Aperture rear sights for Lee Enfield Ishapore 2A

[Swagman]

I read with interest the article in the Australia Milsurps Knowledge Library entitled "Gillipoli Marksman" byBob Courtney.
The article states that " By about 1905 the manufacture of aperture rear sights as an attachment to military rifles were perfected...". Such sights were built by several Companies including BSA Martin.
I have an Ishapore 2A rifle built in 1965. I would like to find an 'authentic' aperture rear sight for it. Would the designs perfected in 1908 still have been in use in the '60s or are there other options available?
Thanks in advance,
Swagman

Information

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[Claven2]

I read with interest the article in the Australia Milsurps Knowledge Library entitled "Gillipoli Marksman" byBob Courtney.
The article states that " By about 1905 the manufacture of aperture rear sights as an attachment to military rifles were perfected...". Such sights were built by several Companies including BSA Martin.
I have an Ishapore 2A rifle built in 1965. I would like to find an 'authentic' aperture rear sight for it. Would the designs perfected in 1908 still have been in use in the '60s or are there other options available?
Thanks in advance,
Swagman

Any aperature sight such as the PH-5A produced for the SMLE should also fit the 2A1.

[Swagman]

Thanks, Claven, for your quick response.
This is a brand new hobby for me and my ignorance is vast. Is there a place I can find a discussion of available aperture sights for the Lee Enfield?
Swagman

[Calum]

I was talking to an old Brit the other day at the range.
He used to shoot at Bisley when he was 18...he is in his 70's now.

He has done the Queens shoot at Bisley...1000 yard prone.

He bought his #4 Enfield that an old Veteran hand selected for him, and told him this was going to be a rifle that would last his lifetime.

In the conversation he mentioned that it was from a shop in Lithgow.
Pretty much wall to wall Enfields of all shapes and sizes. And this shop is apparently still there.

Also he said Parker hale made the sights for them Enfields.

Not sure if this helps, but I hope it leads you in the right direction in your search.

Let us know what you find out.

[Son]

The original designs were replaced by more rigid types later on, many of which were made in Australia (we were the only ones using the No1 MkIII* for competition beyond WW2) Sights like the ones by "Central" and "Rawson" utilized a mounting plate on the side of the action with the sight fixed to the base in a way that guarenteed it would return to zero every time after removing and refitting. The British made PH5a by Parker Hale is probably the most rigid of all. These sights come up on e-bay pretty regularly and may seem expensive. But if you compare the cost to current after-market sights for new rifles and look at the workmanship of the old ones- they don't look expensive any more!

I'll try to do a pic of the PH5a and a Rawson set-up on rifles tommorrow. I would be looking for a Central or one of the above (complete with everything needed to mount them) first. The older BSA, AG Parker, Mues, Motty etc that mounted on a pivot either at the safety or on a plate mounted to it would do the job, but for serious target work the newer types are preferable.

[Calum]

Another place with contact info for good prices and info on these rifle sights...

http://www.nra.org.uk/

[Max Power]

you can find them on Ebay once in a while. lots of them come out of england/ and or aus

[Son]

Here's some pics of aperture sights, any of which will fit your Indian SMLE.

Firstly the PH5a mounted. This type may require some wood removed from the side of the foreend to let it sit against the butt socket properly.

Next is the Lane (in my post above I mentioned Rawson- they are very similar and both very good) Note the sight is locked onto the side plate with a locating spigot into a groove, held by a screw.

Followed by 2 pics the old BSA No9 mounted on a BSA sideplate, then mounted direct to the rifle at the volley sight post pivot. It can be folded down forward in either mount position.

Then the pic of a Central, possibly the most popular in Aust. Again positive location and locking with a parrallel spline and screw between the side plate and sight. This type is least likely to need wood removed from the side of the foreend for fitting.

One thing to remeber- you will need the long trigger guard screw to fit any of the newer types, and the "dumbell" spring needs to be replaced with a coil spring to ensure the safety still works.

[Swagman]

Dear Son,
Thanks for the great photos; they're very clear and descriptive. There is one Parker Hale on E-Bay at the moment. At last check it was bidding at $140 US.
I lived in your part of Australia in the mid '70s

[Oatmeal Savage]

It went for around $240!