot an Enfield. Couldn’t tell you if the bolt handle moves by itself because I am holding it and cycling it as fast as I can between shots.
There's nothing wrong with them and they won't open when you're firing. You have to use gauges to check headspace and even if they are out they won't open when firing... There's no such thing as a No.3 mk3. By the way, is this happening when dry firing or live? Not that it matters.
We have had this discussion regarding the bolt lever lifting slightly many times over the years and equally as many explanations have been offered. Including the state of the tides on the East Coast and the Full Moon. I put it down to the direction of the rotation of the heavily loaded striker spring in the bolt that unwinds (albeit slightly) and the hard metal to metal impact as the striker hits the rear tenon of the bolt head. This blow is tempered slightly when firing hard primer UK made Mk7 ammo but it's still present But have no fear. The well thought out safety that includes a half cock and other inbuilt mechanisms/features will always ensure that should the bolt fully rotate to allow the bolt to become unlocked, the bullet will have already passed the 100 yard marker and any pressure in the barrel will have reverted to atmospheric.
There is a detailed page here somewhere that tells you how to check that your bolt is fitted properly. The CHS limits are .064" GO and .074" NO-GO. Please ignore any other dimensions that your mates or local 'enthusiastic amateurs' have told you about. They mean well, but, dear o' deary me.......