What rifle are these rear sights for?

[#5MK1]

I found a bag full of these rear sights in my Enfield bin. Cleanout



I think someone told me long ago they are for the P 14.

They have several different mfg. stamps on them.

I am going to post them on WTS, as soon as I get them sorted out find out what rifle they are for.

Thanks in advance for any info.

[whiterider]

P14 or M17. Not sure what the difference is between 'em...some of the lovers of these rifles may be able to help.

[krinko]

No5---
P-14 sights are longer than M17 sights and should have a serial number stamped across the back of the top cross-bar.
Going by the proportions of the pictured sight, it would seem to be for an M17---the graduations for .30-'06 are closer together, because the round shoots slightly flatter than .303 and your sight matches a take-off I have laying around.
-----krinko

[whiterider]

No5---
P-14 sights are longer than M17 sights and should have a serial number stamped across the back of the top cross-bar.
Going by the proportions of the pictured sight, it would seem to be for an M17---the graduations for .30-'06 are closer together, because the round shoots slightly flatter than .303 and your sight matches a take-off I have laying around.
-----krinko

OK. I recall seeing a 'fine adjustment' version of those...had a little knob built in to the elevation ladder. Apparently those are VERY valuable.

[Badger]

I found a bag full of these rear sights in my Enfield bin. Cleanout

I think someone told me long ago they are for the P 14.

They have several different mfg. stamps on them.

I am going to post them on WTS, as soon as I get them sorted out find out what rifle they are for.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Check them over and see if there's any with adjustment knobs, as they could be valuable. For a better explanation as to why and what to look for, read either of these articles.

With thanks to Nigel Greenaway, we've updated the "Collectors Comments and Feedback" section of these entries in the England - Milsurp Knowledge Library (click here).

No.3 MkI* (T) Rifle (PP Scope) (click here)

No.3 MkI* (T) Rifle (BSA Scope) (click here)

Nigel has written a brief add-on article accompanied by pictures, about the P14(F) special aperture rear sight with the fine adjustment screw, explaining how to identify some of the reproductions from the originals.

Regards,
Badger

[krinko]

"OK. I recall seeing a 'fine adjustment' version of those...had a little knob built in to the elevation ladder. Apparently those are VERY valuable."

These have a captive screw inset into the right side of the ladder, with the thread exposed on the right side. The adjustment arm on the slider rides the threads for an infinite number of elevation settings.
There is also a Marine Corps variation with windage, but this involved altering the top of the receiver.
The fine adjustment sights are quite rare and I suppose, expensive---never seen one for sale, so I can't say.
Had a Lyman sight for the Tommy Gun that had been altered to fit the M17, back when I was doing Highpower---now I just use the P-H 5B.
-----krinko

[krinko]

The two Remington M17 backsight ladders I have measure 2.180" and 2.184"----should've done that in the first place.
-----krinko

[#5MK1]

I checked them for the adj. on top and none have that. So these are the regular rear sights.

Also, none have numbers stamped on top of the ladders.

I also found a tag marked Enfield rear sights from Century. They have been in my parts bin for at least eight years.

I'll measure them tomorrow.

Thanks for the links Badger.

[#5MK1]

Krinko

I had to use a crude tape measure , since my other more precise measuring stuff is out on loan.

I illustrated the results below.

The ladder is 2" and with the base where the pin goes through add another 3/8.

None have numbers on the ladder.

All have clear mfgr. stamps matching.

All appear near new.

What do you think now?

Our gun club member that has both P 14s and M 17s is out of town at the moment or else I could find out in hurry what the difference is between the two rifle rear sights.

Doc AV weighed in on the P 14 side.

[Edward Horton]

I hope I don’t hate myself in the morning

For M1917 Enfield