Not strickly Lee Enfield, but... (P14)

[louthepou]

Hi everyone,

Here's a short story of a long refurb, of an Enfield P14. (Posted in the "Restorer's Corner" section). Cheers!

Lou

Refurbed Enfield P14 - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

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[andiarisaka]

I recently purchased from the UK an NRA Micrometer Rear Sight 1946 for Enfield P14/P17 rifles. I goes on the P14 in place of the rear volley sight. I bid on it as second choice after losing an auction for a PH5B, and the seller tells me it is much rarer. I'm hoping someone can come up with more information on it. The seller didn't know the maker, though he offered this: "Hello Robert, Regret I do not know the maker, the sights were contracted & ordered from an engineering business in Guildford,Surrey by the NRA at Bisley, regards, Jay." I've also attached the pic from the auction, not a very good one, but I'll post better ones once it arrives. Looks to be a dandy little item, probably cost an arm and a leg to reproduce today, but I may check that out.

[louthepou]

I wouldn't mind if some day I'd be able to try a fancy sight like that on my P14 or one of my Lee Enfields...

Lou

[andiarisaka]

Hi Lou,

I posted some better pics on Culver's 1917 Forum. The sight would fit a couple different British Enfields plus the P14. Mustve had some problems though.

[harry mac]

The sights were indeed ordered by the NRA, and I have one at home. I also have a copy of the NRA journal for 1946 which has a write up on the sight. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the company. The sight was provided with fittings for the SMLE, No4 and P14 rifles, so it would be suitable for all three.
When I get home from work tomorrow I'll see if I can lay my hands on the 1946 journal and will post the maker's name on here; if someone doesn't beat me to it.
I think the reasoning behind it was a way to kick start target shooting again in the UK in the immediate post war period with a target sight that was affordable in comparison to the P.H. offerings, which at the time were state of the art and very expensive. It would appear these sight are rarer than the P.H. ones. I've fitted mine to my P14 but haven't had the chance to use it yet.