Question - trying to identify a 1942 No.1 MkIII unusual rear sight

Hi folks,

I'm from Montreal, Canada, and have been lurking on this site for quite a while now. I've decided it was time for me to get that Lee Enfield I've been wanting for a long time !! I already own an AIA M10-B2 Match rifle (LOVE IT !!), but now it's time to get the real thing !!

So I started looking around and found this rifle, with an unusual rear sight. The seller says it's an Australian competition sight (or could it be a Parker-Hale ?), but I can't find anything about such a sight anywhere on the web... Can someone tell me anything about it ? Is it really rare, and worth buying ? The rifle is a 1942 No.1 MkIII, no idea on where it was made though...

Thanks in advance for your replies, much appreciated !!
Cheers,
QuebecVFR
Montreal, Canada

Welcome to the site ... :)

Perhaps check the MKL ...

Specifically the Technical Articles/Research for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders section ...

Here's a few articles I found in a search ...

A.J. Parker Parker Hale Sights

Parker Hale Sights, Adjustment and Use

1940 Parker Hale Service Section Catalog

Hope that helps ... :cheers:

Regards,
Doug

Doesn't look like any of the standard AG Parker, AJ Parker or Parker Hale target sights. Probably Aussie or maybe from one of the smaller English sight makers.

Of course it's worth buying. Even if it's not something you like personally, you can resell it and reclaim some cash. I would try shooting it first before selling it. If you look over the rifle's receiver, you should be able to determine the country of origin.

Yes, buy it ... it looks like a good rifle and the sight does add value.
I don't know that sight but have seen one before, it looks decently engineered and you'll get good shooting out of it. On enfieldresource.com I've put up a photo catalog of 17 different aperture sights, I don't have pics or info on that type yet. I may have to request a couple of photos if you buy it, lol.
How much are they asking for the rifle?

Thanks for the info fellas, much appreciated !!

I haven't contacted the seller yet, but he wants 500$ CAD for the rifle. The wood and metal have been refinished, but the barrel is rated as "average" condition, whatever that means...

I also found a nice looking 1942 No.4 MK1 at 300$ neg nearby, so I dont know which way to go now !!
Any thoughts ??

Thanks again

The sight looks like an old Austral or perhaps Mues. It would more than likely work great. I love the old range sights, they're so beautifully made.

---------- Post added at 05:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:19 AM ----------

IMHO don't pay $500 for the rifle. A range rifle with an average barrel is a junker. For me, a range rifle must shoot great to have any value, as the collector value is gone, as they're sanded, bedded funny, and (usually) are fitted with heavy barrels.
I love the sights but don't pay that much for them

Hello, quebecvfr.
The sight on the rifle looks to be a "Premier", made in Australia. IIRC, they were not as predominant as some of the other brands available to range shooters, but look to be of high quality.
I'd call it rare- you don't see many about.
The pics below came from a mate who sold this one a couple of years ago for over $250.

The mystery sight is solved, many thanks, and yep, sure don't see many of these ever ...

Thanks to Son for finding out the sight brand !! It looks exactly like the one I saw, so I think the "mystery" is indeed solved !! :super:

Now, I'll only have to wait a bit to see if the seller wants to lower the price or not. If he doesn't, then it'll be a No4 Mk1 instead of this No1 MkIII.

Again, thanks to all who replied for your help and comments, much appreciated.

Cheers,
QuebecVFR

If a mug like me has one they can't be rare. Scarce maybe, but not rare.