Singer sights on No4T and L42A1

[Jugs]

I know about the removal of the peep sight hole on the top of the sight frame to stop it conneting with the No32 scope, but does anyone know as to weather the underside of the sight was machined out so that the bolt could still be removed with the sight in the down position? Was this an additional mod on the singer sight on the these rifles?

Information

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[Brian Dick]

There was a proper modification that could done to Mk.1 rear sights so the bolt could be removed with the scope attached. I think it was done more in the L42 days though than in the days of the No.4T. Armourers had a special jig to grind the bottom of the slide and leaf. Then the whole assembly was refinished properly and reinstalled.

[jmoore]

I've yet to see this modification on either a No.4 (T) or an L42A1. And it's one thing for which I immediately check! Haven't seen a photo of one turn up on this forum that I can remember, either. Somebody somewhere ought to have said! But they've been quiet so far.

[Jugs]

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

I have looked at some recent good photos I have of No4T's and they appear not to be modified for bolt removal with the sight in the down position. Can only assume therefore that one has to remove the scope each and everytime the bolt is to be removed.

Does any of the L42 owners out in forum land have rifles they can remove the bolts on without having to first remove the scope and flip up the sight?

[Charlie]

I have one and it was not done with a grinder, it was milled. Also the slider is not milled. No need, it just has to be set a little past midway and the leaf raised a tad to get the bolt head past the slider and then the bolt slides right out.

On edit: Forgot to say, mine is not a Singer. It's a BSA.

[Peter Laidler]

It was a local modification that had no official sanction in the EMER's but was accepted by all, You might not even notice it as the cursor slide was skimmed and the backsight axis pin part of the leaf was slightly cleared to allow the bolt head to pass. Seen plenty and done them too....

It was a bit like finding a leather sling on your No4T. That's how it was issued but when the snipers got them, they put the long Bren slings on

And does anyone have a rifle with a modified sight. Yep, I do. And a webbing Bren sling too........... Yep, me again

[madcratebuilder]

My BSA (T) has the modified backsight (BSA). It's always been my understanding that this has done at the unit level, not a authorized modification.


Peter, any chance of a photo of the Bren sling or a exact model? I think I'll track one down.

[Brian Dick]

The Bren sling looks exactly like the normal web sling except it measures 57" + or - as compared to the rifle sling which measures 44" + or -. There's a little bit of variation depending on the manufacturer.

[Peter Laidler]

Thanks Brian. I certainly use a Bren sling on mine. I know it's not original but it's used regularly with the sniper division who seem to love it! When I tell them that the original sling should be leather, they ask '...........leather! what happens when it gets wet?' Exactly!

[Jugs]

Many thanks guys for the detailed information about the sight. Interesting to know that in either configuration the sight would not be 'wrong'.

Also interesting about the sling, did not know a sling other than the leather sling was used on the No4T. Found a photo showing WW2 snipers in europe with leather slings fitted to the rifles and that they are all wearing std. para clothing of the day.

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