British Enfield

clem · February 9, 2009, 05:42 PM

Can anyone advise what the different Bolt Head numbers mean on a MKIV Enfield?

I have a sporterized version and the Bolt Head needs to be replaced. It is marked #1 but the replacement #1 will not allow the bolt/action to lock up/

Any advice?

sadsack · February 10, 2009, 11:30 PM

Clem: IF the #1 bolt head won't allow lockup you'll probably have to go to a #0. The heads were numbered from #0 to #3 (or maybe #4), the higher the number the longer the head. If I remember right there is about .003 difference between numbers.

Clem: I reread your question and saw the MKIV. You can stone the bolt face to the correct head space to make it work. The numbered bolt heads were for the #4 Enfields

clem · February 10, 2009, 11:54 PM

I'm pretty sure that this is a MKIV, or?

SwampYankee · February 11, 2009, 07:33 AM

No, that is a No. 4, Mark 1 or Mark 1*. The bolt heads come in sizes numbered 0-3. Why did you change from the original "1" head to an entirely different "1" head? You could go with a "0" head but that might increase the headspace too much. What you need is a headspace gauge and a good micrometer.

That rifle does look good and Bubba-ed, there is a good deal of metal that has been removed from the top of the receiver, specifically the charger clip guides. It also looks like most of the back edge where the sights are pinned in place has been milled off.

clem · February 11, 2009, 10:22 AM

SwampYankee,
This rifle was given to me by my brother-in-law (deceased) a long time ago. He didn't know any history on the rifle. I have a lot of experience and skill with firearms, but limited knowledge on Enfield.
The bolt head has primer corrosion and I just wanted to replace it.
Thanks for the info.

February 10, 2009, 11:30 PM	#2
sadsack Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2006 Posts: 206	Clem: IF the #1 bolt head won't allow lockup you'll probably have to go to a #0. The heads were numbered from #0 to #3 (or maybe #4), the higher the number the longer the head. If I remember right there is about .003 difference between numbers. Clem: I reread your question and saw the MKIV. You can stone the bolt face to the correct head space to make it work. The numbered bolt heads were for the #4 Enfields Last edited by sadsack; February 10, 2009 at 11:38 PM. Reason: reread the question

February 9, 2009, 05:42 PM	#1
clem Junior member Join Date: April 17, 2001 Location: Arizona Territory Posts: 847	British Enfield Can anyone advise what the different Bolt Head numbers mean on a MKIV Enfield? I have a sporterized version and the Bolt Head needs to be replaced. It is marked #1 but the replacement #1 will not allow the bolt/action to lock up/ Any advice?

February 10, 2009, 11:54 PM	#3
clem Junior member Join Date: April 17, 2001 Location: Arizona Territory Posts: 847	I'm pretty sure that this is a MKIV, or?

February 11, 2009, 07:33 AM	#4
SwampYankee Registration in progress Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: I can be found on a number of other forums. Posts: 1,333	No, that is a No. 4, Mark 1 or Mark 1. The bolt heads come in sizes numbered 0-3. Why did you change from the original "1" head to an entirely different "1" head? You could go with a "0" head but that might increase the headspace too much. What you need is a headspace gauge and a good micrometer. That rifle does look good and Bubba-ed, there is a good deal of metal that has been removed from the top of the receiver, specifically the charger clip guides. It also looks like most of the back edge where the sights are pinned in place has been milled off. Last edited by SwampYankee; February 11, 2009 at 07:34 AM. Reason: addition*

February 11, 2009, 10:22 AM	#5
clem Junior member Join Date: April 17, 2001 Location: Arizona Territory Posts: 847	SwampYankee, This rifle was given to me by my brother-in-law (deceased) a long time ago. He didn't know any history on the rifle. I have a lot of experience and skill with firearms, but limited knowledge on Enfield. The bolt head has primer corrosion and I just wanted to replace it. Thanks for the info.