Scoping an Enfield #4 Mk1

[Chewie095]

So, I have a pretty sweet 1944 Enfield #4 Mk1 that has a wonderfully mangled front sight post. I am in the process of ordering a replacement for it but I got the crazy notion to scope it while I was at it. B-square mount is what I had in mind, no drilling needed.

Quick background:
I love milsurp, especially Enfields. I don't have any long guns scoped or set up for long range. I am new to all this.

So, my question is: Is this a mistake, and if not what kind of range should I be looking to get out of the noble British .303 round?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Mr_Rogers]

If your Enfield is in good condition apart from the front sight - matching numbers, good original wood etc. then just replace the front sight and keep the rifle as a collector item. If the rifle has already been converted, well, there are enough collector Enfields around that you don't need to feel guilty about carrying out more changes.

I have never found the "no screw" Enfield scope mounts very satisfactory but other people use them with few complaints.

There is no easy way to add a sturdy Enfield scope mount which is why the sniper versions had the scope mount bolted onto the flat area on the left side of the receiver..

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

Addmittingly, this is not first hand experience... BUT I also own an enfield and had the same thought. People came out of the wood work telling me that the no tap mounts do not hold zero under recoil (Until you tighten them to the point of damaging your reciever with the set screw). So I did not try it. Maybe that is one type and not true of another......

Its a good question, I'll be watching to see if someone knows of something unique or reliable.

 

[Chewie095]

The rifle is in really good shape. All matching numbers, clean shiny bore and no import marks. I got a great deal on it a few months back because the stock was in need of a refinish. I didn't notice how bad the front sight was until I took it out to test at 25 yards and zero at 100.

No matter what, the front is getting fixed. I am particular about keeping my rifles as original as possible. I just don't own anything fancy for long range shooting so this was a potential test subject

Thanks for the warning of not staying on zero. That makes sense. Bummer.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Get the SK mount. You will not be sorry.

 

[Bamajohn]

Look at Brownell's , They have a mount that mimics the #4mk1 sniper mount. It mounts on the side using existing holes and is a two peice mount that keeps the rear sight in place.

 

[jpwilly]

Link to the above mentioned mount

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

Hey JPWilly!

Looked at the link and it should fit the O.P.'s enfield but not my No.1 MkIII. Anything for one of those that doesnt damage anything original?

 

[jpwilly]

ATI makes an "no gunsmith" scope mount for the No1 MkIII we have one on my father in laws rifle. Had to tighten the cr@p out of it to get it to stay put.

Click here

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

Meh.....

 

[jpwilly]

Works well enough for what it is....not purdy or anything.

 

[Mr_Rogers]

If your eyes are still good enough there are beautiful micrometer adjustable target rear sights made that replace the rear ladder sight. Made by such companies as Parker-Hale in England. Not cheap but completely authentic since they were used on issue competition rifles.

Here is how I fixed my problem. The rifle had already been chopped so I did not feel guilty about this mod. This is a photo of the plate being fitted in position. The plate is silver soldered into the original area between the clip bridge and the rearsight mount. The original sight mount holes are used to put a rivet all the way through the two sight mount ears and the new plate. The plate was filed so that it blends with the original lines of the action. The scope mount is bolted to the flat plate. The job is now complete and awaiting re-blueing. The advantages of this modification are that you now have a rock solid scope mount and the rear of the action is actually made more rigid. The downside is that the job must be done very carefully to avoid over-heating the action.

 

[Chewie095]

Thanks to you Jp and Bamajohn!

 

[Limey46]

A word of warning on the no-gunsmithing mount in the link above, the one available from Brownells, made by DAI Manufacturing. I had one a few years back and could never get it to lock down tight and stay put on any of the three guns I tried it on. Endless frustration, negative outcome.