Well new for me anyway. I have acquired a SMLE No5 Mk 1 Jungle Carbine, with all matching numbers, in almost perfect condition. The only “improvement” I’ve made is to put a thin leather covering over the factory rubber recoil pad because the rubber is hardening and deteriorating a little. I soaked the rubber in brake fluid for two weeks to soften it a little, but the softening was negligible, hence the leather, more for looks than anything.

I start load development later this week...if all the planets align...and to say I’m looking forward to it is an understatement. I heard about, and read a heap of info, on the supposed problem of the wandering zero these rifles have, but only time will tell if it’s a problem I have. So long as it maintains the accuracy that was intended, I’ll be happy, because that is still accurate enough to take a dog sized critter out to about 200 metres.

I am torn between fitting a scope or leaving the factory peep sight arrangement. I can actually use the peep sights with my crappy eyes, so do I scope it or keep it original? I’ll wait and see how I shoot with it.

It would be wonderful to find a period optics for it but it depends on how good your eyes are. The peep sight helps but if your eyes get like mine (I can see the front sight or the target but not both at the same time) it might be necessary to go with optics so you can enjoy shooting the old girl.

If it's all matching it's got some collector value. In that case I'd be leaning toward not modifying anything that can't easily be undone.

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

If it's all matching it's got some collector value. In that case I'd be leaning toward not modifying anything that can't easily be undone.

I'm with you pumpkinslinger on that call ,,,,

vince you want to maybe use some sight paint on the front blade. or maybe replace with one of the firesight brand blades , that what I first went with on my no4 mk1.....my numbers don't match

a slip on recoil pad wouldnt be silly...take the old one off and put it in safe place...better tell wife where as you will never remember...
I m with the others,try the sights as they are......

Good pick up Vince
They are becoming quite collectable and appreciating in value

PaulS wrote:

It would be wonderful to find a period optics for it but it depends on how good your eyes are. The peep sight helps but if your eyes get like mine (I can see the front sight or the target but not both at the same time) it might be necessary to go with optics so you can enjoy shooting the old girl.

My eyes are 67 yrs old and certainly not getting any better mate. At this time, I can use the peep sight ok, but if things go pear shaped, which they are wont to do, I’ll look at buying a purpose built scope mount. I’m not sure if they use existing screws/bolts to mount or if they require modifications to the rifle. Because of the value as a collectors item, I am loathe to do any sort of modification.

Elvis, a slip on recoil pad is the way many go, so if recoil becomes an issue, I will do the same and make use of a slip on pad.

Whichever way, I intend getting some enjoyment out of shooting this old girl.

Vince, I Googled a bit and found these:

www.accumounts.com/enfield-303.html

www.badacetactical.com...cope-mount

www.brownells.com/opti...d1502.aspx

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

Vince, I Googled a bit and found these: www.accumounts.com/enfield-303.html www.badacetactical.com...cope-mount www.brownells.com/opti...d1502.aspx

Thanks Mike...these look ideal, and the best part is they utilise existing screw holes. I wonder who makes the reproduction sniper scope No.32 for British Lee Enfield No4 mk1T L42? Time to start saving methinks.

did they ever put a scope on jungle carbine???? seems like a bit of a paradox.
there are plenty of high tech compact scopes for sale over here at this time....with all the AR 15s dropping out of circulation (yeah right) the scopes that were on them are sitting redundant

Elvis wrote:

did they ever put a scope on jungle carbine???? seems like a bit of a paradox. there are plenty of high tech compact scopes for sale over here at this time....with all the AR 15s dropping out of circulation (yeah right) the scopes that were on them are sitting redundant

The only 303 rifles that the factory scoped were the so-called sniper rifles. Apart from that, the only scoped ones you will generally see today are the 303 rechambered to 7.62 NATO by the Army and again used as sniper rifles...those, plus rifles guys have fitted with scopes for hunting.

I will hold off fitting a scope whilst I can still use the peep sights. Although once my eyes deteriorate to the point I can’t use the peep, I will look at fitting a single power scope of around 3 to 6 power.

it seems alot of folk end up fitting the likes of an aimpoint scope well forward,achieving a scout rifle set up.... Ive had the old school bridge mount done on a mk111 and it worked fine but was a pig to get scopes to stay still on it.

The scourge of Vince strikes again. that’s not sad...I’m hanging my head in shame.

I had these wonderful plans to try some .303 loads at the range today, but it didn’t happen.

I’ll let Bushy or Punkin guess why.

......

abducted by rock n roll loving aliens?????