Front sight removal???
Printed From: Enfield-Rifles.com
Category: Enfields
Forum Name: Enfield Gunsmithing
Forum Description: Submit any how-to's or other gunsmithing suggestions here.
URL: http://www.enfield-rifles.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14300
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 2:51pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Front sight removal???
Posted By: cowboyziggy
Subject: Front sight removal???
Date Posted: December 06 2025 at 5:13am
  Hey folks, I’m new hereMy brother recently purchased a Lee Enfield SMLE MK III 303 British Stamped 1918 I’m currently refurbishing this gun for him, I’m no expert but I’m quite handy and really good at wood working. I noticed during disassembly that the inner ring/band has been removed, I want to put one back on. I’ve ordered the parts I need but I can see that the front sight will have to be removed to replace it. The front sight on this particular rifle does not look like what any part list is showing me. So I’m guessing it’s not what came on the gun originally. I need to know how to remove it please
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Replies:
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: December 06 2025 at 1:34pm
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You're correct its been "sporterised". Close & lock the bolt on a PROVED SAFE & EMPTY chamber & slip a cleaning rod in from the muzzle till it gently touches the bolt face. mark the muzzle, remove & measure. Many sporters had the barrel shortened from the original 25.2". If its shorter a restoration is impractical, sorry. ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: cowboyziggy
Date Posted: December 06 2025 at 2:33pm
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Thanks for the info, We are just building a deer rifle, I’m changing the stock finish to something more custom not a restore project. Would this rifle work fine without the inner band?, it’s obviously been used like this for years. I’m only $20 into the band and spring and the front sight on this thing seems as though it is not removable.
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Posted By: DisasterDog
Date Posted: December 06 2025 at 3:37pm
| Yep, commercial aftermarket sporter sight. While there might be a screw in the dovetail under the front sight post, odds are good the ramp is soldered in place. |
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: December 06 2025 at 6:36pm
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The inner band doesn't do anything except for with a full length forend. Its function is to force the barrel UP so the muzzle crown is pushed into the "legs" on the nosecap. If as i assume the forend is shortened it is pointless. ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: cowboyziggy
Date Posted: December 06 2025 at 6:40pm
| Thanks again. I think I’m good now |
Posted By: Sapper740
Date Posted: December 07 2025 at 4:17am
| The front sight is most likely silver soldered on and can be easily removed with a soldering iron and solder sucker or wick. |