No.1 mk 3 bolt
- Thread starter .Ben
- Start date
....You need to have the headspace checked after putting in the new bolt, it may be within spec, or not, ... In the case that it's not it can be corrected in various ways, easiest is to replace the bolt head for one that puts the headspace within spec, there are other ways to correct a headspace problem, but they end up costing more than the rifle is worth.
MusicianShooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Get it checked by a gunsmith. Worth the 10 bucks to check.
The No4 Mk1, Mk1*, Mk1/2, Mk1/3, Mk2, and the No5Mk1 Lee Enfields have the head space adjusted by the bolt heads, lengths from 0, 1, 2, 3
Number "0": 0.620" - 0.625"
Number "1": 0.625" - 0.630"
Number "2": 0.630" - 0.635"
Number "3"; 0.635" - 0.640"
Now, the No.1MkIII* head space is not changed by the bolt head alone. What this means is you can have a bolt with a bolt head that’s .640” long and still be excessive (Note the No1MkIII* bolt heads are not numbered). To fix this you will need then an oversize bolt. The length of the bolt body towards the front of the bolt is longer in replacement bolts / new bolts.
Now take into consideration what needs to be done here. I have seen longer and shorter measuring No1MkIII* bolt heads on e-pay, but they need to be fitted (threads cut to length so the firing pin will protrude to spec, the bolt head it's self might not index to mate with the bolt body, some are just tight as snot). Just as RobSmith said, it might just cost more than the rifle. Sporters sell for $100 to $150.
Needless to say, get the rifle checked by a gunsmith and go from there.
BTW I have been collection Lee Enfields for 20 years. Two fast ways to indicate if the rifle has a head space or bolt problem (other than serial numbers)
1) See of it moves back and forth while uncocked and the safety off.
2) Also look for wear and marks where the bolt makes contact with the receiver (I am not talking about the blue or finish is worn, but actual grooves in the bolt). A worn bolt will have wear patterns on the bolt. If it does, well…you know what needs to be checked next.
I wish I had diagrams
Pete
Number "0": 0.620" - 0.625"
Number "1": 0.625" - 0.630"
Number "2": 0.630" - 0.635"
Number "3"; 0.635" - 0.640"
Now, the No.1MkIII* head space is not changed by the bolt head alone. What this means is you can have a bolt with a bolt head that’s .640” long and still be excessive (Note the No1MkIII* bolt heads are not numbered). To fix this you will need then an oversize bolt. The length of the bolt body towards the front of the bolt is longer in replacement bolts / new bolts.
Now take into consideration what needs to be done here. I have seen longer and shorter measuring No1MkIII* bolt heads on e-pay, but they need to be fitted (threads cut to length so the firing pin will protrude to spec, the bolt head it's self might not index to mate with the bolt body, some are just tight as snot). Just as RobSmith said, it might just cost more than the rifle. Sporters sell for $100 to $150.
Needless to say, get the rifle checked by a gunsmith and go from there.
BTW I have been collection Lee Enfields for 20 years. Two fast ways to indicate if the rifle has a head space or bolt problem (other than serial numbers)
1) See of it moves back and forth while uncocked and the safety off.
2) Also look for wear and marks where the bolt makes contact with the receiver (I am not talking about the blue or finish is worn, but actual grooves in the bolt). A worn bolt will have wear patterns on the bolt. If it does, well…you know what needs to be checked next.
I wish I had diagrams
Pete
What everyone ALWAYS forgets is matching the locking lugs to their recesses. This is more important than headspace in the rear locking Lee action, especially in the Mk.III. All Lee bolts were individually fitted to each rifle, by stoning the locking lugs. It doesn't take long to do this, and it can be done at home if you're handy. Almost every L-E that I've examined with a mis-matched bolt was only locking on the solid rib, and one was locking on only the small lug! This is NOT a good situation! Actually, a couple of Ishapore rifles with matching # bolts weren't fitted very well, either. An improperly fitted bolt will eventually seat properly, but as it seats, your headspace increases. And if it was only locking on the small lug, it could very easily fail before it ever seats properly. Be careful!
