1918 Enfield question

jisii · Post by **jisii** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:44 am

Went to the range early this morning to try out my recently acquired 1918 Enfield SMLE. This rifle was FTR'd at Lithgow in 1952, has a great bore and is one of the rifles that came from India via AIM. All numbers match after FTR. The ammunition used was Greek milsurp which I understand is good ammo. When I fired the first round, the bolt handle lifted to roughly halfway to the unlock position. I tried two more rounds; same thing with the bolt handle. Is this rifle safe to fire? I quit after three rounds.

I had also taken my 1943 Maltby No.4 with me and tried the Greek ammo in it. It shot great groups, nice and tight which, considering my old eyes was exceptional. I'm guessing there is no problem with the ammo.

I am really concerned about the Enfield SMLE. The Lithgow I bought previously from AIM shot OK and did not demonstrate this behavior when fired. Also, it's not like I can send this rifle back to AIM for a replacement; they are all out of British rifles and have only Ishapores. I'd really appreciate some input from the experts.

Thanks in advance.

John I. Smith

Bedford PA

dromia · Post by **dromia** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 2:04 pm

Hi John,

If the bolt is coming up to the near horizontal then I wouldn't shoot it.

I'd have the the bearing faces where the locking lugs on the bolt body engage with the reciever checked for wear as sometimes if they are less than square and if rounded can lead to this.

I'd also have the headspace checked as if it is excessive rebound can also lift the bolt.

A lttie bit of movement away from the butt socket is not uncommon but if its coming up as far as that you are getting too close to an eyeful of cocking piece for my liking.

I've found HXP to be first class ammunition, boxer primed too.

Better safe than sorry.

jisii · Post by **jisii** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:31 pm

I think I will have it checked over by a gunsmith if I can find one knowledgeable on Lee Enfields. Thanks for the help.

sunray · Post by **sunray** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:22 pm

These retailers who sell milsurps without checking them make me ill. Century is the worst, but all of them seem to do the same thing. Bring in rifles, sometimes give them a bath then retail them at low prices, but don't ensure they are safe to shoot.

Always, always, always check the headspace on any milsurp, but especially Enfields. An FTR in 1952 only means it was ok then. You have no idea what has been done to them or where it has been since.

bradtx · Post by **bradtx** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:37 pm

John, As mentioned, two items...don't shoot until checked out by a knowledgeable (w/L-Es) gunsmith and secondly I agree it's most likely to do with the locking lugs.

With a spent round chambered, the Maltby and the Enfield (trigger depressed to prevent cocking) should feel the same...a subtle engagement a few degrees before the bolt handle is fully lowered.

A quick headspace check is to put the muzzle on the floor and push the bolt handle forward...just the barest movement is allowed. Again, compare with the Maltby.

Far from perfect tests, but may give you an idea.

HTH, Brad

jisii · Post by **jisii** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 8:38 am

Regretably, after a good deal of thinking over advice and opinions on this forum and some others, I decided to send my 1918 Lee Enfield back to AIM today; I described the bolt lift problem to them and they agreed it wasn't safe to shoot and agreed to a refund. Sadly, they have nothing to offer as a replacement now except Ishapores and really whipped Lithgows, which I really don't want. I considered ordering one of the No. 1 Mk. 3s advertised by Classic Arms In NC but have been told that their offerings are all Indian Enfields. I guess I will have to try to find something decent at a gun show. I still want a WW1 dated British rifle for my collection.

Thanks all for advice and information offered.