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A friend of mine has a really superb early example (1944), wartime dated No5's are very hard to find in good original order as these examples were retained for service post war and very hard used in various post war bushfire wars like Malaya, before being sold off to India among others in the 1950's.

It seems that quite a few late 46 and 1947 examples went straight to store (enough No5's in the system to satisfy post war requirements already I would guess).

From the rifles I have seen, they do appear to have a better standard of fit and finish in comparison to the wartime manufactured examples.

I love them!

huntervixen wrote: It seems that quite a few late 46 and 1947 examples went straight to store (enough No5's in the system to satisfy post war requirements already I would guess).

Wouldn't be surprising, if I recall pretty much all of the UF (last batch of No.4 Mk.2s made) went straight into storage/surplus market.

I have one of these on my "Want" list but I have just bought a 1912 SMLE MkIII and a straight pull Garand in Januaryso I think it will be a while yet as I am now very poor !!!

I likewise toy with the idea of owning a No 5, but have been put off by the tales of a wandering zero.

Have you noticed the accuracy of a No 5 being that much less than a No 4 or SMLE?

George G wrote:I likewise toy with the idea of owning a No 5, but have been put off by the tales of a wandering zero.

They are just that, tales.

Thanks for that, I have an open slot for a .303 on my FAC and am seriously considering either a No5 or a P14, the No 5 for its good looks, or a P14 for its accuracy and Dad's Army cachet.

dromia wrote:

George G wrote:I likewise toy with the idea of owning a No 5, but have been put off by the tales of a wandering zero.

They are just that, tales.

What he said,

In seriousness, I own a No.4, SMLE, P14 and a No.5, I'm still getting the feel of the No.5 as it's the most recent acquisition. Is there a great difference in accuracy? Personally with my shooting over 100 'mards' I have not noticed anything significant, though this may open up at greater distances. The only real disadvantage in user terms I find is the shorter sight radius, that's about it and even then I doubt it's that much different to a SMLE.

NICE !!
I have had one in the past and loved it, as Dromia said the only wandering comes from the user not the rifle.
I am having one again, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon and for the rest of my life !!!

Gazoo wrote:I am having one again, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon and for the rest of my life !!!

Can't see me getting rid of mine, especially as I waited so long to get one. Even managed to get a v-bull at 600yrds on Century last month with it (I suspect more by luck than skill ) but that's not the point for me......its the family connection to the No.5 that makes owning and firing it a bit special to me. Not sure too many of the other club members appreciate it's 'bark' though

Very nice , I have a pal who is looking for one but hasn't seen any in good condition yet