Wiggly Enfield Barrel

F

Frost Cracked

CGN Regular
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Hey guys/girls.

I seem to have a no 4, with a tightly fit action, but a wiggly barrel on the fore-end. It sits, just a hair's width above the fore-end, as I can press it down and feel the gap.

It shoots decently (most of the time, when I'm not getting random fliers) but I'm unsure if this is 'normal' or not. I know No 1.3's are supposed to have upward pressure on them, but is that the same as No. 4's?

I looked in the "loose barrel' sticky but I didn't seem to find the information I'm looking for. If anyone has any information or advice I'd appreciate it.
 
I beleive No.4 rifle do indeed require a certain amount of upward pressure at the muzzle. If the wood is original, likely scenario is wood dried out which caused the wood to shrink slightly. This can be remedied with several coats of Boiled Linseed oil if the shrinkage is minimal. If the stock is a replacement it might not have been fitted correctly.

This is my take on things, Im not the most knowledgeable guy though. Im sure the more experienced Enfield guys will chime in shortly.
 
Your random flyers are coming from that bit of wiggle.

Take off the forward wood and shim the very front of it with cardboard or cork lining or something until you have a positive bearing-point about an inch to inch-and-a-half long. Add shimming until the downward pressure ON the shim is over 2 pounds, NOT over 7. I shim mine to 4 to 6 pounds, FWIW.

NOW you clean out the UPPER forward handguard until there is UPWARD 'wiggle' of 1/16 of an inch or a tad more. If you are hopelessly metric, that is 1.5 to 2 mm.

NOW slap her back together, load up some GOOD ammo and try her off the sandbags.

WIGGLE and FLYERS both should be gone.
 
Check the little tube sleeve that is underneath the "king" screw. Quite often guys assemble the rifles with a new one and do not make the necessary adjustments, or leave it out altogether. Mind you, if it is left out, it will normally increase your barrel bearing pressure, at least until the wood cracks.
 
If the action screw is tight - it could be that:
1. Your draws are trashed
2. Action screw bushing is too long

I'm missing something
Off to bed - waaay sleepy right now.
 
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