No32 Mk3 OG ray shade threads

Peter, I don't know if you or anyone else can help, but do you know what the thread is on the ray shades for the Mk3 scope? I need several of them for Mk3 restorations, & of course they're different to all of the others in that they're threaded further into the shade to take account of the longer front end projection of the Mk3 tube. I have some No42's & No53's for restoration purposes, but of course they're no good for this job as they're threaded in the same place as the shades off No32 Mk1 & 2 scopes.

Thanks in anticipation for anyone who can help.

Rog, are you saying the thread isn't long enough? if thats the case and the spare ones you have are the same thread then they just need boring from the finish of the thread......

Hi Dukey. Yes, they're the same thread, but on the shade for the Mk3 the threads are well inside the housing, up to (or nearly up to) the 'ledge' inside that acts as a stop when the shade is screwed on far enough to butt up against the OG lens cell. Sorry for the non-engineer language, but hopefully you can get the drift. Peter, please tell me if I'm talking a load of old cXXXXers!

I was wondering if it would be feasible to modify some off 42's & 53's or whether there is really enough meat left to do this. The alternative is to make new from scratch.

It is simplicity itself to machine the threads from a Mk1, 2, No42 or 53 tele front OG shade rearwards to suit the Mk3 type 'further rear' thread configuration. Just needs careful setting up in a lathe to catch the existing................ anyway. Needs someone who knows what he's doing, has a deep insight into the mechanics of what's going on, done it before, pretty damn conversant with the practicalities, all-round good egg, well hung and....... Send me a dozen or so and I'll see if I know anyone that can help. I can't promise them by return so you'll have to give me a day or so.

Hi Peter. Thanks for chiming in. It might be simplicity itself for an engineer, but I am very aware of my limitations, & that's why I sought help! I can do a little turning reasonably, but have never been taught (or learnt) how to set a lathe up to screw cut. However, I have some of the 'wrong' pattern shades, so if I may I'll send you a few. If they work out ok keep some against future need.

I'm sure Geoff could & would make some for me from scratch, if needs be, but modding some existing ones means less work.

Going off at a tangent, it just dawned on me that these days we get our knickers in a twist over replaced parts on rifles, yet it seems to be implicitly accepted that if a (for example) No32 scope needs looking at & maybe replacement parts, that is fine. Perhaps the day will soon arrive when a Mk3 scope is rejected by the cogniscenti for having a re-worked No42 ray shade on it!

I've thought of that scenario for years DRP. At least 10% of them will be hybrids by now. And you could reasonably say that 100% of the L1A1's most certainly are! Think about it.......