No5mk1

emmab

emmab

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
93   0   0
Location
Vancouver B.C.


Hi. Here’s another old timer that showed up. No bolt or magazine yet. Not sure they’ll ever turn up. What’s involved in replacing a bolt for this rifle, as it’s the nicest handling bush enfield I’ve handled.
Thanks for any info as I don’t know anymore than what I’ve seen on the receiver and not all of that either. Cheers
 
Any bolt from a no4 or 5 will work, you will need to have the headspace checked and then change the bolt head to the appropriate size.

Quite easy to do if you have the gauges, if you don’t maybe someone local can help you out.
 
Thanks. So it sounds like I could get the head space checked by using my No4 bolt then look for a bolt and separate head using the headspace from the donor bolt and head stamp size? Is there any subtle differences from a No4-No5 bolt? Do other magazines fit the No5? Thanks again. Any info is appreciated. Cheers
 
Last edited:
Cottage Hill Bill said:
Fitting a new or different bolt to a Lee-Enfield is not a matter of simply sticking in the new bolt and checking the headspace. Have a look at this article written by a British armourer who was serving when LEs were still in use. That is why I won't buy a non-matching LE. Don't even give them a second look.

http://photos.imageevent.com/badger...s/Fitting rifle bolts - CHS and boltheads.pdf
Click to expand...

Thanks for digging that one out, CHB. I remember reading that when Mr. Laidler first posted the info on milsurps.com and man, did my head hurt from soaking all that info - very valuable info.

This being said, hundreds of orphan Lee Enfield barreled actions get mated with non-matching bolts every day in Canada, and I can't recall reading anything about something happening to (or because of) the locking lugs. In my (short) experience, once you have tested the headspace, the main issue often is the trigger pull. Change the bolt... and the bahaviour of that pull will most often than not change also. And then figuring out what to do to adjust that two-stage trigger correctly can sometimes be a bit of a puzzle. This is when having a few spare triggers, cocking pieces and sears becomes very useful :)

Lou
 
If you can find a functional bolt, without having to change bolt heads, then you are ahead of the game as far as matters such as firing pin protrusion, bolt head overtravel, etc. Also, remember that headspace is not a black and white issue, particularly if you intend to reload.
 
By the time you buy a correct bolt and mag; have the bolt fitted and headspaced;your best to sell what you have and buy a complete No5. Yes it's been done many times however you have a mismatched Enfield. Won't hold the investment you have into the rifle and it's value is even less if No4 parts used. I've seen this many, many times. Ron
 
EmmaB: I tend to agree with rgg_7 but if you want to get this one going again you could look for a local Lee Enfield friendly gunsmith/tinkerer/collector who has a good supply of bolt bodies and bolt heads to play with. As long as the action body isn't worn out it's no big deal for someone who knows what they're doing to check for equal lug contact and stone one of the lugs to rectify. Setting headspace is nothing if you've got a tray full of boltheads. We have a guy in Calgary who could very easily do this (former CF Armourer) and perhaps someone from your area will step up with a name you could go to. The problem with doing this yourself is you could waste a lot of money trying to randomly buy a bolt that will work and boltheads that will give proper headspace, turnover, etc. Focus on finding a local expert to help you. Good luck with it- if you got a good deal on the rifle it may well be worth pursuing.

milsurpo
 
Thanks guys. I did read the posted article and I see the folly of my ways!! It was given to me by an old friend and this is what I have. This husk of a rifle seems to be in very good shape. I’m the type of guy that shoots what I own so was more into getting an orphaned magazine and bolt and use it hunting. It’s over my head in general and would seek professional help. I’m in Vancouver. We have some good smiths here but I’m not sure if there’s any advertising experts on LE items. Cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom