Most line throwing rifles did not have sights on them. The Long Branch No.4 for example. Line throwing rifles were usually used by Naval personnel to fire lines from ship to ship to pull a heavier line for the "bosun's chair" or transfer of lines and cables. The line throwing rifles were also wrapped, and most were wire wrapped. There was a cord wrapped SMLE used for grenade launching during WW I, but I have only seen two or three examples on the loose. The stock wrapping was to prevent injury from the stock splintering. The recoil in firing a No.23, or 36 mills bomb was quite violent, as was the recoil from the rodded grenades. Being a "Bomber" in WW I was not for the faint at heart.