Fixing up an SMLE with a Win A5 scope.

[Simon]

IIRC the only real difference between the A5 and the B5 was the field of view. Ill do a bit of digging in the archives and get back to you.

[Roger Payne]

Thanks Simon. I've just checked Stroebel but it doesn't give any lengths or FoV's for the B4 & B5. It does say though, that the B models were discontinued by 1917 as the A5 was by far the most popular model.

[gsimmons]

There is an A5 on that auction site at the moment. Type in Winchester A5 in the search.

[jmoore]

Did not the B5 have the guide rib "inside out" versus the A5? Haven't had one in hand for ages, so may be confusing it with another scope. (Lyman, Stevens, etc.) Specifics might be better known to the folk who frequent the M1903 forum, but don't cross over to this section of the site.

[Buntline]

Thanks Roger, got your PM.
Thanks Badger , I've just go round to reading the article on the MVA B5 which gives a decent appraisal. A useful backup plan me thinks.

[Simon]

I found some hand written notes listing the field of view of the A5 as 18' at 100Yds and the B5 as 15' at 100 Yds.

The B5 is also 3/4" shorter than the A5

[RobD]

For what it's worth, Dewey Greiner often has some A5's for sale. Currently he has 2, at $525 and $545. He is a very reliable person to deal with, I can recommend him. Also has a B5 for sale.
See forsale

[Roger Payne]

Out of curiosity anybody out there got a B4 or B5 bearing evidence of British WW1 use? I have a B4 that was purported to have come off a SMLE but it is devoid of British military markings. In comparison A5's are relatively common.

[jmoore]

It appears that B5 scopes have simpler W/E adjusting knobs than the A5 as well.

[Buntline]

Thank you all again. My question seems to be answered. Thanks for the link to Dewey. I'd come across his site before but hadn't book marked it & couldn't find it again. Would there be any of the later Unertle style scopes ever, officially, fitted to the SMLE?