Mark 1*** backsight leaf slide

[RCS]

About ten years ago, I bought a Mark 1*** Enfield dated 1906, it had the Irish prefix on the new serial number. Everything was matching, bolt,fore-end, nosecap rear sight leaf - but the rear sight leaf was missing the leaf slide, which has the two checkered studs which engage the leaf notches on both sides. You may never find this part. I did have some other Mark 1*** rifles and took the rear sight slide off of one to duplicate.
I used two round pieces of steel, milled flat on both sides, one end milled for the studs. The leaf slide had to have a square opening on each side (alot of file work). I was able to find the correct tapered coil springs for each stud - but they were chromed - but I used them.
I used hardwood to make the studs then checkered them as the photo shows - but later on decided that these studs should show more wear and sanded them down a little more.Attachment 15330

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

I could never get over the workmanship on the early rifles. Like art. By the way, you could have removed the chrome from the springs with muriatic acid. Just soak for a spell and don't breath the fumes. Rinse and oil.

[RCS]

Thanks for the suggestion on muriatic acid - but do not think I will ever use it again after cleaning some early HRA T48 magazines from the salvage dump years ago.

Note the Mark 1*** in my photo: the Mark 1*** rear handguard has the steel backsight protector removed and a Mark 111 backsight protector has been installed in the fore-end.

[tbonesmith]

That looks like really neat work. Thanks for the pic!