Peter Please - L42A1 Scope Tool?

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10-07-2009, 09:13 PM
Terry Hawker

Peter Please - L42A1 Scope Tool?

Hello Peter,

Perhaps you would be kind enough to let me pick your brain again. In a discussion that started on Gunboards Sniper forum at L42A1 sniper slings found at War & peace show - Gunboard's Forums and, which in my typically computer-inept fashion, I continued on their Lee-Enfield forum at, L42A1 - L1A1 Scope Adjusting Tools? , two gentlemen were quite adamant that there was an issue tool, sighting telescope, for the L1A1 telescope on the L42A1 rifle.

I was always under the impression that such was not the case, which seemed to be born out in all three editions of your handy book on the "Telescope Sighting No. 32" and also your excellent, "An Armourer's Perspective: .303 No. 4 (T) Sniper Rifle".

Thought perhaps I had missed the publication of a new reference, as both these gents said they had read about this tool, one of them even stating it was in one of your works. I asked where this information can be found, but, as yet, neither has divulged his source. One fellow was kind enough to post a photo of this tool on both threads I mentioned above, but to me, it has a distinct after-market look about it.

Understandably, you may be be too busy to look at the Gunboards threads, but if you don't mind, could you please let us know here what you may know about such a tool?

As always, thanks for the benefit of your knowledge.

Best regards,

Terry
10-07-2009, 10:35 PM
Brian Dick

Terry, It states clearly on the paste in label in the scope case for the L1A1 telescope that no tool is required for the adjustment of the scope. There's some confusion somewhere. The only tools issued were for the No.32Mk.1 and Mk.2 telescopes. ATB, Brian
10-07-2009, 11:47 PM
Terry Hawker

Brian,

Of course, that's what the label in mine says also, as well as the view that all the literature supports. Thought I was helping out a bit on the other forum when I mentioned the same information. Proof once again, "You can lead a horse...."

Thanks for the confirmation that there is not a new source of information out there that completely contradicts what Peter and Ian have written on the subject.

Best regards,

Terry
10-08-2009, 04:46 PM
Peter Laidler

I've been an Armourer since my apprenticeship commenced in January 1963 Terry. There is NO tool issued in the kit for the L1A1 telescope. But I could be wrong.............

However, there were a few tools issued for the instrument technicians (and the very few suitably qualified Armourers who were authorised to get into the bowels of instruments). But these were the usual general instrument screwdrivers etc that were part of his general tool kit. You made anything else you needed, usually copied from the well worn tools of the earlier generations.

Send them an email and tell them that you've just spoken to the most senior Armourer in the Army, based at the Small Arms School, and he says that there isn't. But be warned......., there's a lot of experts out there. I'm on the ranges with a load of them next week..., the Police!
10-08-2009, 07:32 PM
Roger Payne

May I put this matter to bed? The tool shown in the photo on the other forum was copied from one I had (& still have) which was made up by a then serving armourer for working on the No32 Mk3/L1A1. It was for his own use & was not an official issue, though it does the job admirably. (As Peter says, armourers are good at extemporising what they need). The late Graham Smith made a few for me & they have ended up in various corners of the planet in the hands (usually) of people known to me. The markings were applied by Graham himself, & were not put on at my behest. I guess it doesn't matter that much, but once they've changed hands a few times I can see how myths may start to arise. But there we are.....

ATB
10-09-2009, 09:26 AM
Peter Laidler

Just a thought Roger and Terry, but what did this special tool look like
10-09-2009, 10:47 AM
Kev G

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...mage0102-1.jpg

ATB Kevin
10-09-2009, 12:30 PM
Beerhunter

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Just a thought Roger and Terry, but what did this special tool look like

I'd like to know what it DOES?
10-09-2009, 01:23 PM
PrinzEugen

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

I'm on the ranges with a load of them next week..., the Police!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

We need to clear this up. The Police might use snipers rifles but they are not snipers. Good shots or even marksmen yes - but snipers, NO

I think you should take the opportunity to give them the benefit of your opinion on their 'rifle officers' Peter! ;)

Also be careful Peter - they're a dangerous bunch!
10-09-2009, 03:56 PM
Peter Laidler

Nope......, nothing that I've ever seen in my time Terry and Roger!
10-10-2009, 06:04 AM
Kev G

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beerhunter

I'd like to know what it DOES?

Can anyone enlighten us please ?
10-10-2009, 07:33 AM
Badger

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beerhunter

I'd like to know what it DOES?

I may be missing the obvious here, but I assume it's just a "home made" version of the regular No.32 Mk1 Sight Adjusting Tool, which consisted of a double "T" handle wrench to adjust the elevation and windage dials. Although not needed, it perhaps it just made the job of adjusting the dials a little easier than using other tools?

http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPGClick PIC to ENLARGEhttp://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG

Regards,
Badger
10-10-2009, 09:00 AM
jmoore

I think the odd-ball tool was made for for the No32 Mk2/1 and Mk3, although why I haven't the faintest idea. Kevin, could the OD measurement of the spanner feet be obtained?

Wasn't this tool discussed on Jouster MkI a couple of years ago? I'm sure I've seen it before.
10-10-2009, 10:17 AM
Peter Laidler

From the picture, it looks as thugh the tool was made in order to hold the rifle with your left hand and use the tool to unloosen the Mk3/L1A1 leadscrew locking nut with your right hand while you rotate the leadscrew to the desired 'zeroed' position with your ..., er...., other hand.

But a bit of advice here that I have mentioned a zillion times before. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the lead screw locking nuts on any of the telescopes. They should only be 'nipped up'. 'Nipped up' is another REME technical phrase frequently used by Armourers to indicate that the when the lead screw lock nuts is 'nipped' it is still possible to turn the inner lead screw nut against the friction imparted by the 'nipped up' nut. Got that. Any of you jumbo jet wheel nut tighteners should dispose of your No32 and L1A1 telescoopes immediately

If you do it this way, you won't need any special tools
10-10-2009, 11:02 AM
Roger Payne

Peter,
Thx. yes, the tool was made by the chap to unscrew the locking nut/lead screw. It performs the same function as the tool for the Mk1 & 2 scopes but is dimensionally different accordingly. I agree with all that has been said that Mk3/L1A1 scopes do not need an adjusting tool for the kind of minor adjustments required to zero in the field, but when reassembling scopes after having them in bits it really IS useful. Certainly I find it easier to use than the proverbial 3rd arm, snipe nosed pliers etc etc.

ATB
10-11-2009, 07:30 AM
Roger Payne

Peter,
Out of curiosity, what do you use to do your 'nipping'?!

ATB
10-11-2009, 07:45 AM
Amatikulu

A shot glass? :cheers:

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist that.
10-11-2009, 02:45 PM
Roger Payne

I guess I walked right into it!

ATB
10-11-2009, 04:42 PM
Peter Laidler

Maybe it's ime to put this 'special L1A1 tool' thread to bed. But as a matter of interest, we, the front line Armourers used to make our special tools mainly from Allen keys as they were made from a tough (but not hard) material. Another firm favourite was mechanical hacksaw blade material. And as a special treat, it's bucketing down with rain here...............
10-18-2009, 04:30 PM
Lance

1 Attachment(s)

Think I found the tool. It looks just like the tool listed as an FN sniper scope and tool on epay #260484209427