This bolt went into a 1941 Maltby No4 MkI. 3 years ago the small bolt lug fell off the mismatched bolt. Nothing catastrophic just dropped out as the bolt was removed for cleaning. It was never properly fitted to the action and the small lug was absorbing all the pressure however the headspace showed good. Thankfully I stopped firing it when I did the next shot could have had a nasty result.
About a month ago I saw Numrich was selling new replacement Enfield No5 bolts which fit the No4 so I figured I'd try one as a used bolt had proved worthless in this rifle. It worked out very well giving me an easy installation. The only difference is a hollowed out bolt handle which the trials rifles had.
So this bolt showed up with a slight orange tint but after a light oiling it was ready to be fitted. After blue checking the lugs they were sized properly right out of the box for my receiver, no stoning needed and an excellent contact pattern showing. Next up is the bolt head fitting and headspace. It didn't clock enough for the bolt to close all the way and it would stick tightly requiring a hard smack to get it to open. All that was required was a minor stoning of the head end of the bolt and now it fits perfectly. The original bolthead headspaced tightly on the go gauge. The firing pin protrusion measures at .044" giving a solid primer hit without penetration so no work needed there. The fired position cocking piece gap is .035" right on the money. Now it is time to test fire the rifle. That will be a separate write up.
In all I'm very pleased with how it has worked out so far. Nearly a drop in with very little fitting required. Also the quality seems very good but time will tell with that. Obviously your results will vary based on the overall wear of your receiver. I would definitely recommend this item in place of a used bolt in unknown and possibly dubious condition. The major negative here for those not in the US is this part cannot be exported. Sorry offshore brothers.Information
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