question on enfield bolt closing

[excal88]

Hey guys, just had a quick question on the difficulty of closing the enfield bolt. I recently purchased a number 4 mk 1 enfield, and contrary to what I've seen on videos, I have to use quite a bit of force to close the bolt. Is it just because of the design of the number 4 mk 1? Or is it cause overall the rifle is worn out from extreme use? When I close it it feels like a LOT of pressure pushing back against my palm, and I literally have to slam it closed. It doesn't feel as smooth as I've seen, unless its just part of learning how to close the bolt properly. Thanks!

[Fot]

Something isn't right. Enfields should have very smooth bolts. Start with a good cleaning on the rifle and bolt... inspect the metal surfaces all that..

[novalondon]

Worn out it should be sloppy and easy to close. Have you done a complete strip and cleaning of the rifle to remove any cosmoline and other dirt and or old oils on and in it?
If not, do that and try again. If it is still a bear to close check with go/nogo gages to determine if it is out of spec. It should be fairly smooth at this time due to age and use by previos owner..

[excal88]

hmm. Ok, I'll do my best to strip and clean the rifle and check the receiver for any signs of damage or imperfections. I did notice that whenever I opened the bolt and closed it slowly, but not closing it completely, it felt like the bolt was catching onto something, but it still was relatively smooth. Its only when I'm priming the hammer and closing it completely does it feel that there is an extremely strong push against closing the bolt, like a very wound-up spring.

[phamkl]

Well, the Enfield should have a smooth cycling action, but it's a cock-on-close design so there'll be some force pushing back as you close the bolt. The reason for this design is because in the heat of battle, you'll be slamming that thing closed anyway, so if you put the extra force in the second half of the action, the first half will solely be for extraction. Ergo, you get more reliable extraction with cock-on-close.

Most rifles are cock-on-open so extraction and cocking is one action - you have to pull harder - whereas, closing the bolt occurs with zero resistance other than friction.

[ejhc11]

There is the end piece, it can turn, make sure you adjust it so it'll close smoothly, it could be too tight and the bolt will not close

[mosinnagantm9130]

As phamkl said, enfields are a cock-on-close design. If youre used to cock-on-opening designs, it feels like there is way too much resistance (at least initially) in the enfield bolt. Its most likely normal, but a quick check to make sure it isnt filthy wont hurt anything.

[Sampachi]

I wonder if the bolt is slightly bent or damaged? Also, I wonder if having the wrong bolt head (i.e. one that is a bit too long) would cause problems? As mentioned by others, the Enfield bolt is very easy to work.

[excal88]

Thanks for all the help and advice guys took my enfield to a local gun store, and luckily they had a enfield expert there to take a look at it. Apparently there was a crud ton of rust on the firing pin, which made the whole mechanism super sticky, so I took it home, applied some kroil to the firing pin, let it sit, then opened and closed the bolt a few times to cycle the firing pin. Needless to say, I started out with a clean rag, and by the end of the day the rag was black with grime. Pretty nasty stuff. But now the bolt is all nice and dandy, and it only takes a fraction of the force from before to close it smoothly. Now the only problem is finding some 303 british ammo in local stores so I can actually shoot the darn thing! So far all 4 out of the 5 gun stores I go to don't have it in stock, and I still need to check the last place. I really don't want to order online if I don't have to since S & H is such a killer, but so far it doesn't look too good

[finloq]

Get some Prvi Partizan and keep the brass. 303 is an easy round to reload (neck size only) with a simple lee classic loader.

[rojocorsa]

Prvi Partizan @ Palmetto State

13.95/box FMJ best deal around. S&H $12 for every 1k rounds, I think.

I usually order mine 80-120rnds at a time, but only when I have money.