PPCo. SMLE Sniper - an alternative use for the forearm pad from a Mine Detector

[Nigel]

Having tried one of these forearm pads from the box holding the complete equipment schedule for a British Mk4 Mine Detector - it took 4 years to find one. The pad would be fitted to the operator's forearm to offer comfort and protection from the rod of the mine detector. It fits a treat to a SMLE butt and is ideal for correct cheek placement for an offset scope like the PPCo, Aldis or Winchester A5 scopes fitted to these WW1 sniper rifles. WW1 snipers were known to have tied padding on to their rifles and probably, in a few cases, even attached field expedient wooden cheek pieces but there was no official method. I find it very uncomfortable to try and use my left eye with these rifles whilst this method has a military look to it.

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[Surpmil]

Looks uncomfortable enough to have been an approved issue.

[Mk VII]

I wouldn't care to have a lump of webbing rubbing my face like that. Shell dressing would be better.

[Strangely Brown]

I wouldn't care to have a lump of webbing rubbing my face like that. Shell dressing would be better.

I once saw somebody actually use a first field dressing as a cheek pad at the Trafalgar some years ago; I'm now wondering if it was Nigel?

[Nigel]

You are right Mick - it was me using a Shell Dressing as a cheek rest. It was my go to method before the mine detector pad.

[Warren]

I have one No.4 trials rifle sniper with what appears to be a commercial lace on leather cheek-piece and it sure looks period.
Whether or not is/was allowed I do not know.
No evidence of cheek-piece screw holes in the butt stock, but in 83 years a lot could have happened.