Enfield stuck bolt problem

[Jamez]

Just got my Enfield yesterday (1953 Ishapore) and I put the bolt in but the bolt handle was stuck down in place after I had it in and I couldn't get it up.

I got it up a little bit after a big of muscling but now the bolt handle won't go all the way up and it's stopped at the catch(?) (excuse the improper terminology).

I oiled it and tried tapping it with the rubber handle portion of a hammer. Wasn't sure what would be too much force and damage it.
What you see in the picture is the best I've gotten it.

Ideas?

[Crusader]

First, make sure the rifle is not on "safe". When on safe, the bolt will not open, close, or fire.

If that doesn't work:

Put the bolt back in place as if about to fire.
Cock the bolt manually (pull the striker tab on the back, don't try moving the bolt).
The rifle should now open normally.


If this solution fixes the problem, completely disassemble the bolt. What is happening is the firing pin is either installed incorrectly or the firing pin retainer screw is installed incorrectly. PM me for detailed instructions.

[smle-man]

Also the safety may 'out of time' so to speak. If it has been assembled improperly even when the safety appears to be in the off position it can still foul the bolt and stop it from being manipulated. The fix is to remove the safety assembly and properly position the safety tab on the stud with the threads on it.

[eighteenninetytwo]

+1 to that. The safety can actually be installed in about 4 or 5 different positions, only one of which is correct.

[Jamez]

Put the bolt back in place as if about to fire.
Cock the bolt manually (pull the striker tab on the back, don't try moving the bolt).
The rifle should now open normally.

It worked! woohoo! It doesn't have that problem anymore after about 20 dry fires.
Is this still safe to fire or should I take it in?

[Crusader]

It worked! woohoo! It doesn't have that problem anymore after about 20 dry fires.
Is this still safe to fire or should I take it in?

No! Do not fire it.

Here's (relatively) detailed instructions:

Disassemble the bolt. Remove the bolt head by unscrewing it. Use the Enfield bolt tool to remove the firing pin. Use a screwdriver to remove the pin out the back of the striker tab.

After cleaning and light oiling, reassemble the bolt. Screw the firing pin back in place until it is just inside being flush with the back of the striker tab (inside flush as in towards the chamber).
Make sure the slot in the firing pin lines up with the space into which the small screw is put back in place.

When you have the firing pin screwed in so that it is just slightly inside the striker tab, and so that the slot matches up with the whole the small screw goes into, put the screw back in. That screw holds the firing pin in place and prevents it from undoing itself.

I realize I may be difficult to understand through typing. If you need help, PM me.

[maxx424]

If you are going to be in the bay area (alameda) I would be happy to help. Have the bolt tool.

[Jamez]

I'm about to check but is there a YouTube video of this or some pictures?

[Jamez]

Do I NEED a bolt tool? I don't have one

[TRICKSTER]

If the bolt is the same as a M4, this might help.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/no4/boltdisassembly/index.asp

[Jamez]

Ok, thanks that helps.
If I can dry fire it and it clicks is there still a problem with the firing pin? Just curious. Thanks!

[Scarecrow Repair]

I have a post in another thread which some of you have seen. I got the replacement firing pin and spring, and the tool, but I am not sure how to proceed. Is it just very hard to turn, or am I trying to turn the wrong part? The book implies I need to hold the firing pin with the tool and unscrew something else. The online link looks more obvious and is what I have been trying.

And just in case, yes I unscrewed the screw at the back end of the cocking piece.

Does the position of the cocking piece matter? I have it in the normal straight up and down position.

[doughboy334]

To disassemble the bolt yes u will need the bolt disassembly tool. I got mine frm ebay

[Crusader]

I have a post in another thread which some of you have seen. I got the replacement firing pin and spring, and the tool, but I am not sure how to proceed. Is it just very hard to turn, or am I trying to turn the wrong part? The book implies I need to hold the firing pin with the tool and unscrew something else. The online link looks more obvious and is what I have been trying.

And just in case, yes I unscrewed the screw at the back end of the cocking piece.

Does the position of the cocking piece matter? I have it in the normal straight up and down position.

When screwing in the firing pin using the Enfield bolt tool, you will initially need to push down somewhat hard to overcome the resistance of the firing pin spring. After that, it should screw in fairly easy. And if the firing pin retaining screw in the back has been taken out, the pin should screw in with no problems at all.

[Scarecrow Repair]

I haven't got far enough to worry about putting the firing pin back in :-) My problem is wondering how much force to use taking it out. Instinct and the online guide say to hold the bolt in one hand and unscrew (ccw) with the tool. The book I have says to unscrew the striking piece from the rear. Also, the comment about buying two tools because the prongs have a habit of coming off makes me not want to put too much force into unscrewing it -- it is very stubborn. If it were a lug nut on a flat tire, I'd be jumping on the dang thing.

Do I just turn as hard as possible, possible using a well-padded vise to hold the bolt?