'42 Long Branch No4 MK1* gets a new butt

[Peter Laidler]

We had several boards hanging from the beams in our 1940's era basic fitting workshops/classrooms. The one directly in my line of sight, hanging over 'Big-John' Hessell's workbench said
'....near enough isn't good enough. But exactly right is near enough'. It's funny how you remember all these little proverbs - and try to keep to them as the years tick by. So good was our basic engineering training lessons and practical work that I still remember my class instructor, Mr Surtees and our machine shop teacher, an ex Armourer, Mr Owens.

[Littlejohn]

I appreciate the comments. Especially those from Peter Laidler and Brian Dick. I will attempt to fit the stock closer. The rifle deserves it. I do have an example of proper fitting in my No5 Mk1. I will try to duplicate that.

Attachment 74338

[Richard Hare]

Peter,

I remember my old class teacher who taught welding more than 40 years ago, "Always chip away from yourself !" I hear his voice every time I pick up a chipping hammer!!

Grand teacher, Mr Hardman...

[Peter Laidler]

Harping back....... And another...... Our grand old physics teacher who always made lessons so interesting that we didn't want to go on to the next lesson. I always tried to copy your enthusiasm Mr Percy.

[browningautorifle]

always made lessons so interesting that we didn't want to go

That can be done by a teacher that actually knows his subject, instead of mumbling about something in the curriculum.

[Littlejohn]

Ok, here's the latest attempt at fitting the stock. Hopefully, she'll pass inspection this time.

I took the rifle to the range last weekend, and discovered that my eyes can't see the front sight anymore. Got a compliment on the rifle's appearance from a guy with a Mosin, and a Garand. He tried out the Enfield, and I got to shoot the Garand.

Attachment 74394Attachment 74395Attachment 74396

[browningautorifle]

I'd say that's pretty close. Peter will be along to critique...

[Peter Laidler]

That'd pass!

[RobD]

Littlejohn, re: your eyes, here's a suggestion - if you make the No.4 rearsight aperture smaller, you'll get a pinhole effect and the foresight may be sharper. You can do this with a piece of black paper stuck over the rearisght bridge. Start with a neat 1mm aperture and if it works, widen this with a pointy thing until the effect is lost. Use the smallest aperture though which the target still seems bright enough to see - fine apertures work best but darken the sight picture. If none of the above works, maybe it is time for a No.4 (T)...

[Littlejohn]

Littlejohn, re: your eyes, here's a suggestion - if you make the No.4 rearsight aperture smaller, you'll get a pinhole effect and the foresight may be sharper. You can do this with a piece of black paper stuck over the rearisght bridge. Start with a neat 1mm aperture and if it works, widen this with a pointy thing until the effect is lost. Use the smallest aperture though which the target still seems bright enough to see - fine apertures work best but darken the sight picture. If none of the above works, maybe it is time for a No.4 (T)...

I did notice an improvement when using the smaller aperture in the ladder sight. A No.4 (T) probably isn't in my future, but I do have a no drill mount which came with my No. 5 MK1. Might have to try that.