Grumpy after attempting zeroing....

[spinecracker]

I had a chance to take to the range a recently purchased very good condition 1944 BSA No.4 Mk.1, FTRed in 1949 (but not upgraded to a Mk.1/2 - 2nd one like this I have owned - very nice rifles) to the range after refitting the forend (lots of forend shrinkage, so I only did reversible changes with cork, wood and paper shims as discussed on this website, which halved the grouping size down to 1 1/2" at 100 yards). The only problem now is that the point of impact at 100 yards is 6 3/4" above the point of aim (instead of the expected 3" above point of aim when using the micrometer sight set at 200 yards). I therefore have to change the foresight blade from the +0.06 that is currently fitted to a +0.09 (I believe this would be the Sten foresight blade Mr. Laidler mentioned previously in this thread). Anyone know where I might be able to get one of these beasties from?

[OxfordAndy]

spinecracker - I had very similar problems with my Mauser 98k and also my SMLE.

On the former I ended up getting a front sight blade blank from Brownells and then ordering some 8mm ammo from John Carmichael at HPS. I gave John all the info I could find on original wartime ammo (bullet weight in grains, barrel length and muzzle vleocity). He made me up the ammo. I then went with my gunsmith to the range and shot at 100m until (by carefuly and incrementally filing down the foresight) we got to a position that the 100m mark on the rear sight ramp was spot on for hits on the target - it works great out to 300 now - any further and I run out of eyesight on open sights!

On my SMLE I have a different problem ( it has an "unusual" rear sight ramp, pics posted elsewhere here) and I had 300 rounds of 215Gr .303 made up by Kynamco to MkVI specs. I have replaced the original front sight blade and have tried numerous different height front blades but I am still 6" high at 100yds with the +0.045. I have just put in the tallest I could find (+0.075) and will try that as soon as I get a chance.

If that doesn't work it will be down to trying to get an Enfield blank ...and after that?? I'd have to admit defeat and either setlle for using 174Gr and carrying a notebook or look at selling the rifle.

[spinecracker]

Thanks for the comments, Andy. I have been doing some research and experimentation with the rifle, and it is a just a foresight height issue. I have tried the rifle now with different ammo (Prvi 174 gr FMJ) and the results are about the same as as with the MK.7z surplus (I held back 100 rounds when I was selling it for experimental purposes). Adjusting the micrometer rear sight position dropped the point of impact down sufficiently to 3 inches high at 100 yards (just what I am after - should therefore be right on the bull at 200 yards). My choices are noting the position on the rear sight at each range (a slight pain in the butt) or finding one of those +0.09 Sten foresight blades - they must be out there!

[OxfordAndy]

Not sure about the Sten sights but how about this:

Lee Enfield No.4 Rifle Sight Blades Full Set of 9 - eBay (item 180570031192 end time Oct-10-10 15:44:53 PDT)

I bought both my SMLE and No4 sets from this guy.

Even if these are gone he does seem to get regular supplies (both of individual blades adn sets like this).

[spinecracker]

Thanks for posting that. I will see if he has a spare +0.09 foresight blade laying around Mr. Laidler did a wonderful thread on No.4 foresight blade facts here - https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=12854 - and this is what I am basing my search for a Sten +0.09 foresight blade on.

[mdrim13]

These all may be good ideas but I thimk the answer is simple. The bullet should be the same at 25 FEET, not 25 yards as stated above. I talked to another that had this same problem and this was the cure.

[spinecracker]

One quick question - what is the pitch on the adjusting screw on the Mk.1 backsight? Until I find the correct foresight I'll be messing with the backsight to get the right point of impact. Then again, I do not think I'll be going to the range any time soon - we have had almost constant thunderstorms here for 24 hours, and the range (desert sand and dust) will take 3 days to dry out - yikes!

If I can't find the right height foresight blade, does anyone have one of the higher foresight block bands Mr. Laidler mentioned that they might be happy to part with?

[Edward Horton]

DS-Solutions No4 Foresight Blade Set, Complete (9 Blades)

[spinecracker]

If it is still high after you have used the Radway Green/Kynoch/RL Woolwich ammo and done the checks suggested by Ed H, come back to see me and I expect that the Armourers shop will be able to help with a high block, band, foresight. But I suspect that it's a fore-end fitting problem

Mr. Laidler, if that offer is still open, I would be grateful for a high block, band, foresight

[Peter Laidler]

Let me see what the Armourers shop have tucked away in their dark and dusty old shelves in the back of their cupboards.