Printable View
I took an Enfield No 1 that I recently acquired but have never shot to my gunsmith.
He tried it with a No-Go and it closed, he then put in a feel guage and it barely closed. so he said because he was able to get it to close on the feel guage (with a little trouble) it has excessive head space and is unsafe to shoot.
I cannot find a number on the bolt head, I unscrewed it a ways then screwed it back in. The only marking I can find is a "U"
Is there a fix for this problem?
Not enough info there Ben......... What size gauges are you using for a start?
There is a LOT of info on this forum about headspace including some dispelling some of the sheer unadulterated horse shi.........., er.......... horse manure that is doing the rounds out there. Look it up, read up twice and come back with questions that contain the info we need to answer them.
Put a round in it and see what happens. Eventually it comes down to that. But alas I am very new to the Milsurp game.
Ben: No. 1 rifle boltheads don't have a number on them- that's for the No. 4. You might want to study up on the info pertaining to this here on the forum and then with a good understanding of the process, purchase your own set of guages. They're not that expensive. Frankly I haven't even checked it (headspace) in the last half dozen I've taken to the range for the first time.
Ridolpho
Peter,
I will begin researching. This No1 Mk III is marked EY on the receiver and barrel, but doesn't show any evidence of wire wrapping and the stock has a really nice old patina. It was made in 1929 per the band between the butt stock and by the trigger guard.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...37c6e21b-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...759713f8-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...99d347ce-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...1d81a9c4-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...c3dc4020-1.jpg
Oh by the way on the top hand guard ahead of the receiver it is marked "DP" Drill Purpose, I think this may be a wall hander. But I am still researching
Ben: It was probably built somewhat earlier- the '29 on the right cheek is where the Indians indicated the date of some sort of repair or upgrade. The manufacturer date is illegible on the right cheek.
Ridolpho
Does it say DP anywhere on the metal parts (action or barrel), or only on the woodwork ?
Was the Gunsmith an Enfield 'expert', and did he use the correct Enfield (Military) gauges or did he use the undersized 303 US SAMMI gauges ?
What size Feeler-Gauge did he use ?
Alan
It only has a DP on the (replaceable) wood handguard, no where else. The gunsmith is a big cowboy shooter. I emailed him to see what gauges he used. I am planning to call Dick (I think it is) at BDLLTD, I heard that he sells No GO and Field gauges for the Enfields. I am also looking for other sources in case he doesn't.
I had tried a bubba trick with the No 1 before, when I first got my #5 I used a bubba headspace gauge, put a primer partway into a empty shell and then put the case/primer in the chamber and closed the bolt, the primer ended up even with the base of the case. When I did that with the No 1 it ended up higher than the case (as I remember).
I will try to get a set of the correct gauges and check it for sure and then if it fails may just sell it for parts or since I wouldn't get much for it hang it.
Dont write it off before checking properly - the SAMMI gauges have condemmed a number of perfectly safe and in-spec rifles rifles.
Brian Dick (Boss man at BDL) will sort you out - he is an Enfield specialist to boot and a fair & straight dealer.
Alan
I won't write it off yet! I will get a good set of gauges first!
Alan de Enfield is correct, please don`t write her off so quickly !........As far as that goes, go shoot it............Here read this........RIFLECHAIR'S LOUNGE: Evaluating Headspace - The Lee Enfield Rifle
Check the MKL .. ;)
Headspace 101 for .303's (click here)
Regards,
Doug
Great article! I have some surplus ammo, I have used that in my #5 and my 3 #4's. I have also reloaded some .303 with trail boss which is a very light shooting powder for the #5, makes it a pleasure to shoot. I also have a neck sizing die and was going to fire form my brass and will probably do that especially for the #1. It will let me know which rifle could be causing a problem.
Oh and I do have a broken case extractor :thup:
Ben ...
You might also want to try the custom Milsurps Search box located in the top right corner of the site. Enter the words enfield headspace and you'll find dozens of quality threads on the subject that may help you out. :thup:
Regards,
Doug
Doug,
Thanks, you're right, I guess I was too tired to do alot of searching. Busy the last 6 days filming the B17 B24 and P51 flying out of Norwood and Plymouth.
Here is a video I posted years ago of them flying (sort of off topic but still is WWII !)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYy8...RrFelxIL7jhl0A
I used to stock MoD spec gauges from Arrowmark in Australia but they no longer make them. You'll need to get in touch with Forster here in the USA and order a .074 Field from them. They will make one for you on a custom basis. They are $50 I think. The .064 Go gauge is the same regardless.
Thanks for sharing the video. I went for a ride in the Collings Foundation B-17 several years ago. It was a great experience and worth every penny.
Brian
Brian,
Didn't realize that Dick was your last name, sorry. I will check out Forster, thanks!
Yep, I'm a 5'9" Dick!
Better still, why don't you just send the rifle to Brian and he'll tell you exactly what you've got. But don't bother buying a set of gauges or resorting to guesswork.
Brian,
Will you do that? That may be the best way, that way I will know what I have and if it is safe.
Jeff
Sure, as long as you can be patient because I have a huge backlog here. Perils of the one man band. Contact me direct at bdlltd@bellsouth.net and we'll get it sorted out. Thanks.
I would be concerned about the possibility the forend has been spread out at the rear, you should see the end of the cross threaded rod reinforce, not just a hole.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...adForend-1.jpg
5thBatt
Let me go up to the safe and check that!
In the meantime I placed a special order with Clymer for a .074 Field gauge, couldn't find one anywhere and Brian recommended them. I am going to post a thread about that, they are doing a prototype run that can take 6-8 weeks, but if we get enough people who want one they will bump it up to a production run (15 needed), the prototype was $30 plus shipping to get it done.
This is what you should see.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben Cartwright
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9/18EFD8-1.jpg
I just checked it and it is there, smooth with the stock on the left side and just recessed about 1/128 of an inch on the right side, I think the picture makes it look like it is not there.
Should be smooth both sides.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ben Cartwright
Looks like someone may have taken it out and hit it with a punch? rather than smooth it has a slight bevel sort of like a very shallow V