Amount of play on No4 Mk1 bolts

[Alan de Enfield]

Hello,

I was examining 2 No4 Mk1s today, and I noted that there was a bit of "wiggle" or play as the bolt was slid back and forth. I can understand that a little bit of play is necessary to prevent the bolt binding as it moves, but how much is too much?

I'm guessing you mean sideways 'sloppiness' as you pull the bolt backwards (as if to take it out of the action).

It may not be correct, or 'by the book' but I work on the principle that if there is no 'sloppiness' when the bolt is 'closed and locked' against the lugs then its OK.
All my Enfields (even the Enforcer which will NOT have fired many 1000s of rounds) exhibit a bit of sideways-slop if you wiggle the bolt about when it is 'open'.

No doubt someone will now tell me I'm dicing with death and the rifles should be destroyed.