Possible Enfield safety concern.

[RobSmith]

Since it's hunting season, I ended up handling a buddy's deer gun yesterday (Typical bubba'd no1Mk3*) ... One thing I did notice, besides the safety being a bit loose and having a tendency to flop around on it's own (should be fixable by tightening the screws), is that the bolt handle moves up by about 1/4 to 1/4 inch when I dry-fired the thing ...

Is this normal behaviors for that type of firearm ?

The original finish is not overly worn on the receiver's locking lug, nor does the bolt's locking lug appear worn ...

I advised my buddy not to fire the thing for the time being ...

 

[DOOK]

Almost all mine do this. It's probably different if you have a round chambered. Tighter.
I asked this same question, and was told it isn't a problem.

;o)

 

[LawrenceN]

I've handled hundreds of Lee Enfields over the years, and I've found that to be very common behaviour when they're dry fired. I haven't seen that happen too often when they're live fired. Maybe the pressure? I wouldn't worry about it, but it doesn't hurt to have the head space checked by a gunsmith if he hasn't already done so. Good luck on the hunt!

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

All mine do that, and I thought the same thing when I first noticed it.

 

[ipscgraz]

Put a fired round in the chamber and try it again. Does it do the same thing if the firing pin doesn't go all the way fwd?

 

[Jiggi-watt]

What are you doing dry firing your Enfield !?

I just checked mine, and it does the same thing and it's in fantastic shape with good head space. I always use dummy rounds, I never noticed that until I checked after reading this thread.

 

[TheTooner]

Mine do that. Not a safety concern, but thanks for thinking of us.

 

[Mk VII]

The dumbbell spring on the safety may need replacing, if it has taken on a set.