Lee Metford MK1* Bolt closing a little hard ?

[dirtbag]

Hi,
I have acquired a Lee (Metford) Speed MK1* in pretty decent shape. The bolt (with no round) upon closing is a little stiff compared to say a SMLE. The bolt head slides along the guide fine, but its then close part that involve a little umph wrap around from the palm to push forward to allow the bolt to be turned down. Thinking spring tension , so I will strip the bolt , but just awaiting on the tool. (Have oiled too)

Appreciate that these guns are at the beginning of the family, so not sure what a "normal" early Lee bolt should be like, so would appreciate thoughts please

https://streamable.com/rbbxzx

Video here - Note, no I don't normally operate bolts with a single thumb , I just tried to keep my hand out of the way so people can see !

[dromia]

Have a look for any high spots on the receiver bolt head rails.

[dirtbag]

Thanks very much, I will take a look !

[dirtbag]

Hi so I checked the rail (good tip thanks) and it appears fine. I took the bolt head off and slid that along on its own (without the bolt body) and that went all the way without snagging. The bolt body I slide along , again no hang ups until the cocking knob made contact with below , and the extra perceived resistance was still there. I took off the dust cover and made no difference. So will disassemble the bolt and check the mainspring.
I know cock on close will require a little extra to close, and its not impossible to operate, but it don't feel right.

[sniper3]

Try coccking the bolt without the spring and see if that makes difference, it could be the firing pin spring may have been replaced.

[MrD]

If you've not got the tool to strip the bolt yet, you could try closing the bolt with the trigger pulled to prevent the action from cocking and see if it closes smoothly. That would maybe narrow down the issue to the firing pin spring.