24 August 2008, 19:39
swheeler1917 enfield problem
A friend brought his 1917 enfield over to show me why he has missed several deer with it. He has very large hands and when he puts his finger on the trigger his knuckle lifts the bolt handle up just a tiny bit and the rifle won't fire. The bolt handle lifts extremely easy, can anyone tell me if this is normal. I have owned a 1917 and two P14's but nolonger have any of them and I don't remember this ever happening to me. Any ideas?
24 August 2008, 20:16
Toomany ToolsYes, it is normal and is a safety feature so the rifle doesn't fire out of battery. The fix is a new bolt handle.
24 August 2008, 20:19
Don MarkeyYes it is, he needs to replace or straighten the handle.
-Don
24 August 2008, 20:33
swheelerThanks, looks like the handle is going to get straightened out. This guy has a set of mitts that look like frying pans

24 August 2008, 23:59
joe25/06A new bolt handle will definitely help get it out of the way. I had somewhat the same problem. A cock on opening kit will make it stiffer to open as well, which may help.