More Bad Press For The Enfield

[Edward Horton]

Dimitri

I have a small collection of 12 Enfield Rifles and I'm Pro-Enfield and do NOT think the Enfield rifle has ANY inherent weaknesses.

On the other side of the coin I'm anti-oiling or greasing cartridge cases because it increases bolt thrust.

The Enfield rifle was proof tested with an oiled cartridge and then checked with a .067 head space gauge. If the bolt closed on this .067 head space gauge the rifle failed proof testing due to excessive bolt lug and bolt head set back. (a oiled proof cartridge exerts more bolt thrust than a dry proof cartridge)

The Australians when testing .303 Enfield's converted to 7.62 NATO used a .303 enfield as a "control" for the 7.62 testing. The control .303 Enfield fired six .303 proof test rounds and the headspace increased by .010.

Water,oil or grease in the chamber or on the ammunition increases bolt thrust and the wear and tear or serviceability of your Enfiel rifle. The issued Enfield rifles were inspected four times per year, three mini-visual inspections and one complete tear down inspection.

We know the Armourers replaced bolt heads and bolt bodies during these inspections and dry firing doesn't cause excess bolt thrust.

If shooting and bolt thrust causes increased head space, then oil or water on your ammunition or in your chamber and the added bolt thrust isn't going to make your Enfield last longer.