No4 MK 1 front sight

[prolifical]

I am a first time Lee Enfield owner who just bought a 1944 Long Branch No.4 MK1*. The front sight blade on the rifle has a solid base and is marked -015. It shoots real high. I am shopping for a higher sight blade to replace the existing one currently on the rifle, and have found that all available ones for sale are split base. I have looked everywhere and there is no solid base to be had.

My questions are: (1) are the solid base and the split base compatible? Do I need to stick with solid base? My front sight block has the reverse headed screw. (2) when replacing the front sight blade, do I have to loosen the reverse headed screw first before drifting out the old sight? Probably due to corrosion, I cannot move that screw at all. I am hoping I could just drift out the old one and tap a new one in without damaging both units.

I would appreciate any advice.

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

Just take the bull by the horns, get the CORRECT tool and unscrew that screw. It WILL unscrew, believe me! The solid and split sight blades are not really compatible. But once again, just insert a slice of the correct thickness mild steel in the slot/slit, make good and that's the problem easily solved.

[Brian Dick]

Where are you looking? I have plenty of them. The majority are Long Branch manufacture too.

[Peter Laidler]

You MUST update your web site Brian. Think of all the foresights you're probably missing out on selling!!!!!!!!!

[Brian Dick]

I know Peter. It's not a case of update but trash it and then do a total rebuild. It will happen when I have funds to allocate towards it. I'm short on rifles anyhow. The good old days have come and gone.

It's easy to email and ask or phone the old fashioned way. That's what everyone else does.