Highest known Sterling L34A1 - Mk5 ?

[Lee Enfield]

Do you remember what the 2 screws (1 on either side) below the front sight are for?

Attachment 95569
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I initially thought that they could be the "axle" that the flapper valve operated on, but now after viewing the drawings, I'm thinking that they were meant to hold the front sight fixture to the tube "fixing" that was simplified to a single socket screw on the production gun?

Attachment 95572
Attachment 95573

[Peter Laidler]

No, don't know what those two screws are for but it's not a Sterling production gun and obviously nothing to do with zeroing either. I would imagine that that they are retainers for the foresight housing. The locator being the larger 4BA(?) allen bolt seen at the 6 o'clock position. In real life the 'retainers' are not required because the muzzle cap is pulled rearwards against the rods and clamps the foresight block in place. The 'locator' and the steel stud in the brass front barrel centraliser keeps everything aligned. Another bit of useless Enfield sort-of related info

If anyone has got one of these guns that they use regularly then I'd suggest that they replace the awful rods and muzzle screws with stainless steel. The originals were a total PITA.

[Vincent]

…. In real life the 'retainers' are not required because the muzzle cap is pulled rearwards against the rods and clamps the foresight block in place. The 'locator' and the steel stud in the brass front barrel centraliser keeps everything aligned. Another bit of useless Enfield sort-of related info.

It’s all good information, Peter.

Do you know if there was a good reason for the front site guard to be put on backwards? Or was Enfield copying Sterling again and didn’t get it right.. again?

[Vincent]

That follows, bigger is better in those. I do know that for a fact. I know it's a pipedream, somewhat like the tiny silencers you see in movies or portrayed on revolvers in movies. None are feasible.

Well, here in good Ol Texas, USA, it’s a fact of life.. bigger is always better! But if you really want to kill geckos at 02:00 and not disturb the neighbors with a tiny suppressor, get a Gemtech Aurora 2. It’s good for about ten geckos before you need to replace the wipes. It’s a bit like the front of the old Knights “tooth chipper”, only without the blast chamber and sights.

[Peter Laidler]

What sight guard is on the wrong way Vince? The foresight protectors were odd-legged so as to clear the shape of the foresight blades

[browningautorifle]

Gemtech Aurora 2

Neat, I'll take two...

[Lee Enfield]

A US "Dealer Sample" Sterling Mk5 imported to the US by Armalite sold at auction last week. It's serial number was No. 1493 (no letter prefix) supports the conclusion that serial numbers re-started for the Mk5 with the Letter Pre-fix "S" for Sisi (Sisi was James Edmiston's wife).

Also attached is the lowest (so far) seen "S" prefix Mk5 No. S1185

I would note that: 1493's bolt is dated 1972, while S1185's bolt is date 1971, while it's PG is dated 1973.

so there seems to have been a small overlap in parts dates - though both PG and bolts are replaceable parts, they do match nicely with probably manufacture dates (Mr. Edmiston bought Sterling in 1972 and is recorded as having the serial number pre-fix of "S" added at that date to Mk4 production).


Here is the list of known numbers https://www.milsurps.com/showthread....l=1#post387183

[Brian Dick]

I still have copies of the Mk.5/L34A1 EMER if in need. I also have the EMERs for the Patchett through Mk.4/L2A1, illustrated parts catalogues and beautiful user handbooks.

---------- Post added at 03:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:34 PM ----------

Almost forgot: I also have the Infantry Training Pam available.

Get 'em while they're still available.

[Lee Enfield]

Found 2 more "Dealer Sample" pre "S" serial number pre-fix Mk5s for sale in the US

Serial Numbers 1528 and 1532, Both imported by "Law Enforcement Ordnance" of Athens Georgia, both have bolts dated 1972.

Serial Number 1528 (note you can just see the barrel porting)
https://www.rockislandauction.com/de...les-sample-smg





Serial Number 1532 (you can see how the outer casing tube was marked)



https://www.milsurps.com/showthread....l=1#post387183 link to the update serial number list

[Lee Enfield]

Attachment 106482

The lowest commercial Mk5 so far (Serial # 152)...and in the US - should have been manufactured c.1967/68 ...possibly early enough to be transferable in the USA depending on when it was imported!!??