Enfield Cycling Issues (fixing my malfunctioning SMLE) 

I have a Savage Lee-Enfield Number 4, Mark 1 with which I had to have a new spring and claw extractor replaced on the bolt as spent casing were not ejecting at all. I know the feeling of both pride and frustration with the Lee-Enfield family of rifles.

Trained on one of these as a rifle cadet in 1978.. still have the blood blisters on my digits to prove it !! lol

Ol’ Smelly.

I just got a 1918 SMLE too. I also had similar issues. It seems that magazine for these rifles were fitted to each specific rifle at the factory so likely your magazine does not match your rifle. I would take the firing pin out of the rifle or use snap caps and try cycling rounds at home. If it is having trouble feeding from the right side of the magazine, take a set of pliers and bend the right side feed lips some until the rifle starts feeding properly. That is what worked for me.

Great video! I have a 1918 smle with an issue i posted a video on if you dont midn checking it and letting me know your thoughts. My smle feeds great from the left side but poor from the right. If you work the bolt normally it will function, and i k ow th smle has two different shape feed lips. What happens in mine is the ldft round picks up in line with the bolt but the right side rounds go in with the rim of the round against the bottom of the bolt, and when the cartridge is forced into the chamber it aligns and slips under the extractor. But if you go slow it will bind up, or if you back off the round is not actually grabbed untill the last inch or so of travel. Im not sure if its an inherent issue with smle design or my gun in particular.

Glad it worked out for you Thomas. SMLE 3* has sentimental value to Aussies whose Family’s sacrificed all last century.

I love the SMLE. As I have learned. If there is a feeding issue start with the magazine. Excellent video.

those mags are problematic as they age

I figured out a few weeks ago I work with your nephew. He started explaining you to me and I go "There's a guy on RU-vid that sounds a lot like him" and he goes "Oh yeah, he's Great Northwest Weaponry". I thought that was neat.

Hi Thomas. Another problem can be are you used to cock on open or cock on close rifles? Being cock on close you have to shut the bolt smartly and wacck it down. Point of Order! Your rifle being pre 1926, would be designated Mk1 No3 (It's a British Thing)