No4 Based Target rifles - Collectable?

[Peter Laidler]

It went from square arch to roundarch for a year or so then back to squared off but rubber bumper but I'm not sure really. The roundarch ones weren't popular for a couple of reasons, mainly the insurance companies because just a simple hit in the rear creased/buckled the bodyshell across the shallow rear wheel arch and wrote the shell off. If you were really unlucky, the bump pushed the tank into the bumper and split it open too! We see a few making the pilgrimage to their ancestral home during the summer. It's funny how the classic MGB GT's STILL look ageless

How come its a left hooker in NZ 5th Batt? Non standard motor/box with those larger dia wheels?

[5thBatt]

Its a 1963 MkII Austin Healey Sprite.
The car was imported from California about 8 years ago, we brought it as a "basket case" 5 years ago at a swap meet.
Here's Lisa with her other "MkII"
We also have a MkIII Zodiac but that in a gazillion pieces down at my paint shop

[bigduke6]

but rubber bumper

Think it was 76 and onwards, (had a 79 MG Midget Rubber bumper, 1500 engine and Marina Gear box.)

5thBatt, Nice cars but the Mk11 Cortina wins it for me, its one of the top 5 cars on the want list, was very close to buying a Mk3 last year but decided to hold on for a Mk11, unless a Mk1 Escort pops up at the right price.

[Peter Laidler]

Nope.............. it's the model in the middle for me that takes the biscuit! I've never owned a Midget but have had a Mk2 Lotus Cortina - wherever you are now GEV134H plus my Mini Coopers that I still have. Not your modern BMW minis but the REAL ones!

Incidentally, back to the subject. we corrected the 7.62mm No5 barrel length yesterday and will be shooting it next weekend after phosphating and painting. I don't hold out any great hopes for its accuracy though!

[jss]

I don't hold out any great hopes for its accuracy though!

So, have you and your friend created something more desirable or collectable than the donor rifle, a mini moke of the Lee Enfield world perhaps!.
Or would it have been more rewarding to spruce up the donor rifle into a highly accurate precision instrument?.

And yes, the B GT still looks fantastic as does 5thBatt's line up......

[Peter Laidler]

You are right about originality of course JSS but it was a cheap and cheerful shot-out .303" No5 that he's had for 30 years or so. But in our position, where we shoot for fun al lunch times, it's cheaper for us to use readily available cheap RG 7.62 ammo. But even with the body machined to take the plentiful 7.62 mags, the rifle can still be converted back to its original form when he decides to sell it on - should the buyer want it of course

[jss]

But in our position, where we shoot for fun al lunch times,

Point taken. If only there were more ranges readily available to us civvies, we too could shoot for fun at lunch times. My thoughts exactly as I perused the backdrop to 5thBatt's photos. Those hills looked ideal for a safe range.

[Bindi2]

Nope.............. it's the model in the middle for me that takes the biscuit! I've never owned a Midget but have had a Mk2 Lotus Cortina - wherever you are now GEV134H plus my Mini Coopers that I still have. Not your modern BMW minis but the REAL ones!

Incidentally, back to the subject. we corrected the 7.62mm No5 barrel length yesterday and will be shooting it next weekend after phosphating and painting. I don't hold out any great hopes for its accuracy though!

Is the wandering zero problem going to show up.

[Peter Laidler]

I don't think sp Bindi, we don't engage in gun battles or spend hours letting them get hot! Just good cheap fun!

[Curator]

I managed to accumulate these four in about 20 years of collecting. All were from various estate sales.