Long Lee target sights - windage

[RangeRover]

Pardon what may seem like a stupid question, but my 1896 MLE Mk 1 (no star) is in original condition, predating Mk VII ammo, and has the offset foresight blade. I haven't had a chance to take it to the range yet, but I gather I can expect issues with getting shots on paper with the current sight configuration.

I'm wondering if a target sight with windage adjustment is an adequate way to deal with this. If so, suggestions as the most suitable options would be welcomed so I can start to keep an eye out. I've seen a couple of them pop up on the "e-" auction sight but don't want to invest if it's not going to address the problem.

Other solutions (not involving replacing the front sight)?

Thanks.

Information

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[Gingercat]

Hi

I found that my Long Lee shot very low with MkVII ammunition and it had me stumped for a while at the range. To get the shots consistently on the paper at 100m range, I had to have the rifle sights set for about 400 yards on the scale.

I have a BSA No.9 aperture sight that I bought on the auction site you mention, but haven't fitted it yet. I too thought that once set up, this would be the easy way to compensate for the different ammunition.

More info can be found here:

http://www.rifleman.org.uk/BSA_sight...sories.htm#No9

Kind regards

Mike

[RobD]

RR, that foresight error probably led to Boer lives being spared in the early engagements of the ABW (LLE Mk I no star shot 5 ft to the right at 300 yds if I recall correctly), until the armourers were given replacement rear sights with an offset notch, which they fitted in the field. So your rear sight should similarly be offset. If it isn't, I could suggest one of two solutions: (a) an offset original rear sight or (b) a windage adjustable rear sight for the LLE (South African Army upgrade), similar to what was used in the CLLE conversion. PM me if interested.

[smellie]

As far as elevation is concerned, the Mark VII will give your rifle entirely different barrel harmonics than what you would get with Mark VI or Mark II Ball. Once you have found out just WHERE it wants to soot, though, you should have less trouble at normal ranges, as the Mark VII will shoot flatter. It's just getting the old girl on paper for the first time that gives you the headache.

Offset rear notch???? Wish I had thought of that! If the rifle shoots really low and off, make up a higher rear-sight leaf/notch out of heavy card stock, varnish it and tape it into place (Red Green would recommend a roll of Duct Tape, of course). You don't need anything permanent but you do need something to aim with. This might satisfy both needs.

Hope this helps.

[RangeRover]

Thanks for the informative and useful replies.

To perhaps further illuminate, here are a couple of photos of the rear sight on my '96 MLE. Looks to me like I have an unaltered sight, yes?

I'm guessing that means I'm in the hunt for a replacement rear sight.

[Surpmil]

Or you could fit one of these...

[RangeRover]

Okay...I'm intrigued. Tell me more.

Or you could fit one of these...

[Thunderbox]

Do you really want to alter an original 1896 rifle? Why not just use a modified point of aim for the ammunition that you have available?

[RangeRover]

The last thing I want to do is permanently alter this rifle. I'm very specifically looking for options that can very easily be undone so I can return it to original spec. If none exist, I will resort to aiming off/Kentucky windage.

Do you really want to alter an original 1896 rifle? Why not just use a modified point of aim for the ammunition that you have available?

[RobD]

first, the original (Nov/Dec 1899 Boer War) field conversion of the MLE I rear sight, in which the sight notch was moved to the left. Second, the S A Army sight upgrade with a fine notch and windage adjustment.