Issue With Ishapore SMLE Mk3

[d_reynolds]

I have an early 50's Ishapore SMLE Mk.3. It is not firing. I have already replaced the firing pin, it actually did less than the old one since it doesn't even contact the primer. I have also replaced the firing pin spring. Looking for any advice on what could be going on since I tried two firing system replacements already. Thanks

 

[Ammo cash]

Have you checked the firing pin chamber? Look to see if it has built up debris over time.

 

[ScottW]

Wonder if it is a headspace issue. I think they sometimes used different bolt head sizes to correct the issue?

 

[atscott]

Couple of questions...Are we talking light primer strikes? Or no contact? Was it working properly and then stopped? Or did you recently aquire and never fired it before? All numbers matching or mix and match? If you are getting primer strikes, have you tried different ammo?

 

[d_reynolds]

Couple of questions...Are we talking light primer strikes? Or no contact? Was it working properly and then stopped? Or did you recently aquire and never fired it before? All numbers matching or mix and match? If you are getting primer strikes, have you tried different ammo?

The original firing pin had light strikes. Enough to leave a dent, but not set it off. The ‘new’ firming pin doesn’t seem to contact the primer at all. It has never worked, it’s not the ammonia since I’ll shot the same .303 out of my Mk.4. As far as I’m aware it’s all matching. When I bought a new pin I even specifically got a Mk.3 pin since Mk.3 and Mk.4 pins are not interchangeable.

 

[d_reynolds]

Have you checked the firing pin chamber? Look to see if it has built up debris over time.

There is a little bit of oil that leaves a nice film…but nothing that would prevent the pin from going through.

 

[atscott]

Sounds like you have a bolt/headspace issue. SMLEs even in the same Mk are notorious for not having tight tolerances with parts from different makers or plants not being inter changeable. If it has never fired I'm betting the bolt and barrel are from different makers. Take it to a gunsmith that can check the headspace.

If the headspace checks out you'll need to find an Ishapore manufacturered firing pin for your Mk III

 

[jaf1]

BHPSteel

 

[BHPSteel]

Not much of an expert on the smithing side of the Lee Enfield family, but atscott 's right that the LE is legendary for inconsistent bolts resulting in headspacing issues when doing mix-n-match of parts

Whether this is true of the Ishapores? I don't know. I always thought that they were all built at the one factory in India which would argue away from there being a bunch of different bolt sizes, but I can certainly imagine that components such as firing pins WON'T necessarily be interchangeable with 'real' .303 Enfields.

 

[d_reynolds]

Sounds like you have a bolt/headspace issue. SMLEs even in the same Mk are notorious for not having tight tolerances with parts from different makers or plants not being inter changeable. If it has never fired I'm betting the bolt and barrel are from different makers. Take it to a gunsmith that can check the headspace.

If the headspace checks out you'll need to find an Ishapore manufacturered firing pin for your Mk III

I appreciate it.