Screw hole dimensions on Shtle V rifle

[stockerphil]

I have a Shtle V rifle made in 1922. I want to try and make a scope mount bracket. Seems it has to mount on the left side of the receiver. There is a screw filled hole just below the bridge and seems I'll need to take off the rear sight and use the pivot screw hole. Does anyone know the actual dimensions for these two holes and the thickness of the sight bar protrusion ???

Thanks for any help you can offer

Information

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[ActionYobbo]

are you a friend of the devil

[Bruce_in_Oz]

The screw below the bridge is the ejector (screw). The thread on this is 0.165" dia., 37 threads/inch. This is an "Enfield Special" thread as it also has a unique thread "form", like every other screw on a SMLE. Some folk manage to make metric screws fit here, but it is not a good look

My experience with several commercial mounts that are supposed to be "easy-fit" in the manner you mention, has not been entirely positive. Most end up on odd alignments. Furthermore, anything but the shortest, lightest scopes will rapidly cause the entire assembly to flog around and become loose (and useless) in short order.

If you want a .303 with a scope, there must be a million "sporters" out there, going for a song. Keep and use the Mk5 in it's original trim: they are a classy and interesting beast.


Cheers.

[Peter Laidler]

I entirely agree with Bruce in Oz. Keep the grand old lady as she was meant and designed to be. There's no such thing as a successful fit's-all mount for a No1 rifle

[paulseamus]

Stockerphil

The ShtLE V is a very rare Enfield Rifle with a high value if left in it's original condition.

Only 20,000 ShtLE V's were made from 1922 to 1924. With normal wear and tear, not all 20,000 still exist today.

Whereas SMLE No1 MkIII and MkIII* were made in the millions and are very common. I would bet that almost every gunshop has at least one or two MkIII's collecting dust in a quiet corner.

A ShtLE V is probably worth at least five times the value of a similar aged SMLE No1 MkIII.

Many collectors have never handled a ShtLE V, let alone owned one. That is why forum members are suggesting that you don't mess up your rare ShtLE V rifle but instead fit a scope to a more common, cheaper SMLE MkIII.

Follow this link to a Knowledge Library entry on the ShtLE V Milsurps - 1924 ShtLE No.1 MkV Rifle

If you are not to fussed about the rifle that you have post a "WTS - wanted to sell" listing on this site.

I am sure that you will find another USA based member who will want to add your rifle to their collection.

Cheers

Paul (Custodian of a 1922 ShtLE V)

[browningautorifle]

I have a Shtle V rifle made in 1922. I want to try and make a scope mount bracket.

I don't believe for a minute he really intends to do this...I think he's just stirring.

[bigduke6]

stockerphil,

Agree with the others here, but maybe a few photo,s would help, as you may end up turning something like this,




into something like this

[browningautorifle]

Pretty funny bigduke6, but you guys notice he hasn't been on since the 15th? Stiring...

[stockerphil]

Yeah I haven't been on since the 15th. It was a serious inquiry, but with this info I will certainly reconsider. Thanks for the input. Had read there were only 20K made but don't know much beyond that. Also didn't really understand the picture shown under "Like This" But infere it is a kludge

Slugged the barrel and thought it measured .313, tho it might be .311. Difficult to measure with a micrometer. Bored a .313 hole in a piece of steel and slug fits but may have to bore .311 version to confirm. Bought .313 cast bullets so I can reload, but not sure now it is the right dia. Fortunately my Argentine 91 does slug .313 so can use the bullets there. Will .313 cast bullets work OK in a .311 Enfield?? One gunsmith said it should be OK. Sorry to be dumb but am just starting to try and do some shooting, haven't reloaded anything yet

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Cast bullets can be good and bad.

You need to use the hardest alloy you can work with if you want any sort of velocity.

Also, unless you want "gallery loads" stick with heavy pills (180-200gn). They feed better too.

You will probably find that the actual groove diameter is a bit bigger than .313", unless you have a really odd one. Most LE barrels slug out to .315" up to .319". Make sure your test slug is at least .315", short and VERY soft.

Once you start using cast bullets, avoid using any jacketed stuff afterwards UNLESS you are absolutely confident that you can remove EVERY streak of lead alloy from the lands and grooves. I have seen some VERY expensive barrels wrecked by one round of jacketed ammo after a diet of cast bullets. The hard jacket simply "bulldozes" the metal fouling up the barrel until the steel of the barrel gives way, usually as the barrel thins out a few inches back from the muzzle. Hey! Presto! a "ringed" and ruined barrel.