Another Enfield Question

N

Noban

New member
First, thanks to No4Mk1* for your advice on yesterday's question - you were correct.

Again, my rifle is a 1948 No.4 Mk1. When I retract the bolt and try to close it, it stops just short of lock up. When I pull the trigger, it will close. Also, it is not cocking on closing. I have not tried to chamber a round yet. Do the Enfields only cock when there is a round to feed or is there a problem here?

Thanks,

Noban
 
Enfields only cock on closing. If it will not completely lock up, you have a problem.
Check the serial numbers on the bolt and compare them to the receiver. You may have a mismatch. If you have, which is not uncommon, take the piece to a gunsmith and have him check it out. As the headspace is controlled by the bolt head, you may need another one. The bolt heads are numbered from 0 to 3, I believe. The higher the number, the longer the bold head. Good luck.

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Never do an enemy a minor injury. Machiavelli
"Stay alive with a 45"
 
It just dawned on me that the last half inch before closure is where I should be giving the action a stronger push. I've never owned a bolt action that cocks on closing and that's what I'm probably experiencing. If I were at home I'd give it a try - gotta wait those loooong 8 hours to try it. Sound right?

Thanks,

Noban
 
That sounds right Noban. Enfields can be a little befuddling at first for people who are only used to mauser type actions. Once you learn their ways you will love them.
 
You've got it. When you hit the "hard" part closing, that is when the striker spring was starting to get compressed. Pulling the trigger keeps the striker spring relaxed while closing the bolt. I pull the trigger while closing the bolt if I don't want the rifle cocked. Take the bolt off and manipulate the trigger and safety. Look at the underside of the bolt as well. You will see how the safety and half cock work if you play with it for a while.
 
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