Lee Enfield - not playing nicely!

[tg07lq]

Have a friends lee here that for some reason will not engage thebolt/charge the hammer. Functioned just fine for a box but now cycling the bolt does not engage the trigger group in anyway, firing pin remains uncharged it will cycle rounds just fine but with the bolt closed the hammer does not stay back (charged), and the trigger does not load.
difficult time explaining this but basically wondering if its a known common issue or if I should have her checked out by a smith, I know right off the top that some will say that by this post alone a smith should see it ,but I had a similar issue with an old cooey and all it was was a matter of tightening up a screw.
much appreciated guys
cheers!

 

[woodchopper]

So your saying the sear is not engaging when you cycle the bolt, this would result in the firing pin resting on the primer of a chambered round.

I would have to check the triger group and cocking piece but start with a good cleaning.

 

[points]

A shot in the dark here as the rifle is a long way away from where I am sitting. First off, have you stripped off the fore stock and cleaned the action?
If not that then,Try loosening the front trigger guard screw and relieve the pressure on the guard. Then try cocking it. If that works, then you have some minor bedding to tweek. The sear could be binding on the wood and require a bit of trimming the gunk out.
I bought a #4 sporter a while back. The owner said it didn't work properly. Much as you describe yours. When I took it apart, the action was full of pine needles. I love it when people do that.
Best I can do from here.

 

[Jonny_Cannon]

I may not be reading this correctly, so forgive me if I'm out in left field. Have you taken it apart yet? I did this on two of my Lee's: When I removed the bolt, I rotated the end too much, and the bolt kept springing back, the bolt wouldn't fully close, and the trigger wouldn't pull. I don't know the correct name for the parts - it's the end piece you have to rotate a bit to remove the bolt. If it's not back in it's proper position, the rifle will behave in this manner until the problem is corrected. There's a few videos on youtube that are pretty good for stuff like this.

Cannon

 

[tg07lq]

pulled her apart and she was rather filthy, cleaned her up, learned a whole lot in the process and now she seems to function properly.
i can only assume the dirt prevented the sear from rising high enough to catch the bolt?
that said shes all cleaned up and as best I can tell without a range or snap caps all is working well.
got the safety functioning properly as well, previously it wouldnt lock the bolt or disengage the trigger.
appreciate the insight offered, perhaps this thread can remain open for use by others in a similar boat.

cheers!