Enfield Gunsmithing - Rear sight replacement for No1MkIII

Print Page | Close Window

Rear sight replacement for No1MkIII

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=7049
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 8:19pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Rear sight replacement for No1MkIII

Posted By: Zed
Subject: Rear sight replacement for No1MkIII
Date Posted: September 16 2014 at 3:38am

Gents,

I will be changing the rear sight on my No1 MkIII*. I wanted to check if there is anything difficult to watch out for when doing the job? It's just the graduated part not the piece around the barrel. I assume it's just knock out the small pin and drift out the pivot. Should I replace the pivot as well?

I have found that the original one has sideways movement at the rear of about 16 thou (0,4mm) and also the slide jumps up with recoil. The replacement appears to be unused.

Thanks in advance, Zed.

-------------
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

Replies:

Posted By: White Rhino
Date Posted: September 16 2014 at 3:55am

Yea, replace the pivot/pin also ..if its moving it must be worn..... maybe replace the pin and see if that will correct it , unless you already have everything ...

-------------
"White Rhino"

"Everybody's got to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer." --W. C. Fields

Posted By: Bear43
Date Posted: September 16 2014 at 3:57am

Once you remove that pin the rear sight leaf will just pop right out of the base. I recommend using a clamp to hold it against the spring until the pin is out as well as using the clamp to push down the sight leaf against the spring so you can put the pin back in. It makes it a lot easier! Also, with the old slide, once you get the old sight leaf out and remove the slide just tear it apart and replace the springs. It will give you a spare slider that way.

Posted By: Zed
Date Posted: September 16 2014 at 4:51am

Thanks, I'll clamp it to hold the spring. I have the new sight leaf but will need to change the spring in the original slide and re-use it. I'll measure the pivot and get one if it looks knackered.

-------------
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: September 16 2014 at 5:46am

Can you use a slave pin while doing this? Even a paperclip might help with reassembly.

-------------
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)

Posted By: Zed
Date Posted: October 05 2014 at 11:26am

I've changed the rear site blade and stripped the slide and fitted a new spring that I got from a starter button that had been in my tool box for years,(possibly from an old Jag) spot on diameter and just needed shortening one coil to make it work. It's stiffer than the original and has made a noticeable difference. I had bought one but it was rusty and no better than the original.

No sideways play at all on the blade now and the slide stays put on recoil.

The rifle always shot left of aim point and the front blade was already left of centre. With the new rear sight it was shooting 1" right of centre, so I can bring the front blade back to the centre.

The groups are getting better too, with the test loads getting close to were I need to be. Best group on saturday was 4 holes within 0,75" square with the 5th one at 0,5" above. (at 50 Metres)

-------------
It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice!

Posted By: Canuck
Date Posted: October 05 2014 at 12:15pm

That's great, Zed! Nice fix and glad your POI is getting closer to where you want it.

-------------
Castles made of sand slip into the sea.....eventually

Posted By: Bear43
Date Posted: October 06 2014 at 6:52pm

Great job on finding a workable spring. That is an annoying experience when that slide won't stay put. I went through that a few years ago with a rifle. Took a bit to figure out why the rounds were climbing the target.