Yet another 32 mk1 scope inquiry.

[Hodgson1]

Good evening everyone. I'm luckey enough to have been given an earlyish 1941 Number 32 scope. It appears to be in reasonable condition. Yes I admit that there will be potential problems. My main concern is mounting it on to my no4 1/3Ftr.Its a fairly tidy rifle so I'm not keen of the idea of drilling holes into it.This in itself is not a great problem as I run my own milling machine etc. Would it be possible to use a top mounting rail and Ring's. Or would this mount the scope too high. I apologise for a probably often asked question but I'm new to this forum. Tia.

Information

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[RobD]

Welcome! This is a common situation, and most people either:
1. fit repro pads and bracket, and make a replica. Fultons have these [at least, they did recently] and if you carefully read the threads on how to do it, it sounds like you have the skills to make a success of it. The overall value of a No 4(T) replica is roughly the same as the parts added together. So you wouldn't erode your investment; whereas tapping a top rail into the receiver would permanently take £££ off the value of your rifle.
2. go down the "no gunsmithing" mount, and if you choose this route, the £140 mount from Fulton's is highly regarded: Fultons of Bisley - FULTONS NO GUNSMITHING SCOPE RAILS FOR Enfield Rifles SR2

If you find the scope is too high, you could fit a £24 repro cheek piece from DS Solutions Search - cheek

Finally, before you 'scope your rifle, ask yourself whether the rifle shoots excellent groups, in the hands of a good shot? If it doesn't, then I suggest don't 'scope it. Many people think a 'scope will make the rifle more accurate. It doesn't - it just makes the target look bigger. The market is full of unsold 'scoped rifles, esp. Mosin Nagants and K98s, which simply can't group.

Rob

[Hodgson1]

Welcome! This is a common situation, and most people either:
1. fit repro pads and bracket, and make a replica. Fultons have these [at least, they did recently] and if you carefully read the threads on how to do it, it sounds like you have the skills to make a success of it. The overall value of a No 4(T) replica is roughly the same as the parts added together. So you wouldn't erode your investment; whereas tapping a top rail into the receiver would permanently take £££ off the value of your rifle.
2. go down the "no gunsmithing" mount, and if you choose this route, the £140 mount from Fulton's is highly regarded: Fultons of Bisley - FULTONS NO GUNSMITHING SCOPE RAILS FOR Enfield Rifles SR2

If you find the scope is too high, you could fit a £24 repro cheek piece from DS Solutions Search - cheek

Finally, before you 'scope your rifle, ask yourself whether the rifle shoots excellent groups, in the hands of a good shot? If it doesn't, then I suggest don't 'scope it. Many people think a 'scope will make the rifle more accurate. It doesn't - it just makes the target look bigger. The market is full of unsold 'scoped rifles, esp. Mosin Nagants and K98s, which simply can't group.

Rob

Thanks for the reply. See below.

---------- Post added at 08:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 PM ----------

I don't suppose your Mk1 scope has the number 3273 or 1923?
Can live in hope!

Sorry Waco it isn't either. It doesn't
hurt too ask. Good luck with your hunt.

[waco16]

I don't suppose your Mk1 scope has the number 3273 or 1923?
Can live in hope!

[Hodgson1]

Thanks for the welcome Rob.The rifle as is shoots well. It has a crisp bore. I have a copy of Major Renolds and Robin Fulton's book regarding bedding a no4. I think bedding is the way to go first off. I would prefer a non gunsmith mount as explained above.In the end the scope might turn out a pile of ***. I'm certainly not after a tack driver. Thanks again,you have certainly put another edge to it! Which is good...

[Peter Laidler]

Hodgson, there's no need to be frightened or wary of fitting your No32 to a decent No4 to make a No4T replica. But you MUST read and re-read again several times the simple instructions wot I rote some time ago and is recorded elsewhere on this forum. But make sure that you follow them to the letter or you will end up with a pile of crap. It is too easy to drill first and read next. Read FIRST, re-read SECOND, measure twice and drill once. You only get one go. But if you do you'll end up with a good replica and competitive rifle to boot

[Hodgson1]

Hodgson, there's no need to be frightened or wary of fitting your No32 to a decent No4 to make a No4T replica. But you MUST read and re-read again several times the simple instructions wot I rote some time ago and is recorded elsewhere on this forum. But make sure that you follow them to the letter or you will end up with a pile of crap. It is too easy to drill first and read next. Read FIRST, re-read SECOND, measure twice and drill once. You only get one go. But if you do you'll end up with a good replica and competitive rifle to boot

Thanks Peter for your reply. If I decide to go for the proper mount I will follow your directions. I have had the said rifle for a good 20 year's. So naturally I'm apprehensive.I think I'll get the scope checked over first and go with a non gunsmith mount before attacking it. Just to make sure. Thanks again for your reply.

[rayg]

Maybe if you post your scope number it would prevent a lot of folks asking if it's right for their rifle. Me included, Lol, Ray

[Hodgson1]

Maybe if you post your scope number it would prevent a lot of folks asking if it's right for their rifle. Me included, Lol, Ray

Ok Ray. Tel. Sighting /No32. Mk1./OS.446A.KL/1941 REG.No6611. Since first posting I'm no wiser to where it came in manufacturer dates.

[Surpmil]

Ok Ray. Tel. Sighting /No32. Mk1./OS.446A.KL/1941 REG.No6611. Since first posting I'm no wiser to where it came in manufacturer dates.

1941 presumably. IIRC from Peter's book on the No32, that would make it the 661st scope produced by KL as their SN range began at 6000.

WW began at 0 or else 1000 - AFAIK nothing below 1000 has ever surfaced even stamped on a buttstock, and HBM began at 3000. HBM soon dropped the date from their production for some unknown reason. I once had 3057 which was dated 1941, but have never heard of another.

IIRC, no trials rifles are seen with KL SN ranges, so either they were a bit slower getting going or the need for the 1400 odd scopes required for the trials conversions was filled from WW and HBM production.

Much of the production then appears to have spend a couple of years or so sitting in a depot somewhere before H&H caught up with the supply of scopes.