Le1 Volley Sights VS SMLE Volley Sights

[TheAlpineWolf]

Hi All,
Just looking for some quick info on the differences between a set of volleys off a Le1 and a SMLE.
Im looking to re-outfit my SMLE rifle that has been striped of them with a set I can purchase that came off an Le1.
Is there any difference and is there anything I need to look our for in terms of required parts for fitment and functionality?
Thanks for your help!
Best Regards,
Sam.

[smle addict]

They'll fit as they are the same size and profile. The "II" sight for the MLE is calibrated for Mk VI ammuntion, where as the LES 2 is for short rifles converted for Mk VII ammuntion. The LES III sight is for SMLE mk III and converted Mk IV rifles, using Mk VII ammunition. Pics attached below.

An MLE II sight will be incorrect for an SMLE, but beggars cant be choosers, and they'll do until you can find a correct LES marked sight.

[TheAlpineWolf]

Thanks Smle Addict,
Yeah they seem to be getting low in stock after 100+ years hahaha.
My volley disk has the stem ground down but the lettering intact, is it worth putting a whole new disk in or just fabricating a spacer for the front dial?
In terms of the rear sight that fits to the safety, anything in particular I need for it to function or does it fit onto a regular sale safety no problems?
Also, what do you think a set is worth these days? He asked me to offer a price and I have no idea, they go through the roof on eBay but that's ebay for ya!
Best Regards,
Sam.

[smle addict]

The rear long range volley sight arm fits with no issues. Your bigger problem will be your volley sight plate that has been ground. Without the short extension (your sis ground down) there really is nothing for a front volley sight pointer and spring to secure to. With the extension ground off, the front pivot screw (the one with two opposing holes for a spanner) will not have enough threads to screw into. I have attached a pic of an intact volley sight plate and spring. It is missing a front pointer and screw. You'll see how the extension is necessary for the spring and screw to fit to. As far as price goes, they're pretty spendy on this side of the world. I've seen the rear volley arms sell for over $100 USD, and the front volley assemblies go for around $150USD. Maybe some other in your area can give you a better idea.

Depending how skilled you are (or if you have any skilled friends), you may be able to tig weld some round stock into place, then drill, thread and notch for the volley pointer, spring, and screw.

[TheAlpineWolf]

Thanks again Smle addict!
I probably will need to get a new front assembly then!
Also need a magazine cut-off for it!
Its a BSA marked rifle so is there any specific cutoff to look for?
I found one for sale as seen in the pictures below, any idea of what the markings mean?
Best Regards,
Sam.

[CINDERS]

This should answer you question as to the type the mag cut off required it may have to have the BSA mark, as far as Lithgow went was deleted around mid 1916 then made a brief comeback early 1940 before being deleted again
I think. Not sure on English made SMLE's.
THE BRITISH CUT-OFF (english version)

[5thBatt]

They'll fit as they are the same size and profile. The "II" sight for the MLE is calibrated for Mk VI ammuntion, where as the LES 2 is for short rifles converted for Mk VII ammuntion. The LES III sight is for SMLE mk III and converted Mk IV rifles, using Mk VII ammunition. Pics attached below.

An MLE II sight will be incorrect for an SMLE, but beggars cant be choosers, and they'll do until you can find a correct LES marked sight.

The LES III sight is for MkVI ammo not MkVII, the LES is for the Mk1 SMLE (MkVI) LES III the III is not marked directly after the LES & is for MkVI, the LES2 is for all SMLEs sighted for MkVII, if you look at all the sights you will see the LES & LES III sights have the same graduations only the LES2 differs.

[smle addict]

Thanks for the correction 5th Batt.

That cut-off plate should work as well. Markings look to be Indian.

[5thBatt]

This should answer you question as to the type the mag cut off required it may have to have the BSA mark, as far as Lithgow went was deleted around mid 1916 then made a brief comeback early 1940 before being deleted again
I think. Not sure on English made SMLE's.
THE BRITISH CUT-OFF (english version)

Lithgow cutoff was till 1918 & then again from 1924 to 1941

[TheAlpineWolf]

Ahh I see, well I probably won't go for the Indian cuts-off as im trying to get it back to original spec, would prefer a British made one!
Thanks for the info 5thBatt and smle addict!