Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk I - Seeking Info

[oldfoneguy]

Yes of course. No actual incident to speak of. Put about 10 rounds out and was done with the rifle for the day. No twisting flying parts or other drama. Ammo was 180gr round nose handloads a formula previously chrono'd right around 2350fps. I never push my old rifles. Came home and put it in the safe to be cleaned another day. Cleaning day came and the Maltby was 3rd in line. Take it out rotate the bolt draw it out and something falls out. Low and behold it's the small bolt lug. After investigating the multiple wear patterns on the lugs it became apparent the long lug wasn't making contact at all and the pressure was being absorbed by the small lug only.
Apparently it could absorb only so much after who knows how many firings in this configuration.

I agree that the No4 is indeed a strong action no denying that. However would you fire the rifle with only one bolt lug? Indeed at that point you would have twisting flying jumping as well as bloody drama. Is that something you would be willing to bet half your face on? Strong yes invincible once compromised absolutely not.

The moral of the story here was to have jeffrey approach this situation with an abundance of caution which I didn't do. Trying to help him avoid the same situation I encountered. For me it worked out ok with blind luck. Not everyone has an angel on their shoulder.