No4 Mk1 (T) mount, etc.

[ANDYZ28]

I am in the initial process of aquiring a No4 Mk1 (T) rifle. Naturally it is missing the scope and mount and cheek piece. Is thier any real possibility of locating these items. I am not concerned about the matching/collectability I intend to shoot it in a recently developed Vintage Sniper Rifle Match.

I have a 1942 Long Branch No4 Mk1 which I currently shoot in similar matches, but would dearly love to shoot one in the sniper match format. In 2008 I was the high scoring commonwealth rifle, what fun it is too.

Thanks, Andy

Information

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[Mk VII]

Be prepared to pay a lot of money for genuine ones (and a decent repro bracket [as distinct from Sarco ones] is not cheap either). There are many more rifles chasing loose scopes than we would like.

[ANDYZ28]

Be prepared to pay a lot of money for genuine ones (and a decent repro bracket [as distinct from Sarco ones] is not cheap either). There are many more rifles chasing loose scopes than we would like.

"a lot of money"?

It would seem to a novice like me that the scope and mount could exceed the initial cost of the rifle itself?

Thanks, Andy

[Alan de Enfield]

"a lot of money"?

It would seem to a novice like me that the scope and mount could exceed the initial cost of the rifle itself?

Thanks, Andy

Scope and mount = $2000+

[ANDYZ28]

Scope and mount = $2000+

HOLY XXXX!

I also understand that the mount may require "adjustment" to fit an original rifle properly?

Thanks, Andy

[jmoore]

Grim reality: "Yes" to both questions!

[Brian Dick]

I've got Roger Payne's perfect reproduction No.32 scope brackets on hand but haven't had time to finish them yet as I bought them in the white. I also have correct and perfect beech cheek pieces that are made in England by EFD with screws. Email me directly if interested. Just have patience on the brackets because with my current work and travel schedule, it'll be Spring before I can get them ready for sale.

[PrinzEugen]

Hi Andy - the year of your 4t would dictate which type of number 32 scope would be 'correct' for it. Of course it only matters if it matters to you!
The best for shooting would be a mk3 as it is much easier to adjust (the mk1 is the worst for this requiring, famously, three hands). A 41-43 rifle will have a mk1, 43-44 sees the transition to mk 2 and from 1945 a mk3. As you want to shoot it a mk3 would be best - but it is also the most expensive - in British pounds on ebay you'd be looking at £1,200 plus. A Mk1 just sold on ebay for £970! There are bargains (ish) to be had on occasion (bargains might not be the right word) but you have to keep your eyes peeled. The Roger Payne repro mounts as sold by Brian Dick are generally held to be the best and some were used by the MOD to replace L42 mounts (as revealed by Peter L on this forum), which I suppose shows their quality! You will struggle to find an original mount - they are very scarce and I can't remember the last time I saw one on ebay.

[ANDYZ28]

The match rules state; "rifles may be equipped with a non-issue but period or replica optical sight"................"rifles MUST be in as issued condition, no match conditioning is allowed". The match is fired at 300 and then 600 yards and a sand bag rest is allowed. It sure does sound like fun to me. I am an experience service rifle shooter of many years and start practicing right away as I know 8 weeks will pass very quickly.

It would seem that the Roger Payne repro mount and mk3 would do the job nicely. Is thier a source for info on fitting the mount to the rifle? I understand it can be quite a bit of work to do properly. I have shot my standard No4 1942 Long Branch in quite a few matches using only hand loads (SMK 174grain/44 grains 4350) and is amazing how accurate it is. The numbers stamped on the rifle are 44941 and 10L4995. Which one is the actual serial number? I do not yet know the year or serial number of the 4T yet but the current owner told me it has ROF marked on the left side of the receiver.

Sorry for all the questions, but I find myseld suddenly entrenced in a project I knew noting about 2 days ago.

Where should I begin my search for a Mk3 scope? Time is fairly short, and if I had the items to put together I would be shooting today.

Thanks, Andy

[Peter Laidler]

If time is fairly short, then I wouldn't bother with your quest because these things don't just fall into place, believe me! Just take your time and you WILL succeed.

As for prices, just remember that regarding Lee Enfields, '.... everything is cheap... yesterday'