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Thread: Lee Enfield won't close bolt

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    Legacy Member DaTaNK55's Avatar
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    Lee Enfield won't close bolt

    Hi,

    I have recently obtained a lee from 1943 (sniper). I don't know to0 much as I am just entering the gun collecting world. I had the rifle checked and took it to the range, once i loaded the .303 Britishicon everything seemed fine as I closed the bolt it stuck. I could see the bolt close and move closer to the bullet but it would just stop and I could not close it. The bold is not getting stuck on the lip of the right side but something seems to be impeding it from fully closing. Sorry if my terminology is incorrect as I said I'm new an appreciate any help.
    Thanks
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Advisory Panel Brian Dick's Avatar
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    Is the bolt matching serial number to the rifle? What kind of ammo are you using?

    Check and make sure the bolt head is screwed in fully. Overturn from the right hand locking lug, (the long one), should not exceed 1/8" when tight. If the problem persists it should be checked with gauges and inspected to be sure the bolt is assembled correctly. It should close on a .064 GO gauge.

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    Contributing Member 30Three's Avatar
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    A few questions that we need to know the answers to; so we can help.
    1: Does the serial number on the bolt match the rifle?
    2: Does the bolt close easily on an empty chamber?
    3: Is the ammunition factory made or somebody's reloads?
    4: Have you checked the the barrel and chamber are clear?

    Some photos may help; of bolt position and safety position etc when the issue occurs.

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    Legacy Member jpg366's Avatar
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    Having put a bolt back together after removing cosmolineicon, i know that not turning the bolt head in sufficiently will do what you describe.

    Pull the bolt and see if the head will make another full turn in.

  7. Thank You to jpg366 For This Useful Post:


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    Advisory Panel browningautorifle's Avatar
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    Maybe some pics of the action would also help. Maybe we can see something...
    Regards, Jim

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    Legacy Member Daan Kemp's Avatar
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    Did you check to see if the chamber is clear?

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    Legacy Member DaTaNK55's Avatar
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    Thread Starter
    1. The serial numbers match
    2. The bolt closes easily on an empty chamber
    3. The ammo is .303 Britishicon
    4. The barrel and chambers are clear

    I'm unsure how to upload pics but ill figure it out.

    ---------- Post added at 08:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:56 PM ----------

    Hey, I think that was it. The bolt head was a little loose and I tightened it. I will bring it to the range tomorrow and give it a test. Thanks!

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    Legacy Member Jsne's Avatar
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    You have to check headspace on that rifle
    None of my Enfields will close the bolt with on a empty chamber if it is one full turn out.

    Jsne

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    Legacy Member mnmkeller's Avatar
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    I just got my first Enfield Rifleicon and I made the mistake of over rotating. What a relief when I sorted it out.

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    Legacy Member 72 usmc's Avatar
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    A few questions that we need to know the answers to; so we can help.
    1: Does the serial number on the bolt match the rifle?
    2: Does the bolt close easily on an empty chamber?
    3: Is the ammunition factory made or somebody's reloads?
    4: Have you checked the the barrel and chamber are clear?

    Some photos may help; of bolt position and safety position etc when the issue occurs.
    YES, THE ABOVE.
    I would add... Does the bolt close on an empty chamber and then try a military spec dummy .303 cartridge and see if it closes on that? It is possible a broken off cartridge case or partial case is lodged in the chamber area? Did you inspect the chamber? Please read about bolt assembly if this is your first Enfield. On an expensive jewel like that I would check its headspace prior to shooting. Heck, an intact original sniper would be a safe queen in my world... but I never had that kind of cash or luck. Lots of videos... OR

    add video of just bolt insertion:
    take downs for both :https://www.angelfire.com/sc/simonne...dno4bolths.pdf

    headspace if you do not have gauges & more info: Our SRF posts: (SRF is a little photo user friendly)

    Enfield Headspace, Measurement and Bolt head Replacement - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

    Hope that helps, the experts can help if you provide some photos & information.

    Where in America can I buy - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

    If you have cash for an original Sniper, then spend a little more and have a qualified Enfield gunsmith check it out and headspace the rifle. You do not want to damage such a jewel- Cheep insurance .

    Brian Dickicon is the expert!
    Last edited by 72 usmc; 11-13-2021 at 10:31 AM.

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