Lee Enfield No 4 parts advice

[Dombo63]

Hi all, I intend to acquire a No 4 Mk II when my FAC comes through and recently bought a box load of non-FAC parts, spares, tools, brushes, jags etc.
Basically everything to get started. Among them was a set of Parker Hale FS22 target foresights with a dozen different elements in a brass holder but also a selection of twenty or so what look like standard fore-sight blades of very slightly different sizes.
I can understand wanting to change the target sight elements but why would you want to change the blade if using this type of sight?
Many thanks for any advice, it looks like I have a fascinating new hobby developing!!

[John25]

Blades were in common use when I first started shooting, I used a blade in poor visibility conditions when not enough light came through the round element. If you know the settings, you can even put the blade to the edge of the target, which is easier to define, rather than the aiming mark.

I would also use a blade when snap shooting.

Give them a try, you will be surprised how easy it is to shoot with a blade.

[Dombo63]

Thanks. So far I've only fired these rifles with blade and rear peep sights. I just wondered why there were so many. It's not a part that gets a lot of wear.

[dromia]

If the blades are for the foresight tunnel then it is the same as the apertures, fit one that suits your eyes, the target and the conditions.

Blades are good for tin hat, figure and landscape targets. Apertures are designed for round bull targets but a blade will work on them also.

[Dombo63]

No, the blades are solid little metal blocks for the standard battle sights. For the tunnel I have a selection of various elements that slot in.

[dromia]

The different fore sight blocks are at different heights and are for zeroing the rifles elevation to the distances on the rear sight. Also by drifting the the foresight the rifle can be zeroed for windage.

[huntervixen]

Hi all, I intend to acquire a No 4 Mk II when my FAC comes through and recently bought a box load of non-FAC parts, spares, tools, brushes, jags etc.
Basically everything to get started. Among them was a set of Parker Hale FS22 target foresights with a dozen different elements in a brass holder but also a selection of twenty or so what look like standard fore-sight blades of very slightly different sizes.
I can understand wanting to change the target sight elements but why would you want to change the blade if using this type of sight?
Many thanks for any advice, it looks like I have a fascinating new hobby developing!!

If you are thinking of buying a No4 I can recommend contacting Richard Stork http://www.thedevizesgunsmith.co.uk/ he is hugely knowledgeable about Enfields and always has a good number in stock, he can also help with any non FAC and FAC parts you require.

He is a really nice guy and he couldn't be more helpful....the trade could use a few more like him!

[dromia]

If you are thinking of buying a No4 I can recommend contacting Richard Stork http://www.thedevizesgunsmith.co.uk/ he is hugely knowledgeable about Enfields and always has a good number in stock, he can also help with any non FAC and FAC parts you require.

He is a really nice guy and he couldn't be more helpful....the trade could use a few more like him!

I am pleased that you admire Richard's business to such an extent that you feel the need to proselytize about him at every opportunity, one would almost think you were on commission, not that I am at all implying any collusion here. However this does neither of you any credit.

We have many good gun makers and traders on this forum and in order to try and give some equity to their presence here, stop the forums ending up like bloody gunmart and to keep the boards content on the subject of the forums as much as possible we have two dedicated forums for the gun trade.

"Gunshops" where we encourage people to give their opinions good and bad about their experiences with the trade (where comments like those above would be appropriate) and the "Vendors and innovators" forum where Richard is more than welcome to ask for a slot if he wishes to ply his wares here.

The obvious exception to this is where a member asks for a recommendation and the reply is in the context of the thread.

I hope that you will see the point here and be more circumspect in your enthusiasm in future.

[huntervixen]

Fair point, just pointing out a good one, I shall wind my neck in!

[Dombo63]

Thanks everyone. I should be ok to source one through contacts at my clubs