Enfield No4 mkI

[leojlafrog]

Hey all, I had a quick question for the knowledgeable crowd. I have my grandpas ‘43 savage made No4 mkI* sporterized Lee-enfield rifle. The action was drilled and tapped on the side, I noticed the rail that the bolt head slides along is missing a good 1/8” on each side of the gap for the bolt head to come out and some of the ammo my uncle provided had pierced primers.

It was purchased back in the 50’s or 60’s from the small town hardware store, already sporterized with an uncut full length barrel with bayonet lugs, mismatched bolt, mismatched magazine and patched forend, etc.

In the interest in keeping the gun as original as inherited, is it possible to strip the receiver, including the barrel and swapping all the bits and pieces, barrel included to a donor receiver?

I guess my biggest questions is knowing I’d never be lucky enough for the barrel to index properly to the new receiver, would it be a matter of cutting more threads on the shank, rechamber, refit the bolt and headspace?

If I left it in the condition as is, the minimum I’d have to get the headspace checked to ensure the mismatch bolt was actually set up for this rifle and check the firing pin protrusion to avoid personal injuries.

I’ve left a few voicemails with a couple local smiths with no return calls yet. I know I could leave it be as a wall hanger, but I enjoy having fully functional arms and believe bringing it back up to shooting condition would be honouring his memory.

 

[maple_leaf_eh]

The supply of receivers is good. The supply of barrels is zero. But in Canada, the receiver is the firearm. So your plan would make a new rifle.

Although gunsmiths are busy people with as many orders on the go as they can manage, there is a nonsponsor gunsmith in Regina which specializes in No.4s. The URL is all one word Lee Enfield Restorations dot com

Chipping the bolt head rail is a known issue. I wouldn't get too worked up because a deliberate stroke will still (or should still) cycle properly.

 

[cosmic]

I think you should determine the overall condition of the rifle mechanically before committing to any work.

1) How is the bore?
2) Why is it piecing primers?
3) Headspace?
4) Bedding at fore-end?

Swapping actions would require some work ($) as the barrel probably wont index. Finding a gunsmith that knows Lee Enfields, and has the relevant tools and bits can be a challenge. Thats probably the reason you have not had any return your calls. BTW - The damage on the bolt rail is not particularly problematic.
So, the choice would be to address the current issues (eg firing pin) and use as-is, or pick up a nice factory sporter for about the same amount of money, or less, as your contemplated refurb.

 

[leojlafrog]

The bore is still good. Rifling is sharp and the bore is bright. I don’t have headspace gauges or chamber measuring devices. I measured the firing pin protrusion at 0.0450” which I believe is in spec.

The pierced primers were on factory loaded Winchester and Hornady ammo, so maybe a loose chamber and thin rims?

Replacing the receiver would be a move to make it aesthetically appealing by not having the holes in the receiver and I damaged rails.

I’ll check out the recommend site for some further info.

Cheers!

 

[cosmic]

Well - As far as the firing pin is concerned, it may have a chip or sharp edge. Often times, a fella can re-radius the tip with fine emery cloth. If the barrel indexes "short" then figure ~300$, if you can find someone to do the work.
BTW - The holes in the receiver are either for a Parker Hale or Williams mount, both very secure.

 

[tiriaq]

How is the fit of the firing pin and its hole through the bolt head? If the firing pin hole and firing pin tip are a loose fit, that can result in pierced primers. If that is the cause, a replacement firing pin and/or bolt head should resolve that problem.
There is a pretty good chance that your barrel will index on a different receiver. Only one way to find out. Removing the original barrel from a No. 4 is not a task for the faint of heart. Sometimes they are really in there. Essential to have the proper tools.

 

[slug]

A longer bolt head could fix the heads pace problem, if it is a problem.
If you want to shoot it regularly and you should, handloading can help.

If the bolt head jumps the rail enough to be annoying, there are several possible fixes.
A new bolt head would have less slop and would be less likely to jump the rail. This worked for a chum's rifle.
Thick grease on the bolt head threads might cure it a bit.
Finally, squeezing the threads of the bolt head in a vice gently would upset the threads, again causing less jump.

Don't spend the big bucks until you have to.