No.1 bolt usable in 2A1?

[Sht_LE]

This has probably been addressed before, but I couldn't find it.
I have the opertunity to purchase an Ishapore 2A1 at a very attractive price, but it is missing the bolt. Question is, can a No.1 MK.III bolt body and bolt head be safely substituted and fit with the correct extractor?
I compared the bolt/bolt head from my 2A to the bolts/bolt heads from several SMLE/No.1s and, unless there is a metallurgical or heat treat difference I couldn't see any difference.
Anyone know for sure?

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.

[Peter Laidler]

Yes, but........ ONLY if it's fitted correctly by someone who knows what he's doing and sets it all up and CHS's it correctly. The bolt and bolt heads of No4's and L39's were exactly the same with no problems whatsoever.

[Sht_LE]

Thank you Peter, that's what I needed to know. I'm also very, very aware that bolts are not drop in parts and appreciate you reminding everyone of that fact. While I'm not a properly trained or apprenticed Armourer, I am/ was (don't do it for the public anymore) gunsmith and saw a LOT of stupid things come in the shop.

[Colonel Enfield]

Is there anywhere people wondering the same thing as Sht Le can find out the information on how to do it properly? Gunsmiths who know Lee-Enfields seem to be an ever-decreasing group, sadly.

[Peter Laidler]

I have the same jaundiced view as you regarding gunsmiths Colonel. But glad you mentioned it first......... I suggest that Lee Enfield owners treat gunsmiths as exactly that. Jacks of all trades but not masters of any. Just my opinion so far in my sheltered life...........

I accept that 'Southern US' is a pretty big area but he could try Brian in SC. That's in the Southern US and he knows what he's doing so far as Enfields go.

[Maxwell Smart]

Watch out for the replacement 7.62 extractors which Numrich sells as suitable for the Ishapore 2A; they are not the correct ones.

The Numrich ones are actually much closer in form to No 4 7.62 extractors, as I found out to my cost. The pivot hole is too small. and the claw much too bulky.

Can be made to fit, but is about as much work as modifying a .303 one.

[Colonel Enfield]

I think part of the challenge is there's a shortage of places to get the right info - we all know you can't just drop the bolt in and be good to go, but at the same time, where does one go to find out what needs to be done to set it up? What should they be looking for? What is the headspace on a 2A1? How many angels can dance on the head of a firing pin? What is the ultimate answer to the meaning of Life, The Universe, and Everything? Enquiring minds want to know!

[gsimmons]

42.....

[Colonel Enfield]

Clearly said by a man who knows where his towel is

[Peter Laidler]

I can tell you about the REAL difference between the .303" and 7.62mm extractors. It's all to do with the primary extraction. If you convert a .303" extractor to use in your 7.62 rifle, due to the geometry, the extractor will not grip the front edge of the thinner rim until primary extraction is almost complete.

Using the correct extractor means that as soon as you start to lift the bolt handle the re-designed 762 extractor will grip the rim sooner and you therefore get the CORRECT leverage and therefore perfect primary extraction. More to it than that of course.

Now for the official CHS, straight from the Indian EMER as obtained for me by the Indian Army Liaison Officer at Warminster. I ain't got it handy but I have written it down on an earlier thread and given the relevant gauges that are the closest to it