Early BSA Aperture sight Question

[4004757]

Couldn't believe my luck today at a garage sale. Found a BSA Aperture sight which I think they call a BSA No: 9G (see photos), I was hoping it would fit my Lithgow ShtLE 1915 as a period target sight to keep it all nice and original but it didn't as the safety catch was interfering with its fit? The checks I have made indicate that this sight was for the early BSA rifles with the safety on the bolt? Can any member confirm this with me as I would have loved to fit it as it incorporates the long range volley sight and folds down to use the original sights which is a terrific idea.

Information

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[muffett.2008]

The sight pictured is a No.9, not a 9G.
This sight fits directly to a L.E in place of the volley sight.
With the BSA mount the sight will fit a SMLE by replacing the safety spring with a coil spring. If used with the base it requires the long windarm, which your sight has.

These are 9's with different length arms.Attachment 41020

This is a 9G.Attachment 41019

[4004757]

Sorry but not quite sure I fully understand what you mean. Are you saying that this sight will fit my rifle if I remove the mounting plate? I tried both methods. With the mounting plate attached the sight fits perfectly however the volley is too far forward by a good 10mm and when rotated downwards the volley sight arm does not fit in the recessed groove in the stock. With the mount plate removed, naturally the whole sight is further back and the volley arm does align with the recess in the stock in the downward position however the sight interferes with the forward and backward movement of the safety lever. With the safety lever in 'on' position (pulled to the rear) the sight fits however it is then unable to be pushed forward to disengage.

It feels like I may be missing some sort of spacer that might sit between the top hole and the safety lever allowing a greater space for the safery lever to move, probably the position that you are saying there should be a coil spring?

Any help would be appreciated as I am keen to attatch this sight to this gun.

[Steve H. in N.Y.]

This setup is actually on an older .22 but I think you may need this type of bracket to make your sight work on a S.M.L.E. The safety is supported in the rear upper hole just like a PH5A sight.

Attachment 41089

[4004757]

Not sure what I need but I sure would like 'muffett' to explain a bit further what he means. Will wait and see if he responds.

[muffett.2008]

Checked out your problem, there were over 5 million No.9's made, (so they reckon) the original was designed for the early L.L.E's, then came the bracket shortly after, I think that you have a binding problem with the sight mount hole, a couple of my No.9's have a similar problem.
Attachment 41092
This can be eased with an oversize drill to create a very slight chamfer in the back of the sight mount hole. Once the sight can sit flat, the spring tension will not create the bind. Or you can use a shim washer.

You will find that with the sight on a No.1 Mk.III, the sight will need to be in the raised position to sit flat, if mounted to an earlier model without the side mounted safety, the sight just lays naturally.
Attachment 41093Attachment 41094
.............and a few of the sight brackets of the time.Attachment 41095

[4004757]

Ok, sounds like I had the sight wound down allthe way wheras it appears it needs to be wound up to fit properly. Anyway thats for your advice, I will go and give it another try.

[muffett.2008]

What I am saying is that the safety catch stem is binding in the sight, it needs to be relieved slightly so that it does not lock up the safety catch.

[4004757]

Okey it now fits but I wouldn't call it rock solid stable? Is the attaching 'dumbel' spring (I think that is the term used) suppose to be thicker and specially made for these sights to limit the movement and make it more of a solid mount when it is elevated into position?

[muffett.2008]

If the correct tension is applied to the dumbell, the sight should sit firmly, with the latch of the spring keyed into the sight.
These usually sit solid and do not move when firing.