.22 enfield bolts.

[read6737]

Is it possible to convert a .22 bolt from a SMLE MK III to be used in a No4?
What would need to be changed and what would need to be made / modified?

Information

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[Alan de Enfield]

Is it possible to convert a .22 bolt from a SMLE MK III to be used in a No4?
What would need to be changed and what would need to be made / modified?

I dont think it is possible.
have a look at the link showing the differing types of bolts.
The No1 (SMLE) .22rf bolt is the bottom one in the first set of pictures.
As you can see the whole bolt assembly is very different for the No4 based bolts.

Right at the bottom of the page (last couple of lines) is a link to the different types of bolts.

Lee-Enfield Rifle No.8 for the British Forces

[Peter Laidler]

Anything is possible but you'd be better off starting from fresh with a good used No4 bolt. I won't detail the metallurgy but the old one needs to be bored out, plug brazed in place, drilled out accurately in two stages for the new firing pin and I would say case hardened should suffice.

Time taken, 1 hour max!

New extractor, marked, cut and filed to finish, made from a good steel and hardened, another 1/2 hour

[read6737]

Sounds a little longer than an hour or so for me.
So basically use a .22 bolt in thee no 4.
Or can you put the MkIII internals in the No4 bolt body.

[rgg_7]

Anything can be done however the practical answer is to use a No4 bolt. What are you trying to do...maybe I can help you out as I have a few CNo7 parts. Ron

[read6737]

I would like to build 2 X .22s on either on No4s or on MkIIIs.
I know where there are plenty of MkIII .22 bolts ans parts but not No4 .22 bolts or parts.
The decision will be based on what Enfields I can get my hands on.
I would prefer No4s as I prefer the sights and I can fit scope pads with no problem.
The rifles are for the twins, I know that that they are too young to even really hold them
but as they are around all my other rifles all the time and are down the range as well with me
it wont be long before they really know what they are doing.
It will also take a while to sort out all the bits for the rifles.

[rgg_7]

The No4 is best for this project. You can reline a shot out No4 or rebarrel. The bolt strike, spring and bolt are the same. The firing pin projection has to be cut at the flange.....I can send you a sketch. All you need is a CNo7 bolt head, spring, extractor and firing pin. These parts I have however you need the bolt head size to set headspacing as they range from 0 to 5. I've done a few of these....contact me if you need more info. Ron

[read6737]

Thanks for the rely.
I will contact you when I have the No4s and start the project.
I would be interested to see the details on the change.

David

[Peter Laidler]

Better still Read, get the man who is relining your barrel to set the CHS up to whatever bolt and bolt head you are using with the compliments of RGG. I'll lend you a set of gauges. To be honest, the .22" CHS ain't going to move much, if at all, in the lifetime of you and your kids!

[read6737]

Thanks Peter I mat need to take you up on that.
I don't think many gun smiths out here have touched that many Enfield .222s