Lee Enfield scope question

[JTDillon]

I just bought an Enfield SMLE no. 1 Mark 3 and I am absolutely in love...not with the price of ammunition though. Anyway I have the PU scope for my Nagant and love it. I was looking for scopes for an Enfield and stumbled across a Numrich No. 32 Mark 2 3.5x scope...would these be compatible for my rifle? Meaning could I find a mount for my mark 3? Im new to the world of firearms and any help would be greatly appreciated. Im going to look through these threads im glad I found this site.

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[PrinzEugen]

Hi JTDillon - well the SMLE is a great rifle and a wonderful addition to any collection... but in terms of scopes it's not ideal. I think there are some non gunsmithing mounts out there, but don't seem to be highly thought of.

The no32 scope, a reproduction of which you've found on Numrich was actually used on the No4 Mk1 rifle - the successor to the SMLE and it was used in WWII. It wouldn't be 'correct' for the SMLE, if that's what you're after, and you would struggle to find a means of mounting it on the rifle. (The repro 32s have mixed reviews as well, with some expert opinion here not thinking much of them).

I would advise that if you want a scope mounted period British rifle, get a No4 Mk1 - they can be had relatively cheaply and there are many scope mounting options out there. The SMLE is best used firing over iron sights.

[Ridolpho]

JT: lots of available aftermarket vernier aperture sights available for the No. 1 rifle. These increase the sight radius and you can alter the aperture size on many to suit you. They are fun to shoot with and look correct on the No. 1- in fact they are correct with certain types actually having been used by "snipers" in WW1. These are getting pricier but still can be had for a lot less than a scope/ mount. Also, don't discount the standard military sight. If your rifle is set up properly you may be surprised how easy it is to hit targets at 4 or 5 hundred yards. Conversely, if you can't see signs of accuracy potential with the stock sight it may reflect problems with fitting of the forend, etc, that won't be cured with a scope or vernier sight. They are wonderful rifles- you'll have several pretty soon I would guess!

Ridolpho

[Peter Laidler]

JTD..... You have asked a couple of very pertinent questions and have had a couple of good, well thourhg out answers. I'm not going to try to compete with those answers except to make a suggestion.

If I was you, I'd put in a few keywords such as telescope, sniper...., you know the sort of thing into the forum search whatsit and start reading back. Very soon you'll be starting to hear what members are saying about this, that and the other PLUS what THEY have done and how they've succeeded - and sad to say, failed!

Go on, start reading and come back again with another ball park idea. Hopefully based on that other Enfield ball of fire, the No4!

[mrbungle]

i have a repo scope on my no 4 T , and it is a mixed bag...........problems holding zero. on the other hand once zeroed, shoots and tracks pretty good. but one bump to the side dial and the cross hairs are crooked. back to zeroing....now the front lens is coming lose so it is not in focus. easy fix. but not something i would want my life to depend on. for the money this should be alot better scope.

this a sarco scope. now, i am pretty rough on weapons, i shoot them and try to take them to the max range rain or shine. i do not cradle them in a safe somewhere.

[Peter Laidler]

Your loose OG lens that has put the image out of focus isn't quite the easy fix you think it is Mr B! That's because the mechanics of these repops doesn't lend itself to 'easy'. Believe me.....! My opinion of those repops I have seen and worked on is that personally, I'd save for twice as long and pay twice the price to get a crap No32 - then have THAT one rebuilt. Just my opinion though

[mrbungle]

i understand, peter. my repo is a stand in until i get my real no 32..........dream a little dream with me......

[JTDillon]

What kind of set up is this?

[Bruce_in_Oz]

What kind of set up is this?

IF it is genuine, it looks a lot like an Australian HT sniper: Australian variant Pattern 18 scope mounted in "German style" detachable "claw" mounts on a (usually) Lithgow No1 Mk111* fitted with the "Lithgow special" heavy barrel. This one seems to be a "Low" (Short Bracket) mount. The addition of a wooden, "bolt-on' cheekpiece was optional.

Quite a few were made: 1132 "High Mount" and 480 "Low Mount" rifles. Most never saw action, or even issue, and nearly all were sold as surplus back in the 1960s and 70s, many ending up in the US.

Replaced in service by the Parker Hale M-82 which was replaced in turn by the Accuracy International "shooting machine".

If it's yours, cherish it; if it's for sale, and it's genuine and the owner knows what it is, prepare for extreme "sticker shock".