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  1. #1
    Legacy Member Strangely Brown's Avatar
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    Australian Central Sight

    Can anybody advise me of the date of introduction of this sight please?
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    Mick

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Legacy Member 22SqnRAE's Avatar
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    Mick,

    Muffet is the man to describe the history of Centrals in detail for you.

    I've just pulled out a Central No 4 (the last and most common) used in Target Rifle discipline and the patents on the back include the following dates: 31 May 34, 19 Dec 41 and 13 Feb 48.

    There's a little background, but ask the Oracle and you'll be much better informed...
    Trying to save Service history, one rifle at a time...

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    Contributing Member muffett.2008's Avatar
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    The CENTRAL was first patented on 31/5/34 as application 17801/34 and after two years of litigation due to patent conflict, was formerly accepted 6/6/35 and cleared for production 22/10/36 with cognate 20278/34.

    The first sight with rearward facing scale plates was available for sale prior to patent acceptance and was used to win the NSW Queens in 1935, Victorian Queens and Queensland Queens in 1936.

    The second model, designed to be used with an adaptor side mount, was slightly shorter. by 1940 the third model, The Bisley was in production, with modified windarm and multi position base mount, allowing it to be used on both types of Central mount plates available.
    This was the sight that was impressed in 1940/41 for military use.
    The Central No.4 that we are familiar with was released in 1942, but was not in production until post war, about 1948/50.
    Minor modifications to this model were made up until patent Expiry in 1970, after this time various clones were made.

    A more rugged version of the Central was made in Australiaicon and first manufactured as the MacRorie, than later as the T MAC.
    All versions are still in use today, servicing of worn sights is still available in Australia thru Mal MacKenzie at SIA.
    Last edited by muffett.2008; 11-07-2019 at 03:51 PM.

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    Legacy Member Strangely Brown's Avatar
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    I'm indebted to you both.

    The reason for the information request is because of possible rule changes to both the NRA (UKicon) and HBSA (Historical Breech Loading Smallarms Association) current published rules.

    It's always good to have the right dates and info when the arguments start!
    Mick

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    Advisory Panel Surpmil's Avatar
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    Would be interesting to hear what possible rule changes might affect these.
    “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”

    Edward Bernays, 1928

    Much changes, much remains the same.

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    Legacy Member Strangely Brown's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Surpmil View Post
    Would be interesting to hear what possible rule changes might affect these.
    Unless you're a member of the Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association (HBSA) and shoot in their competitions it won't effect you.

    SMLE's are classed as Classic (pre 1919) for competitions in the UKicon, however when fitted with target sights for SR"b" matches they are classed as Veteran (pre 1945) if those sights were introduced after 1919.

    One oddity is the NRA (UK) SR"b" competitions where you have Classic & Veteran rifles shooting as one class as per the 1955 Bisley Bible but the Veteran (pre 1945) is extended to 1954 to include contemporary sights of the period.

    Not all clubs follow this ruling and some might think it's a bit anal but as we are rewriting and updating the old HBSA 1995 rule book it's worth putting into print the introduction date of sights that were not previously covered or mentioned.
    LERA class the rifle rather than the date of any sight fitted as do most clubs.

    Surpmil you did ask!
    Mick

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    Advisory Panel Surpmil's Avatar
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    Makes perfect sense to me if the intention is to have people shooting rifles that are entirely of the period they are supposed to be.
    “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”

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    Much changes, much remains the same.

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