Question on: Off-Set Scopes for SMLE and Ishapore

[Tower75]

Hello, fellow Full-bore'ers on the interwebness.

Lets us pretend, if you will, that we have removed reality and I've got money to burn.

I'm thinking that scoping my SMLE might be an interesting idea. However I have a few issues as one, I don't want to destroy the rifle, and two, I know next to nothing about scopes.

I really like the idea of those off-set mounts; that put the scope to the left of the action body, allowing you to still shoot with irons and load with a charger-clip.

In addition to this line of thinking, I assume (perhaps in ignorance) that it might be better to do this with an Ishapore 7.62mm 2A/2A1 rifle. The only reason I'm thinking this is that I want a scoped 7.62mm rifle in the future, but it would be nice to have something that's fairly classic and in keeping with my collection.

I believe (again perhaps in ignorance) that Ishapores are pretty basic and not and coveted as a nice .303, and would be a fairly cheap-ish way of getting a classic-military 7.62mm rifle.

So, if I may ask, (I have no idea if I'm asking for the moon, or asking for a Mars bar here):

1) Are there any off-set scope mounts that can be fitted to an SMLE without having to drill and tap the action body?

2) Are Ishapore rifles around in the quantities as .303s, and again, can you mount an off-set scope mount to these rifles?

3) Would it be best to perhaps to this with a No.4 or 7.62mm version of an Enfield?

I hope the above makes sense. As I say, I have no knowledge of scopes or mounts, I just know that I fancy an off-set mount. I've shot one before and really enjoyed it.

[Alpha1]

You can buy none gun smithing mounts for the no4 no drilling or tapping is necesary I think you can get them for the smile as well. I am thinking of converting a nagant to sniper configuration I'm currently checking out mounts and bent bolts from the USA.

[Tower75]

Thanks, Alpha. Off the top of your head can you remember their name?

[Tommygunn]

I've seen plenty of clamp on mounts as you describe, but nothing yet that would give the offset mounting I think you're after, (a la WW1 sniper?). Maybe there is a business opportunity here for some enterprising individual!

Call me what you will but I sit very firmly in the "don't carry out unreversible mods to service rifles" camp - I'd apply that to an Ishy 2A1 as much as any other. Actually one is on my wish list right now...

[Tower75]

I've seen plenty of clamp on mounts as you describe, but nothing yet that would give the offset mounting I think you're after, (a la WW1 sniper?). Maybe there is a business opportunity here for some enterprising individual!

Call me what you will but I sit very firmly in the "don't carry out unreversible mods to service rifles" camp - I'd apply that to an Ishy 2A1 as much as any other. Actually one is on my wish list right now...

Indeed. With you there, Tommygunn. I've heard that there are off-set mounts that do not require tap and drilling, but I've only heard of them. Apparently I'm rubbish at internet searching as I can't find a specific model/pattern, only pictures of similar off-set mounts; usually from US shooting forums that don't really help.

I might ask my 'Merican friends if they know of any. Those crazy B*%-@>"s like to tinker with rifles.

[dromia]

People who turn their noses up at Indian manufacture No1s are Enfield snobs.

I treasure my 2A, it is a keeper in my collection even although it is in that naff 7.62 NATO calibre.

[WelshShooter]

Thanks, Alpha. Off the top of your head can you remember their name?

Valmont firearms carry the non-gunsmith scope mount. I've used one on my No4 Mk1 with good success. You just need to really tighten down the screw and wedge in the clip charger (sorry if that's not the correct nomenclature).

[Sixshot6]

Let me throw an idea, what if someone could make a replacement hand guard that fit with no smithing and stayed in place until you wanted to put the original back on? Then you could mount a scout style solution with an IER scope? Does that sound like an idea?

[Alpha1]

Let me throw an idea, what if someone could make a replacement hand guard that fit with no smithing and stayed in place until you wanted to put the original back on? Then you could mount a scout style solution with an IER scope? Does that sound like an idea?

IER scope? Do you mean long eye relief LER.
You are all reinventing the wheel people have been making none gun smithing mounts for Enfields for ever.
ATI for one. Any one who puts a scout mount on a smle wants flogging within a inch of his/her life then hanging up from there dangly bits.

[Alpha1]

B square scope base amazon.

A ORIGINAL SMLE SNIPER

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