22lr BSA Enfield. But what are the holes for?

[Ralph]

Didnt early ones have volley sights bolted in that area?

[Chapuis]

Didnt early ones have volley sights bolted in that area?

The volley sights that I have seen fitted on the .303 SMLE (not the .22) were fitted half way along the fore stock. These holes in the rear receiver were almost certainly for fitting target aperture sights such as those from A.J. Parker or Parker Hale as has already been suggested by others.

[dromia]

Volley sights on Enfields came in two parts, the foresight dial was situated on forend but the aperture was situated on the rear of the stock where the holes are, however these holes are not for the rear volley sight aperture.

AJParker et al who made rear aperture sights for the Enfields did them as no gun smithing sights which usually fitted onto the safety assembly.

This looks as though it has non Enfield commercial aperture fitted such as Lyman which required the receiver to be drilled and tapped and wood removed.