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

[quebecvfr]

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

Information

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[Badger]

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 ...

Regards,
Doug

[Thunderbox]

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.

[browningautorifle]

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.

[RJW NZ]

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?

[quebecvfr]

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

[tbonesmith]

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

[Son]

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.

[RJW NZ]

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

[quebecvfr]

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 !!

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