For any SMLE types...

[Slater]

I read that, due to the design of it's action, the British Lee-Enfield (SMLE) receiver will tend to "stretch" over time. How many rounds fired would it take to cause this (and presumably open up the headspace).

[Willard]

I've got a 1943 Fazakerly that I have put near 5,000 rounds through since 1990, no telling how many before. No stretching here. The stretching can be a problem when rebarreling to higher pressure cartridges, from what I hear.

Willard

[EMDII]

The British designed a rememdy for 'stretching'. You know, .001 here, or .001 there. There are 4 bolt heads for the 4/1. Unmarked, 1,2, and 3. This accomodates reaming errors, and MINOR growth.

The 4/1 and it's progeny are quite sturdy, and capable of LONG service. Ask the Afghanistan who are using them today for combat.

[EMDII]

I've acquired a 4/1 that has an Australian Black Mountain .308 barrel installed by Lithgow.

.308 shoots fine! Soemone special has sent me the right extractor, too! All the way from down under, too! But it shows no problems, although I haven't any idea when the barrel was imported!

[C1A1]

I've got a pile O Enfields too with no stretching concerns...so far anyway, hey Mark, drop me a line.

[Templator]

I don't know if Enfield actions stretch or not. I *do* know that it's going to cost a lot of money to shoot one enough to find out. I owned a #4 Lee Enfield for years,.. shot enough ammo out of it to squat a good Ford pick up and I never saw any evidence of the action being stretched. The chambers in Enfields are cut to generous proportions and the cases will be swelled a bit after firing,..I suspect that this is mistaken for excessive headspace due to stretching of the action by many people who are unfamilar with Enfields.

If you like Enfields and are thinking about buying one,.. do it,.. you can't hurt the damned things. They're one of the best firearm bargains out there.

[ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: Templator ]

[Ssarge]

Are hard chromed bolt assy's correct/common?

[EMDII]

Only one I've ever seen was on a Navy Arms redux.

[ December 02, 2001: Message edited by: EMDII ]

[Ssarge]

Thanks, my Savage is apparently a Navy Arms "collector grade". Now I just need to "correct" the bolt.

[Andy the Aussie]

I have had a No1 Mk3 of one kind or another since I was a kid...lost count of the rounds I have put through these in 303 and 7.7 x54 (dno't ask loooooong story). While you are sticking with Milspec ammo or equal to this you will have no problems over the long term. Ask the Afghans still toteing turn of the century Enfields about... :D :D

Andy :cool:

[Ssarge]

Does anyone know if Brownell's Teflon/Moly coat will adhere to a matte finish hard chrome?