EY Enfield No 1 mk III only slight resistance on field gauge

[Ben Cartwright]

I have an No 1 marked EY that closes on a no-go and has just a slight resistance on a field gauge. I believe that means it is unsafe to shoot.

I see a .22 lr conversion drop in kit on gunbroker for a No1 with barrel liner and bolt. Would that be a choice for this gun, to make it a .22lr?

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[Peter Laidler]

First, you will have to tell us the SIZE or rim thickness of the gauges you are using. The terms no-go and field have no real meaning in the technical world.

[Ben Cartwright]

Gauges are from Okie Headspace Gauges

no go 0.0655

field .074

[Sentryduty]

I have the same set and while my No.4's all "pass" my 1918 No.1 will close on that "No-go" and can be made to close on the "field" with some force, however under normal pressure it will just barely not close. I suspect the headspace is approaching the .074 threshold on that rifle. In the interest of safety I fired a number Winchester factory loads with a lanyard, all of the cases were in good condition and bolt operation was smooth. I proceeded with 30 more fired from the shoulder and had no issues.

I am certain you will have some professional feedback from Peter, however based on reviewing the specifications in the Skinnerton book, I am not certain the Okie gauges are the best fit for judging LE actions.

[Ben Cartwright]

I have actually become interested in .22 WWII trainers, so wonder if even if it is not safe to shoot .303's what about a .22 kit for it?

[Peter Laidler]

I can't comment on the sub calibre adaptor but your okie gauges you mention do not match anything in the world that I inhabit I'm afraid to say...... All the books, pamphlets, heresay, your mates expert opinion etc etc do not overrule the Armourers bible

The GO gauge, over which the bolt WILL/MUST close for your No1 rifle is .064"
The NO-GO gauge over which the bolt will NOT close is .074" There are no other gauges of any consequence. And the acid test of whether the bolt is 'closed' or 'nearly closed' in regards to the .074" gauge depends on another important test.

[Ben Cartwright]

I am in a meeting right now but will go upstairs with the .074 gauge and try it again. I think it will just close on it but don't remember exactly.

My question I guess if it is not safe to shoot .303 through it, how about .22 lr with a kit that is a bore liner and separate bolt?

[Sentryduty]

And the acid test of whether the bolt is 'closed' or 'nearly closed' in regards to the .074" gauge depends on another important test.

Is there an explainer on the test you mention above I could read, or could you elaborate if there isn't one already written, I am rather keen to learn as much as I can. Expert knowledge is getting very rare and local gunsmiths are more scope fitters and Remington Model 700 bolt polishers, a Lee-Enfield is not something many of them know much about. Case in point illustrated by the Ishapore rifle discussion here a few days ago.

About the Okie gauges, I was at first a little dismayed when my No.1 "failed' the No-go guage, then I flipped open the Skinnerton book to read on the original standards and see if I could learn what the next course of action might be for that rifle. It was then that I discovered exactly what Peter had posted above, the 0.065 gauge is meaningless to Lee-Enfield rifles.

All very good discussion here.

[Ben Cartwright]

OK

I am back downstairs, my gun room is cold. Anyhow, the No 1 will not close on a .074 gauge. I could probably force it but it will not close.

I am still concerned it is marked EY, exactly what does that mean?

[Seaspriter]

I am still concerned it is marked EY, exactly what does that mean?

Mates, correct me if I'm off base, but I thought EY meant at some stage in the rifles life it was for Emergency Use Only, which could be due many reasons, such as barrel wear etc. Still functioning and safe for limited shooting, but not battle service ready.

FWIT, I recently sold a DP'd Long Branch with a bulge at the end of the barrel to a gent who is boring out the barrel, inserting a .22LR sleeve with conversion kit.