SMLE .22 firing pins

I recently bought a 1918 SMLE MkIII* that was converted to .22 by Parker Hale at some time after WWI. The rifle is in very nice well used condition with matching numbers. However I have a minor issue with the firing pin.
During the range test; I had about 7 rounds out of 50 that did not fire. The strike dent appears to be slightly in from the edge and not deep enough.

I compared it to the pin of my Lithgow No2 mkVI* .22 (circa 1946) and found that the tip is slightly flatter on the Lithgow. I also found that they are not the same dimensions; wanting to try the Lithgow firing pin in the PH modified rifle, I found the the diameter of the pin shaft in the Lithgow bolt head is a larger diameter than that of the British conversion.

Does anyone have exact measurements for the firing pins so I can get some made; or does anyone know of where they may be available to buy?

thanks in advance!Attachment 100461Attachment 100460

I found the same problem with my P-H 1948 conversion; I solved it by changing the bolthead.

I had to make a firing pin to gauge to the bolthead that I had, never mind the 'book' dimensions. I think I made it out of a Post Office Telephones uniselector shaft.



http://www.milsurps.com/images/impor...standard-2.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mk VII

I think I made it out of a Post Office Telephones uniselector shaft.

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So...a piece of GOOD round stock? Something already hard but not too hard? I'd use the back end of a numbered drill bit so it was the right size and precision grind it to shape.

Any good gunsmith should be able to make one.

Thanks for the dimensions and notes.
I should be able to get one made quite easily. In fact if I found the time to install the lathe thats in bits in the basement I could do it myself.

I have used drill rod to make these firing pins. I have only made a few for different rifles but each one was a custom fit as some need to be longer than others.