Enfield No4 Mk I

110

Just wanted to know what the tolerance of the "GO-NO GO" on the chamber. You can fit 7 thousands of an inch when there is a cartridge in the chamber. Is this safe?

Der Gebirgsjager

The way you phrased this question has me a little puzzled. You can't use a headspace gauge when the cartridge is in the chamber, and it is strictly a "go" or "no go" proposition. The proper way to check the headspace on one of these rifles is to completely disassemble the bolt including the extractor from the bolt head. Make sure that the chamber is clean and dry, and ditto for the bolt body and bolt head. Screw the bolt head back onto the body and insert the bolt into the receiver in the open position. Insert the "go" gauge into the chamber and gently close the bolt. It should go--or you have less than minimum headspace. Now tap the gauge from the chamber with a cleaning rod inserted from the muzzle and catch it to prevent damage to it by putting your hand under the magazine well. Next insert the "no go" gauge and gently attempt to close the bolt. If it closes you have excessive headspace and need to correct the condition. There is a third gauge called a "field" gauge which is larger than a "no go" and determines if the rifle should be removed from combat for repair (if it "goes"), but you can disregard this as it is past what is considered safe for civilian use. In the event that you find that you have excessive headspace with the "no go" gauge the remedy for the No.4 Mk I is in the bolt head. If you look at the side you should find a number stamped on it: 0 1 2 or 3. The length of the bolthead increases in size from 0 to 3, 3 being the largest. Usually you only have to obtain and install the next larger size to correct the problem. Unfortunately, as the years have passed since this rifle went out of production, the largest 3 size has been used up and they are difficult to come by. Usually 0-2 is readily obtainable. If your rifle is already equipped with a 3 or you have a 2 and need a 3 you can often correct the headspace in these rifles by swapping bolt bodies. As no two things are alike, some bolt bodies are a little longer than others and will achieve headspace with one of the shorter bolt heads.

110

What I need to know is if .070 is acceptable gap for an Enfield No4 MK1.

Tailgunner1954

Why guess and (possably) damage the weapon ?Take it to a compatant gunsmith.I do this with ALL of my used guns, and most of them charge little or nothing for a headspace check.The most I have ever paid was $5 on a Garand and he did a full strip, clean, inspect, gauge, and lube on it. Bob