No.1 MkIII SMLE Whitehead A5 Sniper Build

[hatrick]

So this is the first of the WWI SMLE representative sniper rifle builds I’m trying to get done. I’m really excited with how it came out. I just with I had an original British A5 scope set.

I have to give a huge thanks to a fellow board member (who will remain nameless for privacy) for all his help and assistance.

Purdey/Aldis and PPCo are next when I can find worthy rifles.

[hatrick]

More pics

[tiriaq]

Looks good!
I didn't have an A5 scope - substituted a vintage Fecker. Looks appropriate. Haven't fired it yet. Certainly an ungainly setup.

[Roger Payne]

Well, I don't know about everyone else, but I'm mightily impressed! She's a beaut!

[hatrick]

Coming from you Roger that’s the biggest compliment!

It is definitely an awkward shooting position. Hopefully it’s better at the range than it seems simply sighting things in my yard.

[Surpmil]

Nice work, looks very convincing.

But why did they not mount the forward base & ring on the backsight base?? The scope slides towards the muzzle under recoil; there was no need to leave two inches or more of scope tube "unused".

Would be interesting to know who thought the backsight protector was a rigid mounting point!

[hatrick]

Thanks for the feedback!!!

It does seem to make no sense to mount that front base to the rear sight protector ear versus a solid spot on the rear sight base. The only thing I can think of is that on the 1903 Springfield they recommended spacing the bases out at 7.2". Coincidentally that is the exact measurement when you mount that front base on the rear sight protector ear.

[Sapper740]

This is the perfect solution for those of us who are right-handed but Left eye dominant.

[hatrick]

You might think so but when I was doing s bit of sighting and the firing position was so awkward I tried my left eye but it still wasn’t lined up without pulling my cheek off the buttstock. I’m honestly not sure what the correct firing position is. There seems to be no way to keep your head/cheek on the rifle. Without that it feels like the rifle is floating on your shoulder. I’m sure with some practice it will work out fine but it is so odd.

[Roger Payne]

I gather it was common practice to extemporise some sort of cheek support, such as perhaps by using a field dressing taped to the butt. On the other hand, if you're right handed but left eye dominant, jobs a good 'un!