Peter Please - L42A1 Scope Tool?

[Terry Hawker]

Hello Peter,

Perhaps you would be kind enough to let me pick your brain again. In a discussion that started on Gunboards Sniper forum at L42A1 sniper slings found at War & peace show - Gunboard's Forums and, which in my typically computer-inept fashion, I continued on their Lee-Enfield forum at, L42A1 - L1A1 Scope Adjusting Tools? , two gentlemen were quite adamant that there was an issue tool, sighting telescope, for the L1A1 telescope on the L42A1 rifle.

I was always under the impression that such was not the case, which seemed to be born out in all three editions of your handy book on the "Telescope Sighting No. 32" and also your excellent, "An Armourer's Perspective: .303 No. 4 (T) Sniper Rifle".

Thought perhaps I had missed the publication of a new reference, as both these gents said they had read about this tool, one of them even stating it was in one of your works. I asked where this information can be found, but, as yet, neither has divulged his source. One fellow was kind enough to post a photo of this tool on both threads I mentioned above, but to me, it has a distinct after-market look about it.



Understandably, you may be be too busy to look at the Gunboards threads, but if you don't mind, could you please let us know here what you may know about such a tool?

As always, thanks for the benefit of your knowledge.

Best regards,

Terry

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Brian Dick]

Terry, It states clearly on the paste in label in the scope case for the L1A1 telescope that no tool is required for the adjustment of the scope. There's some confusion somewhere. The only tools issued were for the No.32Mk.1 and Mk.2 telescopes. ATB, Brian

[Terry Hawker]

Brian,

Of course, that's what the label in mine says also, as well as the view that all the literature supports. Thought I was helping out a bit on the other forum when I mentioned the same information. Proof once again, "You can lead a horse...."

Thanks for the confirmation that there is not a new source of information out there that completely contradicts what Peter and Ian have written on the subject.

Best regards,

Terry

[Peter Laidler]

I've been an Armourer since my apprenticeship commenced in January 1963 Terry. There is NO tool issued in the kit for the L1A1 telescope. But I could be wrong.............

However, there were a few tools issued for the instrument technicians (and the very few suitably qualified Armourers who were authorised to get into the bowels of instruments). But these were the usual general instrument screwdrivers etc that were part of his general tool kit. You made anything else you needed, usually copied from the well worn tools of the earlier generations.

Send them an email and tell them that you've just spoken to the most senior Armourer in the Army, based at the Small Arms School, and he says that there isn't. But be warned......., there's a lot of experts out there. I'm on the ranges with a load of them next week..., the Police!

[Roger Payne]

May I put this matter to bed? The tool shown in the photo on the other forum was copied from one I had (& still have) which was made up by a then serving armourer for working on the No32 Mk3/L1A1. It was for his own use & was not an official issue, though it does the job admirably. (As Peter says, armourers are good at extemporising what they need). The late Graham Smith made a few for me & they have ended up in various corners of the planet in the hands (usually) of people known to me. The markings were applied by Graham himself, & were not put on at my behest. I guess it doesn't matter that much, but once they've changed hands a few times I can see how myths may start to arise. But there we are.....

ATB

[Peter Laidler]

Just a thought Roger and Terry, but what did this special tool look like

[Kev G]

ATB Kevin

[Beerhunter]

Just a thought Roger and Terry, but what did this special tool look like

I'd like to know what it DOES?

[PrinzEugen]

I'm on the ranges with a load of them next week..., the Police!

We need to clear this up. The Police might use snipers rifles but they are not snipers. Good shots or even marksmen yes - but snipers, NO

I think you should take the opportunity to give them the benefit of your opinion on their 'rifle officers' Peter!

Also be careful Peter - they're a dangerous bunch!

[Peter Laidler]

Nope......, nothing that I've ever seen in my time Terry and Roger!