John Rigby & Sons No. 1 Mk.III Sniper

[Promo]

I'm pretty sure it was meant to be 1" since the front scope ring has a diameter of 25,something (well, nearer to 25,5mm than to 25mm), and a 25mm tube would not be sitting in there properly. Need to get myself a non-metric caliper!

[Roger Payne]

Interesting. I suppose we should all wait until you've had a chance to measure it accurately. Certainly though, the PPCo tube is slightly under 1" as I've measured a number of them over the years when getting the rings copied. Other British nominally 1" diameter scopes like the Aldis & No32 are generally bang on.

[Surpmil]

Ah, well there was a detail I missed in the drawing! Thanks for the clarification.

Although as I mentioned, the slot in the rings appears to suit a different and larger locking "plate" and stud than the simple .050" x .20" round stud shown on the drawing.

Such a small stud would need to be set into the scope tube and brazed or silver soldered to have any strength. Perhaps they went to a larger plate so as to permit a less time-consuming method of attachment and better load distribution?

The drawing shows much more of the sight protector being removed; at first I thought that was simply depicting the part obscured by the scope tube, but similar obscurations are not shown so I conclude it indicates the portion to be removed.

There is an error in the drawing of the rings by the way at where the bottom of the scope tube passes through the front one.

[Promo]

Rob, the drawing does not show how much of the rear sight protector is to be removed. It only says that there needs to be removed material (it even says PORTION and not EVERYTHING) and they showed it with dashed lines since it would otherwise be covered by the scope. And top half ring on the rear is (measured) 0.5" long, so 0.2" long locking stud fits both the drawing and what is visible on my pictures.

Roger, taken off dimensions. Front ring is between 25 and 25.5mm diameter, depending on how and where you measure it. Very hard to tell this for sure. Placing a 25mm tube scope in it it appears that it is "falling around". But I didn't had a 1" scope tube at hand to test fit it (well, not sure which tube the Evans scope has, but I couldn't put it into the front ring - this one I have had at hand). Will try a 1st pattern Aldis when I have time (and a screw driver at hand to remove the larger front housing).

[Surpmil]

Rob, the drawing does not show how much of the rear sight protector is to be removed. It only says that there needs to be removed material (it even says PORTION and not EVERYTHING) and they showed it with dashed lines since it would otherwise be covered by the scope. And top half ring on the rear is (measured) 0.5" long, so 0.2" long locking stud fits both the drawing and what is visible on my pictures.

Roger, taken off dimensions. Front ring is between 25 and 25.5mm diameter, depending on how and where you measure it. Very hard to tell this for sure. Placing a 25mm tube scope in it it appears that it is "falling around". But I didn't had a 1" scope tube at hand to test fit it (well, not sure which tube the Evans scope has, but I couldn't put it into the front ring - this one I have had at hand). Will try a 1st pattern Aldis when I have time (and a screw driver at hand to remove the larger front housing).

I'd agree Georg: it is not definitively clear and could be read or interpreted either way. Because other obscured areas have not been outlined one can't be sure of the itention in regard to the foresight protector. Regardless, you have the real thing which is worth more than any drawing.

Will you try a lead test inside the front ring for solder?

What inside diameters does your vernier give from the front and rear edges of the front ring?

[Promo]

Rob, there is no solder in the front ring. I know when I have solder in front of me. It is only bare blank steel.

[newcastle]

Really interesting thread. I would love to hear the story of how you managed to get your paws on this item (who you bribed and blackmailed basically). At the same time I'm wondering what the hell we (relatively young / junior Enfield types) are going to do when the likes of Roger / Peter etc pop their clogs and take their brains and knowledge with them.

[Surpmil]

If you prefer not the give dimensions that's not an issue. My question about the inside dimensions was directed at whether the inside of the ring was tapered, presumably towards the muzzle.

[Promo]

Rob, I simply had not found the time yet and need to admit that despite I'm not that old I do forget to take out the rifle and the caliper when I'm back home in the evening . But will do it!

This particular rifle was purchased at Poulin Antiques in an auction, the only good thing is that they didn't knew what I knew on this rifle and had not described what it was (well, they did describe it as a sniper - but they didn't give the name of the sniper converter, the provenance of the Pattern Room and the fact that it is the only known survivor).

[CINDERS]

Well Promo the little guy's gotta have a win every now and then imagine if they had have realized what they had it may have added more than just a couple of hundred dollars to the items reserve I would be thinking in the 0000's and then you would have had to compete with those that do have deep pockets where monies no object (Say like Bill Gates!) and it being the sole survivor its not like another is going to pop up tomorrow so good for you I hope they see what they lost out on as I am sure they have not missed people in the past.