Leaky Old Breech

[Jim Cunningham]

I have an old P53 Enfield that shoots incredibly well as evidenced by this photograph depicting a 5 shot 50 yard group.

I noticed however, when I cleaned the barrel, that water flowed out around the snail, even though the nipple was sealed.

The gun doesn't seem to leak any gas, and I don't see any evidence of higher pressure. That said, I'm reluctant to continue shooting the gun. Any idea what is causing the problem, and what can be done to fix it.

Finally, it has a very strong mainspring, and the trigger pull is over 10 pounds. All internals seem to be original to the lock. Any suggestions on how to improve the trigger pull?

Thanks,

Jim

[Maillemaker]

If I recall correctly, original Enfield barrels had the bolster forge-welded onto the barrel early in the manufacturing process.

If you are saying that water is literally leaking from around the bolster, and not via the nipple threads, then I'd say you have a serious structural flaw in your barrel.

If it leaks water, it should definitely leak gas when clean.

Steve

[Jim Cunningham]

I noticed the stock was wet when I cleaned it, and noticed water in the snail recess. I don't see any cracks in the bolster, nor do I see any space around the nipple. The barrel is a new Whitacre which he installed in the old breech since a new breech was narrower than the original. I suppose it's possible that the water is coming from the nipple, but the threads seems good, and the nipple installs smoothly. How can you tell if the threads are worn out?

Thanks,

Jim

[Carolina Reb]

I had a Springfield that did the same thing. It turned out to be a too long repro cone (nipple). It bottomed on the threads before the flange seated and leaked around the threads. A replacement cone completely fixed the problem.

[Muley Gil]

"Leaky Old Breech"

I had that problem. A good doctor and some medicine fixed it.

Oh, never mind.

[Charlie Hahn]

Regarding the leakage. You should do a step by step identification of the condition.

First, check inside the bolster to see how bad the erosion is. To do this your will need to take the barrel out of the stock, take out the nipple, and breech plug. This area will need to be cleaned with hot soapy water.

The leakage can be via a pinhole from a burn out, or a separation of the bolster from the barrel.

Whit the area clean you should make a visual inspection of the area under the nipple. If it is eroded, it could be a candidate for repair, (will cover this later)

If the area looks okay, you will need to do a nondestructive inspection via dye penetration. If you have a local weld shop they should be able to do this, or you can get a kit and do it your self, but reading the results can be iffy if you have never done this.

The dye-pen will identify if the bolster is compromised.

If the bulk of the bolster and or the nipple seat are found to have issues, and if the rest of the breech is sound, a weld and multi-step process can be designed to affect a repair the ballistic chamber, and will require a proof test to be sure it is okay.

The cost to do this may be prohibitive. I am guessing getting a new barrel may be the best course of action.

As for trigger pull adjustment, there are several ways to do this and I am sure there is plenty information in our forum to help there.

Regards

Charlie Hahn

[John Holland]

I think what is being overlooked here is that Whitacre added a new barrel to an original breech. That means your original breech is just a sleeve. Therefore you may actually be leaking somewhere somewhere in the breech sleeving process. I would contact Dan Whitacre before you go any further.

[Jim Cunningham]

Thanks for all your input. I spoke with Dan today and am returning the barrel for inspection/correction

[Kevin Tinny]

Thanks for the latest:

Please share what was learned including how it was diagnosed and how it was fixed.

Very respectfully,
Kevin Tinny