Which original sights were used at ROF Maltby?

[Claven2]

We all know (or most of us?) which different rear sight models have been fitted to the No.4 rifle over the years, but I'd like ot know more specifically which models ROF Maltby actually fitted to rifles when they originally left the factory.

Some we can obviously discount like the MkV micrometer or the CMkIII sight.

I also know for a fact a great many Maltby's left the factory with the MkII 2-pos flip sight.

What I am not sure of, as I've never seen non-FTR'd Maltby's equipped with anything but the MkII flip, is whether they left the factory at times with the Brit MkII or MkIII slide-elevation stamped sights (the ones with the spacer collar) or whether they were ever fitted at the factory with the Mk1 micrometer sight?

I have a non-FTR maltby with the MkII flip and for practical reasons I want an adjustable sight on it, but would prefer to use something that plausibly could have been on the rifle from the get-go.

Information

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[Brian Dick]

The fabricated Mk.3 would also be correct. I have a newish 1944 with one installed. My ROFM1941 has a Singer Mk1 and my M1942 has a Singer Mk.2. All three rifles are "as new". The 1944 is in green paint with 90+ still intact.

[Claven2]

Thanks Brian - sounds like sage input. What maker of singer is your MkI? A real singer, or one of the copies made by an ROF or sub-contractor? Marking? N67?

[Brian Dick]

It's an early one marked SM 41.

---------- Post added at 09:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:53 PM ----------

I've seen Savage Mk.2 sights, bands and other small components on Maltby production rifles too. I think that Savage sent parts that were used during Maltby production as well as complete rifles. I always cringe when someone buys a Maltby that just "smells" unaltered and then proceeds to start changing out component parts because they aren't "correct". Same goes for late WWII production Long Branch rifles with factory installed Savage components. They're out there too.

---------- Post added at 09:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 PM ----------

I've seen Savage Mk.2 sights, bands and other small components on Maltby production rifles too. I think that Savage sent parts that were used during Maltby production as well as complete rifles. I always cringe when someone buys a Maltby that just "smells" unaltered and then proceeds to start changing out component parts because they aren't "correct". Same goes for late WWII production Long Branch rifles with factory installed Savage components. They're out there too.

---------- Post added at 10:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:59 PM ----------

Sorry for the double post. This stupid ATT wireless out here in the country ain't worth a s--te. It hurts me paying the bill every month but they've got a monopoly.

[Claven2]

I hear you. This one looks every bit the wartime gun (1943). Probably a turkish return. The EP markings are still in the white, smooth un-serrated cocking piece, rough machining all over the receiver exterior. Not import marked either as it was exported to Canada directly. Minty 5 groove bbl. Matching hollow bolt knob.

It should make a great shooter, but it needs more suitable sights. I'm going to look for either an early MkI sight not marked B or F, or alternately a fabricated MkIII. While perhaps the most period-appropriate option, the MkIII's are all over the place but are usually missing the essential spacer washer. That's the real rub

[barbarossa]

Claven2, the last time I needed the washer for the Mark III sight , I picked one up from Springfield Sporters for nominal money. Give them a call, betcha they got it.

[Claven2]

SS doesn't ship internationally any longer

[Brian Dick]

I've got some nice Mk.3 sights complete with the washer if you need one.

[gsimmons]

My 1941 Maltby has a mkIII sight on it. Any guesses what sight it had from Maltby? It has an FR stamp on the right side of the butt. But looks like the only thing changed was the sight.
Does this make sense?

[Claven2]

As a 1941, it likely had either a Mk1 singer sight or a 2-pos flip if it was a late 1941 gun.