Good day everyone,

Last year I was given a No1 Mk3 that had been sporterized but not bubba'd. The metal was intact and in excellent condition but the forearm was cut and forearm metal was missing.

I stumbled onto a set of original Enfield replacement wood and metal including a nosecap without serial number. These were not Ishy parts, and showed the E and broad arrow but no serials. I found an excellent rear sight with windage, but I am still looking for volley sights and a cut off. Otherwise the rifle is back to original appearance.

I carefully fitted the forearm and handguards as per the Canadianicon manual, I have approx 6lbs pressure at the barrel tip with the nosecap installed. I also have .020 gap around the barrel at the nosecap.

Pictures are here under the "SMLE" folder.
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The rifle shoots well. Last weekend I went to a practice shoot with several instructors from our state and at 400 yards I was keeping all shots on a 6moa steel plate, doing just as well as the Garandicon shooters. Not bad for no peep sight and a 96 year old rifle.

The problem. I have owned and repaired several Enfields over the years. Mostly cleaning, refurbishing to original specs, and repairing stocking. Always I was able to get excellent accuracy and put the POI where is was supposed to be. However, with this Mk3 I am having issues. With the .030 front sight I am shooting 8 moa high. This I checked with the 25 yard sighting target and verified at 400 yards as mentioned earlier.

I am at a loss to understand why. Posssibly the crown? The barrel had one flaw which was a very bad nick in the crown which I removed. I cannot believe that recrowning would cause such a large change in POI.

I am open to suggestions as to what I might do, what I might have done wrong, or what I should check.

If the suggestion is that a under 4moa Mk3 should be left as is, I will make a new front sight to the needed height and go on shooting her.

Thanks,

DAve
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