Trigger play on a 1943 No.4 Mk. 1 .303 British Enfield - The Firearms Forum

Hawke · 01-13-2012, 01:05 AM

Hello all,

Just a quick question. I am cleaning up a decent example of the title gun, and I have noticed that the trigger seems to have about 1/3" of play in it before it connects with the lever which actually releases the bolt for firing. Please forgive my failure with regard to the use of the technical term for that particular component; the fact of the matter is that I don't have my reference book handy and to go and get it would mean waking my wife, and let's not touch on THAT topic.

Is this amount of play normal for this gun, or am I missing something? It seems to work just fine otherwise. Then again, it seems as though a small spring between the back of the trigger and the wood of the stock would solve the problem, but I cannot see where the gun begins to allow for such a thing...

The_Rifleman · 01-13-2012, 02:24 AM

I bet that is normal.
I have a "Enfield 1917" that has about a half inch travel. My Springfield 03 made in 1942 has about 1/3" travel. The only rifle that I have that doesn't have that condition is my new Howa.

jack404 · 01-13-2012, 03:22 AM

1/3rd" is a bit much but not beyond ok

both the pin and the trigger are mild steel and can wear

trigger wear can be tightened a bit by figuring the direction of wear and using a centre punch , displace metal into the worn area , redrilling the holes concerned and using a bigger pin ( suitable case hardened to avoid this problem in future )

Jim K · 01-13-2012, 07:43 PM

Most of them don't need any wear to have at least 1/4" play. It is just the way they were made.

Jim

jack404 · 01-13-2012, 07:46 PM

true eh ,

JLA · 01-13-2012, 08:42 PM

I miss my fazakerley no.4 mk1 .303. i sold it and a 03A3 to a stranger at the gunshop one fine day.. Momentary lapse of reason i guess. Been kickin my own arse since..

01-13-2012, 01:05 AM	#1
Hawke Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dillon, Montana Posts: 37	Trigger play on a 1943 No.4 Mk. 1 .303 British Enfield Hello all, Just a quick question. I am cleaning up a decent example of the title gun, and I have noticed that the trigger seems to have about 1/3" of play in it before it connects with the lever which actually releases the bolt for firing. Please forgive my failure with regard to the use of the technical term for that particular component; the fact of the matter is that I don't have my reference book handy and to go and get it would mean waking my wife, and let's not touch on THAT topic. Is this amount of play normal for this gun, or am I missing something? It seems to work just fine otherwise. Then again, it seems as though a small spring between the back of the trigger and the wood of the stock would solve the problem, but I cannot see where the gun begins to allow for such a thing... -->

01-13-2012, 02:24 AM	#2
The_Rifleman Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 872	Re: Trigger play on a 1943 No.4 Mk. 1 .303 British Enfield I bet that is normal. I have a "Enfield 1917" that has about a half inch travel. My Springfield 03 made in 1942 has about 1/3" travel. The only rifle that I have that doesn't have that condition is my new Howa. __________________ Debate isn't "uncivil" behavior. Pointing out illogical reasoning is a legitimate counter argument. That is the problem with internet forum mods, they rarely understand what constitutes legitimate, honest and civil debate. They reward the trolls and annoy the people genuinely trying communicate. I don't really like this place anyway, have fun with your power trip. ...nuff said.

01-13-2012, 03:22 AM	#3
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Trigger play on a 1943 No.4 Mk. 1 .303 British Enfield 1/3rd" is a bit much but not beyond ok both the pin and the trigger are mild steel and can wear trigger wear can be tightened a bit by figuring the direction of wear and using a centre punch , displace metal into the worn area , redrilling the holes concerned and using a bigger pin ( suitable case hardened to avoid this problem in future ) Last edited by jack404; 01-13-2012 at 03:24 AM..

01-13-2012, 07:43 PM	#4
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Trigger play on a 1943 No.4 Mk. 1 .303 British Enfield Most of them don't need any wear to have at least 1/4" play. It is just the way they were made. Jim

01-13-2012, 07:46 PM	#5
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: Trigger play on a 1943 No.4 Mk. 1 .303 British Enfield true eh ,

01-13-2012, 08:42 PM	#6
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,308	Re: Trigger play on a 1943 No.4 Mk. 1 .303 British Enfield I miss my fazakerley no.4 mk1 .303. i sold it and a 03A3 to a stranger at the gunshop one fine day.. Momentary lapse of reason i guess. Been kickin my own arse since.. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!