Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk I - Seeking Info

[oldfoneguy]

Close look at the numbers on the bolt handle shows grinding marks. That bolt had been scrubbed before being mismatched to this rifle.

[Parashooter]

Based on what I found while cleaning, I'd say the rifle has been shot before so hopefully it's still safe to do so. I'll have to see if there's a local gunsmith knowledgeable on the Lee Enfields that can check it out. I've otherwise had a hell of a time finding the gauges here in the U.S. I've found a few (expensive) ones, but they are SAAMI spec and what I've read leads me to believe I need those made to Britishicon "military spec." Does anybody have any leads on some gauges?

Before going crazy over headspace, take a look at this article - https://www.milsurps.com/content.php...101-for-.303-s

[JeffreyJ5]

That bolt had been scrubbed before being mismatched to this rifle.

I had noticed that. Seems like this bolt is on its third gun minimally. Likely initially stamped, then ground and re-stamped and then added to this gun.

Before going crazy over headspace, take a look at this article - https://www.milsurps.com/content.php...101-for-.303-s

Thank you for this. I think I'll just roll the dice, shoot it and inspect the casing afterwards to see if there's anything of concern.

I appreciate all the input, everybody!

[oldfoneguy]

Thank you for this. I think I'll just roll the dice, shoot it and inspect the casing afterwards to see if there's anything of concern.
[/QUOTE]

As someone who broke off the small lug on the replacement bolt in their 1941 Maltby I very strongly recommended that you do a bolt lug contact check before firing the rifle. The procedure is outlined by the Enfield gurus on this site do a search it comes up quickly. The brass WILL NOT show all that's going on inside the action.

As a side note in the Gunsmithing forum I reviewed the new replacement bolt available from Numrich because of incorrect contact and the bolt lug breaking off. Yes the rifle had been fired before I had it but if I checked it previous to firing it multiple times I would have saved myself some money and potential serious injury. Had I fired the rifle one more time I possibly wouldn't be here to tell you this. Don't be this guy!!!

[JeffreyJ5]

The procedure is outlined by the Enfield gurus on this site do a search it comes up quickly.

Would the "Fitting Rifle Bolts" article by Peter Laidler be the procedure you're referencing?

[oldfoneguy]

Would the "Fitting Rifle Bolts" article by Peter Laidler be the procedure you're referencing?

Yes, that's exactly what I used as a how to reference.

[waw44]

As someone who broke off the small lug on the replacement bolt in their 1941 Maltby I very strongly recommended that you do a bolt lug contact check before firing the rifle.... Had I fired the rifle one more time I possibly wouldn't be here to tell you this. Don't be this guy!!!

Can you elaborate on the incident? How did you notice it happen? What ammo were you using? What actually happened when the lug broke? Did the receiver twist, parts flew out of the rifle, bolt handle jumped up, etc, etc, etc?

The No.4 action is pretty stout and while a failure can happen, I'm having hard time believing it would be catastrophic unless both the small and large lugs sheared.

[oldfoneguy]

Yes of course. No actual incident to speak of. Put about 10 rounds out and was done with the rifle for the day. No twisting flying parts or other drama. Ammo was 180gr round nose handloads a formula previously chrono'd right around 2350fps. I never push my old rifles. Came home and put it in the safe to be cleaned another day. Cleaning day came and the Maltby was 3rd in line. Take it out rotate the bolt draw it out and something falls out. Low and behold it's the small bolt lug. After investigating the multiple wear patterns on the lugs it became apparent the long lug wasn't making contact at all and the pressure was being absorbed by the small lug only.
Apparently it could absorb only so much after who knows how many firings in this configuration.

I agree that the No4 is indeed a strong action no denying that. However would you fire the rifle with only one bolt lug? Indeed at that point you would have twisting flying jumping as well as bloody drama. Is that something you would be willing to bet half your face on? Strong yes invincible once compromised absolutely not.

The moral of the story here was to have jeffrey approach this situation with an abundance of caution which I didn't do. Trying to help him avoid the same situation I encountered. For me it worked out ok with blind luck. Not everyone has an angel on their shoulder.