Lithgow No1 Mk3 sticky extraction.

[lcgivz12]

Hey everyone,

I purchased my first No1 Mk3 a few weeks ago and have little idea what is and isn't normal on the rifle. The rifle was FILTHY when i got it and i have given it a deep clean since i got it. I have not shot it at all 1) because the firing pin is sheared off and i am waiting on a replacement, and 2) I am a little suspicious of the way it loads and extracts live rounds. First, on the loading, it takes effort, and im ok with that, if its the way its supposed to be. There is a clear inverted V on the feeding ramp where the copper jacket of the FMJ is essentially stripping off. (Again, not sure if thats normal or not). The second issue is that there is about as much effort to extract the live round as there is to load it. The first 1 1/2 inches of the round are not what i would call HARD to extract, but, stiff, for sure. After that, its pretty easy. Now again, im sorry but im a noob, if this is proper. AWESOME! Im set, but if not, What do you guys think i should do to remedy the problems?

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.

[browningautorifle]

Not normal at all. We need some pics here to see though. Nice and clear, not just phone pics at a distance...the "V" that's stripping the jacket isn't right. They're a smooth rifle and none of that's right.

[CINDERS]

The chamber may be slightly rough so you need to be able to view it (bore scope) which may require judicious polishing VERY VERY LIGHTLY, Lee's cock on closing so they require a smidge more effort in the last 1/2" or so before being able to close on battery, the feed ramp should not really have a V in it though it indicates the rifle has had its share of rounds poked through it. I polish the feed ramps on mine very lightly with a small dremel buffing wheel and light polishing compound till they shine
Post some pics (good quality ones) then the chaps here with the plethora of hands on experience will assist where they can.
Be aware though you never stop at one..............................

[Homer]

Shortened firing pin? Maximum caution here. Inspect this rifle very thoroughly and ensure the firing pin wasn't shortened for a reason.

[mrclark303]

I would agree, the firing pin is a red flag, get her professionally checked out before shooting.

[Maxwell Smart]

Does it have the letters "DP" stamped on it anywhere?

[lcgivz12]

No DP stamped or marked anywhere on the gun at all, not exactly sure where to look or how small or big it would be, but im pretty intimate with the rifle at this point. I just have no idea what is normal or not.

Ok Gents i've attached as many pics and as clear as i could get them. I also attached pics of the firing pin issue. I can take the extractor and spring out it you guys would like. I can also take some full detailed pictures of the entire rifle so you guys can see all markings if you would like. I didn't want to overload with pics. You guys let me know. I really do appreciate the advice gents. maybe i should just sell it and buy one from someone that already knows its working properly? It is fun learning about the rifle and my God are they beautiful.

[browningautorifle]

Looks like an Australian example by the MA marking...and actually looks to be in pretty good condition. Hard to say why the firing pin was broken off but it's not the first time I've see it either. The "V" you describe isn't untoward, it's just the mark from the bullet points riding up the feedway. from what you show me it looks OK. Give it a detailed clean and oil and take it to a gunsmith for firing pin replacement and a thorough examination and test fire. Make sure the gunsmith is well versed in these rifles before you leave it...

[CINDERS]

I have a couple of thngs; the bolt rib has a marring on it 1st pic bottom of rib, pics 5-6-7 what is all that gunk near the chamber looks like powder or brass chips!, pic 6 may be impossible and a bit of lint and such but the feed ramp looks like it has a crack in it just left of center that copper marking will come off easily with a bit of work, lastly pics 10-12 it looks like the bolt heads face has marks like striations possibly someone fitted a new bolt head and worked the face of the bolt head at least that is what the pictures seems to portray.

I would heed Jims advice and get it checked over by someone who is familiar with Lee Enfields the guys here can only help so much with out having the rifle in their hands but great pics by the way the markings will tell the knowledgeable ones its story I am only a neophyte with these things.

[lcgivz12]

The brass chips are my main concern actually. The chamber was clean as a whistle, this was literally me cycling 20 live rounds through the action. All the brass and copper on the feed ramp is just off of those 20 rds. That resistance and the residue is what got me concerned in the first place. I left the brass and copper in place so that you guys could take a look.