Lee Enfield Gunsmiths?

P

PhilRonny

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I inherited a matching serials 1944 ROF Maltby mk4 no1* with no idea if its safe to fire. The action is slow and there's worrying visible rust at the end of the bore. I'd like to see it properly cleaned, serviced, and assured its safe for the range. I see talk that Nick from Vulcan is retired so I'd thought I'd make a post to both answer my own question and provide up to date discussion for others with the same questions going forward.

The rifle has sentimental value to the family so I thank everyone who offers advice.
 
PhilRonny said:
I inherited a matching serials 1944 ROF Maltby mk4 no1* with no idea if its safe to fire. The action is slow and there's worrying visible rust at the end of the bore. I'd like to see it properly cleaned, serviced, and assured its safe for the range. I see talk that Nick from Vulcan is retired so I'd thought I'd make a post to both answer my own question and provide up to date discussion for others with the same questions going forward.

The rifle has sentimental value to the family so I thank everyone who offers advice.
Click to expand...
Would help to know your location. When you say the action is slow do you mean a bit sticky? It might be just old oil/ gunk. A quick wipe with some solvent and then re-oil might fix that. There's some good quality bore cleaning foam that you could start with if you want to try cleaning the barrel yourself. A bit of rust at the muzzle isn't uncommon for rifles that have been stored. Some good elbow grease and a brass brush does wonders. Can't recommend any gunsmith unless you're in BC. Good luck with the project. Post a few pictures if you can.
 
Arcosdad said:
Would help to know your location. When you say the action is slow do you mean a bit sticky? It might be just old oil/ gunk. A quick wipe with some solvent and then re-oil might fix that. There's some good quality bore cleaning foam that you could start with if you want to try cleaning the barrel yourself. A bit of rust at the muzzle isn't uncommon for rifles that have been stored. Some good elbow grease and a brass brush does wonders. Can't recommend any gunsmith unless you're in BC. Good luck with the project. Post a few pictures if you can.
Click to expand...
THIS.

If the bore isn't blocked or partially blocked and the rifle isn't absolutely rotten with rust, it will be fine to shoot.
 
Knowing your location will help in getting advice. Those old warhorses are nearly indestructible if they receive routine maintenance and a minor rust issue is of no concern once it's stabilized. As was pointed out by Arcosdad, the bolt issue may just be polymerized lubricant, again, another easy fix.
 
You mention you have a 1944 Maltby No. 4 Mk. I*. I assume that it is marked as such, but actually has a Mk. I bolt catch.
In 1944, someone at Maltby must have got the wrong roll stamp out of the tool room and a batch of rifles were marked Mk. I* instead of Mk. I. These mismarked rifles do turn up from time to time. No idea how many were marked incorrectly before the error was noticed.
 
Good info on cleaning provided. If sending it out for cleaning and a check-over, I would suggest our own member who does such a good job rebuilding Lee Enfields. Perhaps another member will chime in with his screen name.
A little puzzled: Is this a Maltby No. 4 Mk 1? To the best of my knowledge, only Longbranch and Savage built the No 4 Mk 1*.
 
The Mk. I* was approved in the UK, but did not go into production. Obviously a roll stamp was made, and in 1944 was used to incorrectly mark some rifles made at Maltby.
 
In my opinion, the best way to convince yourself that an old rifle is range-worthy is to learn how to properly strip it and then inspect it from stem to stern while also cleaning it up and addressing any corrosion issues. At the same time you can do some reading about the type to find out if it had any historical safety issues (the Lee-Enfield did not). Part of safety is familiarisation with the type and a simple safe/unsafe from a gunsmith won't help with that.

milsurpo
 
I am open to stripping and cleaning it myself for sure. As long as the bore having some rust isnt a danger I wont worry. My only concern after some research is if there is too much 'headspace' for safe operation. Is it worth getting a gauge sent up to test or am I overthinking this?

Location is very rural western canada so must be shipped if going to a gunsmith. I appreciate all the advice so far!
 
Ask around in your local area , I’m sure someone in your area will be knowledgeable in enfields. Who runs the hunter education and p.a.l. Courses in the area. Ask them.
 
Headspace issues with LEs are one of those things that are blown out of proportion on "forums." From the description in the OP the main thing I would be concerned about before firing is that any corrosion in the bore is addressed. Very severe corrosion (unlikely) can leave scabs of oxide/dirt/mung on a surface and I wouldn't fire a round through that. If there are pits left after cleaning that's no big deal although it would mean cleaning after firing would always be a chore. Regarding other checks, it is possible to get a rough measure of headspace without gauges and other important things like firing pin protrusion can be measured without special tools or gauges. As alluded to by others, having a matching bolt is usually a good sign when it comes to overall condition but some apprehension when going about testing an old rifle that you are not fully familar with (yet) is always a good thing.

milsurpo
 
Clean the rifle up and see what the bore looks like after cleaning. If built a few LE’s and never have a problem with headspace. I don’t use gauges. Old wives tale that is way over blown in importance. Only hs I have had was with sporters I bought knowing they had issues. Remedy was replacing the bolt h as with a longer one.
Signs of case separation is a bright ring about 1/4” up from the rim. Can be just a line or it can fully cut the case head off.
On a new build I always shoot 20 lead loads about 3/4 pressure of hunting loads. I inspect every case. Then fire 10 full power loads. Inspection of every case.
As said above fire one round and check the case for a ring.
 
Snider shooter said:
Clean the rifle up and see what the bore looks like after cleaning. If built a few LE’s and never have a problem with headspace. I don’t use gauges. Old wives tale that is way over blown in importance. Only hs I have had was with sporters I bought knowing they had issues. Remedy was replacing the bolt h as with a longer one.
Signs of case separation is a bright ring about 1/4” up from the rim. Can be just a line or it can fully cut the case head off.
On a new build I always shoot 20 lead loads about 3/4 pressure of hunting loads. I inspect every case. Then fire 10 full power loads. Inspection of every case.
As said above fire one round and check the case for a ring.
Click to expand...

where is Sunray when you need some comic relief :) oh we banned him, too much dangerous advice

anyways, Enfields are tough rifles, remove the bolt inspect the lugs for obvious damage, check to see if there are any issues with fit in the receiver, with the bolt closed firing pin forward and mag removed see if there is excessive wiggle up and down on the bolt.

If the bolt serial numbers match even better.

if it all looks good shoot it.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom