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SMLE Mk:III* with FF Markings.

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ducaninfrance View Drop Down
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    Posted: July 28 2018 at 9:14am
I have just taken delivery of this 1918 SMLE Mk:III* which is marked with FF - Irish Fianna Fáil. It was re-barreled in 1938.
What I would like to know is how do I get at the fore sight to adjust for for windage?



Duncan.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Honkytonk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 28 2018 at 11:41am
There is a tool that you can buy. It clamps on to the "ears" and a screw type rod fits into the holes in the "ears". Depending on which way you need to go. You can also use a brass punch and small hammer. Put punch thru the "ear holes against the front site and gently tap with hammer.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hoadie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 28 2018 at 12:02pm
I have a front sight aligner(& .303 bore sighter).
But, methinks that the front sight clamp is different twixt the No1 & No4.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote englishman_ca Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 28 2018 at 12:05pm
Honkytonk, yes, that tool would work on Australian rifles with the holes, which were put there for that very reason. 

However, most other makes don't have holes in their protector ears and the nose cap needs to be removed to get at the blade insert, as can be seen on the OP's rifle (no holes).

I've always just used a brass drift and a tiny hammer.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 28 2018 at 2:36pm
With solid "ears" you have top take the nose cap off.
Then you can use a "cramp" (clamp), or drift it with a hammer/non-marring punch.

Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Honkytonk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 28 2018 at 3:30pm
Roger! Thanks people. Learnt something new today. Having never owned an Enfield of that vintage, I assumed it would be the same as a No4.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ducaninfrance Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 29 2018 at 1:24am
Thank's for that. My rifle has no holes in the protector ears and I wondered is I had to remove the nose cap. It groups well but down and left ( at 50 mtr. ) but that was all the time I had to shoot it. 
I had taken some friends visiting from the UK for an afternoons shooting and I took a few rifles with me. 
Snider Mk:III, Martini-Henry Mk:I Carbine, Schmidt-Rubin G11 and the SMLE as well as a Sako .22! Great afternoon though...........
Duncan.

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What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ducaninfrance Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 08 2018 at 12:04pm
Some more images of my Irish Fianna Fáil Marked SMLE Mk.III* after the strip down and check over session.







It is in excellent condition with no rust, no cracks and everything cycling smoothly.
Duncan.

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I don't drink water, fish fornicate in it!

What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Zed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 13 2018 at 11:30am
That's a very nice FF rifle Duncan.
When adjusting the front sight; I suggest you properly test the rifle prior to adjustment and calculate exactly how much you need to drift the blade. That way you won't be taking the nose cap off too often.
You can't shoot it accurately without the nose cap.
To calculate the adjustment required:
Multiply the distance between the front and rear sight by the distance between POA and POI. Then divide the result by the distance from the barrel to the target. Keep everything in inches (or mm) and you'll end up with a figure which is how much you need to move the blade.
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ducaninfrance Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 13 2018 at 11:59am
Thank's for that. The range is closed at present but opens again on August 17th. This is going to need an afternoon on it so I am going to have to plan ahead for midweek. Saturday & Sunday's in August are no go days on the roads because of holiday traffic Angry 
Duncan.

A DAY WITHOUT WINE IS A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE

I don't drink water, fish fornicate in it!

What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch?

W.C. Fields.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 13 2018 at 7:42pm
congrats - you got a keeper there , she is a beauty , 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ducaninfrance Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2018 at 12:42am
Originally posted by A square 10 A square 10 wrote:

congrats - you got a keeper there , she is a beauty , 

For sure but maybe I need a Lng Lee or a Metford or a (T) ....well you know the form Cool
Duncan.

A DAY WITHOUT WINE IS A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE

I don't drink water, fish fornicate in it!

What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch?

W.C. Fields.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote englishman_ca Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2018 at 4:22am
You DO need a long Lee, especially the Metford, there are a number of variations. And a T with its kit......Evil Smile
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 14 2018 at 10:31pm
i agree - but then i need a long lee metford myself , only have the long lee enfield in the cabinet so far , im waiting for simon to send me one ........wonder how long that might be ?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hoadie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 15 2018 at 3:50am
Well, if your using Canada Post..you'll be waiting a LLLOOONNNGGG time!!
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