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Maybe I can add a few words Villiers......... The Payne brackets were formulated after a UK
MoD requirement for a further batch of brackets for a reason that I won't go into yet again. The requirement was that they were to be made exactly to the original drawings - even down to the exact material spec. That spec criteria applied to the thumbscrews and the taper-lock cradle screws too. The taper-lock screws weren't in production at the time and being an old fashioned idea pertaining to the telescope, had to be re-tooled up for.
Subsequently a large batch were accepted by the UK MoD. I dare say that India or China or Swahililand could have remanufactured something similar - but they didn't until 25 years afterwards!
It's a bit like getting a new steering rack or thinggy pump for your VW. If you get the VW or original equipment (OE spec), you just KNOW that it is as good as the original that was there when it left the factory. You could get a Chinese aftermarket - or one from India - or Swahililand and it'll work. They'll all need a bit of accurate hand fitting and....... But when you sell the car, try telling the new enthusiast that it's got an Indian steering rack fitted and see what reception you get. Like selling your L42 with an OE spec bracket.
Call me old fashioned and all that but............
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11-16-2015 02:24 PM
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Fortunately or unfortunately, the off-shore brackets have a number of cosmetic problems. The casting is distinctly different from the originals in two respects: that beveled lump on the rear "leg" and the fact that the cradle caps are cast separately. Thus the edges do not line up as the originals did, in which the bracket and caps were cast as one piece, drilled and tapped and then the caps cut off, after being numbered to the bracket.
“There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”
Edward Bernays, 1928
Much changes, much remains the same. 
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So it would therefore seem to be a matter of exactly replicating the originals rather than any measurable deficiency. In the meantime, I´ve obtained a Canadian mount enabling me to use scopes with differing tube diameters on a picatinny rail. The Canadian manufacturer assures me that attachments are exactly the same as on the original mounts and I found that it´s a perfect fit on the tabs that were spaced for my (cheap Asian etc) repro. It would still be of interest to hear from someone who has experienced problems with the replicas. Personally, I see no reason not to recommend both the Canadian type and the Commonwealth made replica.
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Agreed.......... But they ain't original as in 'original equipment'. I'd put a fake drive belt on my lawn mower but not sure I'd put a fake belt drive on my limited edition L42!
Based on nothing more that the Mechanical Engineer in me - and limited experience as an Armourer...............
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In fairness they may be rather better now than when they first came out ten years or however long ago it was. I did then hear from a number of people who had bought them & been dissatisfied. Collimation seemed to be the commonest problem IIRC. However, they may well have improved them, & I am truly delighted that Villiers has a decent one & is happy with it.
There are around 600 No4 (T)'s (probably about two thirds restored originals & one third modern assemblies) around the globe that have my mounts on them, & in spite of all of the problems in getting them made, & the not inconsiderable outlay I have to make 'up front', there is still enough demand from people to justify me getting more done. I started the project with Peter's help & advice in the 1980's & there is still a market for them in spite of the cheaper alternatives. When people start telling me they don't want them any more I'll take the hint!
ATB
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The problems I had with my two cheapo reproduction brackets......
The milling for the lttle positioning pin was machined slightly off to the right, scope cross hair was not level.
Front ring too wide, interfered with fit, scope would not lie properly in the mount.
Steel used for cap screws and knobs was crap soft. Threads would strip if you looked at the wrong.
Stay with DRPs product.
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The Following 3 Members Say Thank You to Hal O'Peridol For This Useful Post:
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Yep........, I fitted a drive belt like that to my lawn mower at the end of the summer. Fitted a replacement Briggs and Stratton yesterday!
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PM
