| jc5 |
| (.300 member) |
| 11/01/12 03:52 PM |
|
Re: Lee Enfield help please.
|
JohnK,
I sent you a PM, but I'll post here too. Not too much to add to what others have said, but I'll emphasize a few minor corrections.
Posted above:
Quote:
The LE II was adopted in 1906. Your action should have a safety lever at the left rear much like a No1 MkIII. If the spare bolt will function, I'd use it to get closer to Lee Speed authenticity.
Corrections offered with goodwill in the interest of education:
No such thing as an LE II.
Your action should NOT have an SMLE safety.
Both of the bolts in your photos are "authentic" for Lee Speeds, because Lee Speeds had both styles of bolt. However, a genuine Lee Speed bolt would have no military markings.
Also, some Lee Speeds had the tang safety, but many of them did not. Some Lee Speeds had the swept forward carbine-style bolt handle, but many did not, especially the early ones.
Regarding your bolts: Lee Enfields were intended to keep their original bolts. If your headspace is OK with the matching numbered bolt, then I would keep them together. (Standard disclaimer: consult a qualified gunsmith). If you really wanted to cannibalize, I suppose you could swap the firing pins and cocking piece between the bolts, so that your locking lugs still match up but you get the benefit of the cocking piece safety, but honestly I wouldn't bother. Either bolt should work fine if the headspace is OK. Personally, I would keep the original bolt and keep to Jeff Cooper's four rules of gun safety.
Looks like a fun project. Good luck with it! Please keep us posted.
...
Anyone going to the Antique Arms Show in Las Vegas next week? I'll be there handing out Lee Speed surveys.