Scoping a No.4

[Wainwrightbagger]

Hi Guys, my first post on here and I'd first of all like to say what a great forum this is. As a relatively new Enfield shooter (I own a SMLE and a No.4) and been shooting them for 2 years now, I've learned a lot from this site, so thanks.
My question is around whether or not there are any negative implications to scoping my No.4. It's a "bista" rifle, but shoots very well. A 1954 action from Fazakerley, new barrel, renumbered bolt, matching numbered wood but mismatched magazine.
I'm thinking of an Armalon base and a fixed power scope, probably a Weaver and obviously a repro cheek piece. Will doing this affect potential value? Is there any potential value in such a rifle? Obviously the mount is reversible so no issue there, but putting screw holes in what is a nice butt does worry me a bit.
I guess these repro cheek pieces need some fettling too do they?
My final query is about the colouring, my stock is a blonde, what experience do others have on stains etc to bring a colour match to the wood.
Thanks for your patience and looking forward to be told to man up and get on with it!

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[CINDERS]

Welcome WB as it is a no tap mount won't affect the value my #4's are blondes but staining not really my thing.

[Peter Laidler]

On the other hand you could just save the money and spend it plus some on some repro parts and make yourself a good, passable and eminently useable No4T copy that'll be a zillion times more valuable than what you're proposing.

Screw holes in a nice butt......... Well screw the screws into a cheap crap replacement butt then! It's the length of a butt that affects your shooting - not the niceness!

[Wainwrightbagger]

Welcome WB as it is a no tap mount won't affect the value my #4's are blondes but staining not really my thing.

Thanks for the reply, I know what you mean about staining, for clarity, I did only mean the cheek piece, I'd be horrified at staining the whole thing too. I recently acquired a lovely SMLE from Roger Payne at a good price due to the previous owner varnishing the entire stock! Several hours of work later, it now looks like BSA intended it to!

---------- Post added at 08:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 AM ----------

Thanks Peter. You've really got me thinking now. I've had a look through previous threads on repro 4T's and to be honest, I'm struggling to see a UK source for the repro scopes. Clearly Numrich sell them in the States but don't ship to us. Can you point me in the right direction, or did you mean utilise a more modern perhaps older scope like a Pecar perhaps?

[Peter Laidler]

I didn't mention repro scopes in the article wot I writ about making a decent No4T conversion as I recall. In fact I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole although someone in the known world somewhere will have a good word to say about them. But, alas, not me.

Telescope; Just save TWICE and buy once. By that I mean save up and buy a totally flogged out heap of tat No32. Have it rebuilt - there are plenty of people who can do it, believe me - and use that. You could use any 1" tube that will fit until you come up with the real McCoy

[CINDERS]

Peter you are laying the door open again by saying- "there are plenty of people who can do it" ahh yes there are plenty of people who can fix it but there are very very few who can refurbish it to as new standard by the MoD and with that ENDE discusion

[Peter Laidler]

Nope Cinders...., deliberately NOT opening the door! Just telling it as I see the best way to make a repop No4T. And yes there are others out there, believe me. But at the same time I am not advertising myself by name or inference

[Wainwrightbagger]

Ah I see Peter! Thanks, I'd assumed.... fatal. You've got me on a mission now, once complete, I'll report back and don't worry I won't be chasing you for advice on repairs, I'm pretty sure I know a guy who can the work. Thanks again for the pointers, what a great forum this is.

[RobD]

Wainwrightblagger, I for one would support your "no gunsmithing" route, because it's fully reversible.
The only thing I would ask you to confirm before you start spending any money is this: "can your rifle shoot a tight group?"
If it cannot do so with iron sights, it will not with optical sights. The starting point for any 'scoping project is: a rifle with uncanny accuracy. If that condition is not fulfilled, all your efforts will be wasted. I speak from bitter experience / burnt fingers, and from seeing the fate of a lot of others' projects. People think a 'scope makes a rifle acurate. It does not - it just makes the target look bigger...
Rob

[Wainwrightbagger]

Good points well made Rob. Yes, my rifle can shoot well, better than my middle aged eyes will allow it to if I'm honest. As to uncanny accuracy, I leave that to my K31!
My reasons for considering a scope were simply to help me see what I'm pointing at over ranges above 200 yards. I find I really struggle with open sights beyond that, even with my specs on! I thought I'd keep the SMLE for short range fun and then use the No.4 for longer ranges.