SMLE front sight installation

[Tom488]

I've been given a No.4 Mk I Enfield rifle that's seen better days. It's sights were removed, magazine removed, a "custom" aluminum floorplate installed, etc. I've got it almost all back in shape, except for the front sight.

After a little research and ordering, I have all the pieces I need (I think) - the problem is, I don't see how to install the front sight base tightly. It slips over the barrel, and doesn't tighten up until the entire base is down beyond the groove in the top of the barrel (where I'm assuming the front sight base pin is supposed to lock it in place). It does this no matter which way I install it, so it's not as simple as just being put on backwards. Positioning it where the base pin will align with the groove in the barrel does lock the sight from moving front-to-back, but it can still flop side-to-side almost 30 degrees in either direction.

I'm sure this is an original barrel, as the serial number on the barrel matches that of the receiver.

So, my question is - how is the front sight supposed to be tightened up?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Firehand]

Sounds like the barrel may have been turned down a bit. Normally the sight base fits tightly onto the barrel, with the pin locking it in place.

Might have to either use some shim stock to make a spacer to tighten it up, or possibly solder it in place.

 

[Sunray]

What does the barrel look like where the front sight goes on? Has it been turned so there's no bayonet lugs or sight lug? Go here and look at picture number 8 and number 11. You can see the lug for the front sight. If it's gone you're toast.
http://www.surplusrifle.com/no4/rifledisassembly2006/index.asp
"...the serial number..." Does the serial number on the back of the bolt handle match too? Either way, you'll need to check the headspace with proper guages before you bother with anything else. You should have checked the headspace before you spent any money of parts. There's no point doing anything unless the headspace is ok.
You cannot just put on another bolt head without checking the headspace with proper guages either.
If the headspace turns out to be bad, it may or may not be a big deal. There will be a number between 0 and 3 on the bolt head. If it's a 0 you'll be able to get a 'number 1' bolt head without too much fuss. If it's a 1 or higher, bolt heads are scarce. I know of a guy up here in Canada who says he has 'em. Pop by http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/ and ask about 'em if you need to. Gunparts does not have anything but 0's and 1's.

 

[Tom488]

What does the barrel look like where the front sight goes on? Has it been turned so there's no bayonet lugs or sight lug? Go here and look at picture number 8 and number 11. You can see the lug for the front sight. If it's gone you're toast.

The barrel's perfectly round and smooth - just a little groove cut in the top. No lugs, or even the hint of any. Well, at least now I understand what those two seemingly unnecessary notches were in the sight base... why would someone do this?

Yes, the serial number on the bolt handle matches, as well. The bolt head is a number "0".

Ah well... I didn't even spend $50 in parts, so it's not that big a deal. Maybe I'll see if I can pick up another barrel.

Thanks for the help

 

[Sunray]

"...why would someone do this?.." Bubba works in mysterious ways. Likely somebody who didn't want any hint of its previous life.
"...another barrel..." Go to the Enfield forum at www.jouster.com. The guys there will likely have a source.