Post WW2 Sniper conversion question

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Originally Posted by Roger Payne

That's a very early Mk3 scope Cinders.

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Hi Roger this is what the scope it is attached to, I have cleaned it up a bit since these pics, the bolt handle and scope had a few patches on it.
It is a '44 BSA Shirley and its serial No. is mentioned in Peters book as being used for pad trials (when they had issues with the front pads working loose) so it has some history that is proven by an expert on these rifles on the other side of the globe and it is a safe queen for obvious reasons.
Thanks for the info on the AK&S Roger.

Postscript ~ I had mentioned to Peter ages ago the T would not group and the draws were somewhat battered as the guard trigger front screw was allowing the whole action to rock on it even though it was tight so I had it re bedded (not quite the way it should be) I thought the scope was out as previous attempts produced less than satisfactory Mil specification group size.
I had asked a few questions of the really senior person (not age related) about a trip for the scope across the waves as I was trying to get to the bottom of its poor efforts but I found through trial and error that Win-748 is not the go with 303's having tried it in 3 different 303's with 174 SMK's so it was back to 2209 powder we went with my basic load using SMK's.
I had tried it from my Rock steady rest and it was just terrible so no rest the next time with the old back to basics load it landed 3 shots in an inch in the chest of a Fig.11 so shifted POA to the head next 3 shots in 3/8" this at 100m prone with sling the marker giving me indicated values and the group sizes by radio (Asked if I wanted to sell it ummm nope sorry.)
So that's the story of my T and it may not be traditionally bedded but I will be flashed and ashed when my son decides it may have to find another home but he is pretty keen on owning it as a 15 y/o shooter but not yet bucko.

Thanks Cinders. I just noticed it's a very low serial number for a Mk3. I have a 44 dated Kershaw Mk3 but it's low 17XXX, & I've owned or seen 16479, 16480 & 16481, & all were Mk 2's.

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Sea spriter, you should also read and fully digest the thread about making a replica No4T as what you are doing is pretty much the same thing......., but startiung with a pre drilled body. But that could be another whole can of worms............

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Thank you Peter. I have downloaded all your available articles, and am in awe. I now understand the distinction between an "amateur collector/restorer (me)," a "gunsmith," and a "Master Armourer." I think, at the age of 67 years, I am now beginning an apprenticeship in the hands of an expert team that carries on the craftsmanship and tradition of the Brown Bess and Kentucky rifle (both in my collection -- but I'd never dare to shoot with them!). Best Wishes the Milsurps Team of experts for Christmas and the New Year -- 2015!

I was told in the 1980s by one of the two brothers who ran H.W. English & Co. that they had bought about 5000 MkI scopes from the Ministry of Defence in the 1950s. I see no reason to disbelieve him as they were the largest dealers in surplus optics in the UK and had huge quantities of both Allied and German optics. Some were in the Cases, No.8 with the brackets and these they used to sell for £5 each he said, though that was a price from the 19950s or 60s I suspect.

I concluded from the quantity that these scopes from rifles that were refitted with later marks of No32 scope after WWII, while the complete 'sets' were perhaps from rifles that were lost, destroyed or sentenced B.E.R. after WWII. If so, there could well have been some thousands of rifles that were so upgraded during overhaul. But I see no evidence that this happened during WWII, or even shortly afterward. The greatly reduced post-war R.O.C. would probably have been very busy 'cleaning up' from the war, among other tasks, and large refurbishment programs don't seem to have got underway until 1948 or so.

Just my guesses of course. ;)