Enfield Gunsmithing - Bolt Assembly

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Bolt Assembly

Printed From: Enfield-Rifles.com
Category: Enfields
Forum Name: Enfield Gunsmithing
Forum Description: Submit any how-to's or other gunsmithing suggestions here.
URL: http://www.enfield-rifles.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11117
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 6:03pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Bolt Assembly

Posted By: 44_4_MK1
Subject: Bolt Assembly
Date Posted: January 12 2021 at 12:04pm

I took my rifle to a gunsmith to get it checked out and he told me I will need a new bolt head and firing pin because they were really beat up. I have a number 4 MK1, but he told me I will need an MK2 bolt which confused me. My questions are 1. would an MK2 bolt work? 2. Could I keep the bolt I currently have on there and get the firing pin and bolt head or should I get a new assembly entirely? Finally how can I check the size of my bolt head to make sure I buy the right one?

Thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: WilliamS
Date Posted: January 13 2021 at 11:40pm

I'd take it to a different gunsmith for starters. Is he using SAAMI spec gauges or proper military spec ones? SAAMI gauges are I think .004" shorter than military on the No Go.

Secondly, all No4 and No5 bolt parts are interchangeable. Also, as long as the bolt head passes overturn, headspace, and firing pin hole checks, and the firing pin has correct protrusion, no bends and good threads, it is fine if they look beat up.

Do not get a new bolt body. The bolt body must be individually fit to the action body. That is why the bolt handle is serialized.

Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: January 14 2021 at 4:56am

I suspect he was talking about a #2 bolt head, not a “Mk 2” bolt. Is there such a thing as a Mk 2 bolt body?

As William S said, keep the bolt, it should have the same serial number on the back side of the handle as the serial number on the receiver, indicating it was fitted to the rifle.

Did he check headspace?