Lee Enfield

[Mr.Goodtimes]

I have an old lee enfield that is a family heirloom. It was my great grandfathers, grandfathers, dads, and now mine. After my great grandfather died, nobody ever shot it. It sat unfired since the 1960's.

It was however cleaned and is in good condition with only a little bit of rust on the barrel under the handguards. It also has an aftermarket sporter barrel of some kind on it.

I took it to the range about a year ago and played around with it. I noticed though that upon firing, the bolt was VERY hard to work, so i put it down after firing only about 3 rounds. Rounds slide right in and right out with out firing, but upon firing the action does not want to work.

What could be the problem? i want to get this rifle running as i think it will make a fine dear/hog gun here in florida. I also plan to restore the finish on the stock.

I'm thinking that mabey the head space is off or something from the barrel that was installed?

[TOM1911]

The Lee-Enfield rifles are cock-on-opening type of lockwork and can be a little stiffer on opening of the bolt. Use a little grease on the firing pin at the sear interface with the trigger and the cocking cam in the bolt body and you may see a little improvement in the action of the bolt.

[TOrrock]

Enfields are notorious for loosing proper head space, that's why the bolt head is removeable, so an armorer could repair it.

Take the rifle to a gunsmith who is at least familiar with the Enfield system.

I'm assuming it's a No.1 Mk. III.

[Mr.Goodtimes]

thanks guys. im gonna look for a reputable gun smith around here to check it out. Hopefully i can find one, as of right now i dont have a whole lotta faith in the shops i've found

[Vic303]

Look at the bolt head--the rotating part. There is a number stamped on it (0-1-2-3 ). http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/ti3.htm

If you have a #3 you could be seeing a headspace issue. The referenced article also has info on correct headspacing, and the gauges. Ive shot a #3 bolthead and you can see a little swelling at the base of the case after firing. Nothing bad....yet, but you can see it.

[Mr.Goodtimes]

Look at the bolt head--the rotating part. There is a number stamped on it (0-1-2-3 ). http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/ti3.htm

If you have a #3 you could be seeing a headspace issue. The referenced article also has info on correct headspacing, and the gauges. Ive shot a #3 bolthead and you can see a little swelling at the base of the case after firing. Nothing bad....yet, but you can see it.

vic, where can i find new bolt heads? also, whats a good scope mount for the enfield?

[Vic303]

afaik, there are no really decent scope mounts for the Enfield--none that I have found anyway. Darrel's Precision might make something but I don't know.

As for bolt heads, Canada is probably your best bet--Commonwealth country after all. Numrich is chronically out of stock, but you can always look...

Here's a link to a bunch of links. http://www.enfieldresource.com/Enfie...General__.html

[Harrier]

Actually, Lee Enfields are cock on close--the bolt handles on mine take just a very slight effort to open them after firing after firing. Since they lock at the rear of the bolt instead of the bolt head they're also a somewhat weak action--I was at the range once when a combination of loose headspace and sloppy reloading caused a bolt head to let go, embedding the extractor in the Range Officer's shoulder . I would have a gunsmith check it out before firing it again--a hard-opening bolt is not a good sign.

[Keith E.]

The Lee-Enfield rifles are cock-on-opening type

I believe they cock on closing.

Keith