Desperately Seeking IWS mount for L42A1 (still looking)

[nzl1a1collector]

The simple answer is stamp "L42 IWS" on them. As pointed out by Terry the original mountings don't have, or have very few markings on them. There certainly isn't anything on them denoting the weapon they should be used with.

This would clearly indicate to the knowledgeable that it isn't an original L42 mount you could also put "L42IWS09" if you wanted a date.

Peter, I'll sort out a reply about the items you mentioned.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

You don't need to mark them. The answer is in the paint. Just use a dob of enamel paint solvent on the modern repro. If the paint comes off, then it's a repop. If the paint remains, then its spirit based, cured sunkorite.

On the other hand, if they are perfect, do we need to know? Maybe we can start a bit of a discussion. While I don't know or care much what the price of an original is, the price of the exact repops has effectively ensured that the prices will remain stable. And, if, as e now know, he's had them made to the original drawings, that should be good enough. And anyway, there's only going to be a demand for 1000 or so anyway!

Good for the guy who has done them and I hope that a) he gets his outlay back sooon and b) earns him a bit of money afterwards too

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

"...if they are perfect, do we need to know?"

I think so, yes. If I made a perfect copy of an ultra rare coin.........

I applaud Surpmil's efforts and I think he's providing a valuable service. I also think that the repro mounts should be very easily identifiable. Maybe just the letter R stamped in an inconspicuous spot, but stamped deeply enough so that you could tell if it had been removed by the third or fourth owner. Just my two pfennigs worth.

[WilliamT]

There are two distinct differences. First the thread on the socket bolts are not the same as the original and, two, the knobs on the mount are machined which the originals were not.

I think they look really good. I also think they can be distinguished from the originals easily enough for the purists.

Anyone wanting a complete kit can now have the IWS mount at a reasonable price. Those wanting an original can search, as I did, for about five years. Then really get out the wallet.

[Surpmil]

I can confirm what WilliamT has said above that these IWS brackets are identical to the originals, based on an original I have and on the original drawings.

I wondered about marking them as being reproductions, but this is a bit of double edged sword as some buyers would not want such markings, whatever their intentions.

Fortunately I haven't had to make a choice of whether to reproduce original markings as there aren't any!

There are one or two areas where machining operations have left different tool marks than appear on the original(s). That and the very slightly different allen screw thread, slightly different allen screw head, and cut rather than formed knurling, will 'clue in' those who want to tell these from an original. So hopefully we've struck the right balance there.

Like other reproduction mounts, or other gun parts, there is always the possibility that they will later be sold as, or mistaken for originals, but as we all know, that is unavoidable. Even if holes were drilled or markings engraved, they can easily be filled and obscured in steel.

In future, anyone in doubt can always contact me and I'll be happy to say if a bracket is 'one of mine' or IMO, an original. In fact, I'll forward photos of both to Badger and perhaps he may want to put them on the site for others to refer to.

Of course putting too much information out in the public domain makes the job much easier if an off-shore replicator wanted to produce real 'fakes'; that is to present their replicas as original brackets.

And by the way, I've heard from an impeccable source that the originals which were withheld when the L42A1s were sold off, have almost certainly been destroyed...

[WilliamT]

Seriously doubt the mounts kept back could possibly be in existence today.

The cost of buying an IWS mount is out of this world now. If they existed, someone would have offered them.

I am fortunate to have an original, but it cost a bunch and took five years to find.

Thank you for filling both the need and the identification of the copies should anyone be so inclined.

Now, can we expect you to make duplicate IWS scopes in the near future?

[Peter Laidler]

The original brackets were indeed held back, together with the IIW scopes and oher bracketry. The part number is now listed as NIV which to you and me indicates Not In Vocabulary. In other words, they're gone - no more - scrapped!

[WilliamT]

These mounts will allow those who do not have an original to have an extremely close copy that will also take modern sight rings.

The WWII scope leaves a lot to be desired, to say the least.

With this mount, modern scopes can be utilized to really allow the rifle to stretch its legs on the range.

I fail to see how anyone with a L42a1 can lose out.

[jmoore]

Actually, I've tried the "modern" high power scope trick and it really doesn't help that much. No4 T's and L42a1's really depend much more on the shooter's technique than the optics to shoot little bitty groups, especially at distance.

If you have an L42a1 then ya gotta have the bracket, its just that the big honkin' IWS looks like it'll shear off the front mount spigot under recoil.

Go ahead and try the new fangled stuff, its fun, but for practical and serious rough duty work I've found few better platforms than the old Enfield/Hollands'. (dang old scope w/printed on yardage numbers is easier to use than a lot of the fancier stuff, less to forget!)

I think clarity in a scope counts for more than raw power, and those No 32 scopes used most excellent glass! M40a1's have "good" and usable optics too, but the rifles, ehhh, adequate sporters pressed into service.(Preparing for the hate storm now!)

BTW, whilst I'm blathering on, what's the most common scope used on the Brit. AI rifles?

[MJ1]

I think the man needs a big pat on the back. I also think he should number them because they will have more value as he becomes known for his work.

My L42 with Leupold M3 LR


My Savage with 30mm tube.


Just my .02

...MJ...