FTF = Weak Primer Strike on SMLE No1 Mk3 ?

grayrc

grayrc

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My brother-in-law has a sporterized No1 Mk3 and has been exeperiencing FTF with a variety of ammunition (at first we thought it was some old stuff he had but we've eliminated ammo as the issue). We can see that primer cap has been struck - assuming it's just not hard enough... Is this a simple question of replacing the firing pin, or a spring... (not sure if it's appropriately called firing pin...) or should he be looking for a new bolt...

I'll probably head into our local gunsmith with it but wanted to get some thoughts here first so I don't sound like a complete newbie - and if it's something I can fix myself with a part then all the better.
Thanks guys.

/grayrc
 
Several things could be the cause
1. weak or broken spring.
2. bolt gunked up with old grease, slowing striker.
3. Insufficient striker protrusion

Don not see where replacing the bolt would have any effect.
 
I would start by dis-assembling the bolt and cleaning and lubricating it. You will need to make or acquire a tool to unscrew the firing pin after you take the screw out of the striker on the back of the bolt. I made a tool out of a piece of small pipe of the right size and then held the striker in the vise and unscrewed the firing pin. If you unscew the bolt head and look in the bolt you will see the shape of the tool you need. Note: I re-read your post and see that you are talking about a #1, I am unsure how much it differs from the #4, which is what I have.
 
Not sure if it applies to your situation, but my first Boys anti tank rifle used to do this, but only in cold weather. As was suggested by John, grease in the bolt was the culprit, and when added to the winter temps, made the gun have light strikes until it managed to get a few rounds off and warm up.
 
I would suspect either headspace or pin protrision. Protrusion should be about 1.5mm or so. If you rotate the cocking piece on the bolt (outside the rifle), you'll be able to see actual protrusion.

If protrusion is sufficient, take the gun to a smith and have him headspace check it. Most smiths do this for free. If it's out, you can either have it repaired or reload and neck-size specific to that rifle.
 
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