Parker-Hale backsight?

I finally got around to making an ejector screw to correct length so I could mount this PH5C on blondie. This is the first time I have had an adjustable aperture peep and I like it. Now for the question. The 5C has two models, one in 1/2 moa (small knobs) and one in 1/4 moa (large knobs). I have read a few places that the large knob version is calibrated for 7.62. Is this correct? Or would a PH5C for a 7.62 be marked 7.62?
I'm not smart enough to figure out the markings anyway with out a cheat sheet so I guess it doesn't matter.
Meet blondie.
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...No4PH003-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...No4PH001-1.jpg

It doesn't really matter. Forget about the range calibrations, and use the minutes scale with Vernier. The elevations on the sight will be close enough to get you in the ball park. Zero the rifle, and record your elevations for future reference.

You get large knobs in 1/2 and 1/4 min. versions. These look like they've been home-workshop made - not difficult with a lathe and a milling machine with a dividing table. I've seen several like this. I've never seen a PH5C that was marked 7.62 (though Parker's 4/80 was so marked, and went up to 1000 only) and I doubt they exist. The PH5E4 probably took over when new production was required. Nobody took much notice of the range markings anyway.

marked 7.62mm -- never seen a PH5c marked 7.62mm -- but have seen the PH5c used on the DCRA NO4 7.62mm rifles.

I also have 2 - TZ 4/47 sights one is marked 7.62mm just like the 4/80 and the other is not marked 7.62mm.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/imported/deleted.gif

Here's a couple of mine - the 5c with big knobs and 1/4 moa isn't marked 7.62, and I assumed it was calibrated for 303. The TZ 4/47 is marked 7.62 though. (I'll have to ask Enfield Trader how he got his so buffed!) Enjoy shooting with the sight madcrate - it's great fun.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff002-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...stuff001-1.jpg

Well, it looks like I'm looking for an AJ Parker now. Does this sickness ever end?

The ph5e4 is also a 7.62 calibrated sight (it was the one used on the Enforcer) just to give you another option! Sadly for you the price on ebay seems to be holding up - the last 4/47 went for £155.

Well first is another pic of a TZ 4/47 marked 7.62mm

then there is the John Wilkes precision sight with adapter plate for the No4 and plate for the P14 / M1917

Or the 8/53 or the PH4

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Originally Posted by PrinzEugen

The ph5e4 is also a 7.62 calibrated sight (it was the one used on the Enforcer) just to give you another option! Sadly for you the price on ebay seems to be holding up - the last 4/47 went for £155.

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I was bidding on that one - it went a bit over my limit.
I've already got one on a No4, but you never know when you'll need a spare !!!

As its finished - ebay item 310196316459

Yes there are bargains to be had on ebay - but you've just got to keep your eyes peeled and spot things which are finishing during 'work hours' or very early.
Sometimes if you can spot them at a gunshow the prices are more realistic - at the international in birmingham last nov I got a nice 5a for £80 and a 5c for £85 (neither had screws needless to say), which in some ways seemed a lot [especially to my wife], but I also think you've got to get them when you can.

The later Parker Hale 5C's with the squared knobs are rather shoddy compared to the AJ Parker Twin Zeroes, and particulary the Centrals; sloppy fitting, backlash etc. PH even used an aluminum body on the late ones, which is particularly cheap 'n nasty.

Which of course is why serious shooters used Centrals and no one bothered with the PH's anymore. Even the TZ has backlash in the windage mechanism. "Good enough" as long as there's no competition in the marketplace...

A bit of 600 grit wet 'n dry paper rubbed in a straight line will clean up the scales nicely.

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Originally Posted by Surpmil

The later Parker Hale 5C's with the squared knobs are rather shoddy compared to the AJ Parker Twin Zeroes, and particulary the Centrals; sloppy fitting, backlash etc. PH even used an aluminum body on the late ones, which is particularly cheap 'n nasty.

Which of course is why serious shooters used Centrals and no one bothered with the PH's anymore. Even the TZ has backlash in the windage mechanism. "Good enough" as long as there's no competition in the marketplace...

A bit of 600 grit wet 'n dry paper rubbed in a straight line will clean up the scales nicely.

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I have heard a few people complain about the sloppy fitting, backlash etc on the PH. I sure don't see it the example I have. Tight as a drum, even with the locking screw loose there is no movement.

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Originally Posted by madcratebuilder

I have heard a few people complain about the sloppy fitting, backlash etc on the PH. I sure don't see it the example I have. Tight as a drum, even with the locking screw loose there is no movement.

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Over the years I've had a few 5Cs, generally they are as tight as a duck a**, the odd ones that have been loose have been very worn and basically useless. They can be re-furbished but its as expensive as buying another one.

Ah, Alan de. Is that 'tight as a ducks bottom' another of those well used phrases or sayings used by Englanders as well as REME Armourers? Is that 'tight' as in 'water tight'. No wonder these wild untamed colonials and savage heathens from the colonies don't understand us Englanders.

It's about time we sent another gunboat over there and sorted them out, once and for all

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

Ah, Alan de. Is that 'tight as a ducks bottom' another of those well used phrases or sayings used by Englanders as well as REME Armourers? Is that 'tight' as in 'water tight'. No wonder these wild untamed colonials and savage heathens from the colonies don't understand us Englanders.

It's about time we sent another gunboat over there and sorted them out, once and for all

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I suppose I could have said "as tight as a Yorkshireman" (HOW MUCH ????) but there may be Yorkshiremen reading this so I didn't.

Madcratebuilder you may have already found this but this page has some info on the various PH sights: Service and TArget Rifle Sights ~ Parker-Hale and B.S.A.

It looks like someone has put in a screw or probably a spring loaded plunger/ball to tighten up the elevation slide. Or perhaps that was a late attempt by PH to improve things I don't know. Never seen it before myself.

If the knobs are 'home-made', then whoever was doing it would be well able to do that kind of modification as well.

Still doesn't solve the lack of an anti-backlash spring on the windage screw.

I've got one of the alloy bodied ones here and it is a POS compared to a Central or Twin Zero, or an early PH5 for SMLE for that matter.

Only the quality of fitting on the Twin Zero makes up for the fact that it has a rectangular elevation slide and slot: emphatically NOT self-aligning in principle. Probably done to get around PH patents...guess I'd better get Edna's book and 'get edumacated.'

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It's about time we sent another gunboat over there and sorted them out, once and for all

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Come on over, we could use a change of government, the folks in their now are...:madsmile:

Some TZs have a T-slot; some have a dovetail. Important to know if you're looking for a replacement arm.