SMLE bolthead manufacturing process

[spentprimer]

You also need a dinky slotting machine to cut the "window" for the extractor; and it isn't just a simple rectangular slot, either.

Bruce, I must confess, that little slot has had me perplexed as to how it was done. My first thought was perhaps a double broaching operation? I would have loved to see the entire step by step machining of these rifles. If made in the same way, I wonder what one would cost to build in today's monetary values?

As I have stated earlier, I am quite new to Enfield Rifles, but, the more I look at them and try to guess what the manufacturing process might have been, the more I marvel at them. There was a lot of work put into each one. I would think that very few, if any, were actually assembled and not fitted.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Surpmil]

Bruce, I must confess, that little slot has had me perplexed as to how it was done. My first thought was perhaps a double broaching operation? I would have loved to see the entire step by step machining of these rifles. If made in the same way, I wonder what one would cost to build in today's monetary values?

As I have stated earlier, I am quite new to Enfield Rifles, but, the more I look at them and try to guess what the manufacturing process might have been, the more I marvel at them. There was a lot of work put into each one. I would think that very few, if any, were actually assembled and not fitted.

And with all that, Lithgow managed to make the SMLE in about half the man hours if I remember correctly(?) Didn't the chaps from Pratt & Whitney make some suggestions as well?

After Canada adopted the Ross, HMG suddenly became much more cooperative with dominions wanting to set up arms factories...