Wartime Evolution of the No4 Lee Enfield Rear Sight

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  • Опубліковано 22 чер 2020
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    Most of the significant wartime simplifications we see on rifles from World War Two are from Germany and Japan, but the rear sight of the No4 Lee Enfield is a good example of a similar action taken by Britain. By 1942, the finely-made milled rear sight assembly of the rifle had become a limiting factor for production, and something needed to be done. So in 1942 a very simple two position "L" flip sight was adopted as a temporary solution. While that allowed production to speed up, a better solution was being developed by BSA. Late in 1942, the Mk III rear sight was adopted, effectively a stamped version of the original. This became the new standard, and some rifles with Mk II flip sights were update din the field by unit armorers.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 398

  • @johnlustig4322
    @johnlustig4322 4 роки тому +159

    My first British army rifle, issued to me in 1969, had the mk2 sight! It was the only one in the unit and quite special given its history.

    • @51WCDodge
      @51WCDodge 4 роки тому +9

      Issued to you just in time to take it away for an L1A1 FN.

    • @johnlustig4322
      @johnlustig4322 4 роки тому +29

      @@51WCDodge Yes, it was a sad day when I surrendered my honey coloured number 4 for a SLR with wooden furniture. I like a long rifle with a bayonet on the end. Call it the Corporal Jones syndrome..............

    • @wallaroo1295
      @wallaroo1295 4 роки тому +1

      @@johnlustig4322;
      Can you specify more about "Corporal Jones?"
      I'm guessing that it is similar to what we used in the US Army - "Private Snuffy" - meaning, "dumbass." 😆

    • @johnlustig4322
      @johnlustig4322 4 роки тому +12

      @@wallaroo1295 Corporal Jones is a character in a very popular British comedy sit com, called "Dad's army" from the 1970's, which even endures as repeats on TV to this day. One of his popular catch phrases was "they don't like it up'em." This was a reference to his bayonet and the enemy, in particular the Germans, during the first world war. The main aspect or flaw of his character, is for him to panic at the slightest sign of a crisis or set back to the unit.

    • @somethingelse4878
      @somethingelse4878 4 роки тому +4

      @@johnlustig4322 I was three when you got your Enfield
      A good gun for shooting rabbits
      Well so thought my Dad in ww2
      On leave they had to take them home with them.
      He wanted to get food for the family so shot at a rabbit
      He missed and the shot went through a few hedges across the back road right passed the Vicar's wife on her bike.
      It was later reported that she was shot at by German snipers or fifth columnists so village gossip goes
      Many years later I used to rabbit in the same field though never almost killing anyone

  • @leotam3372
    @leotam3372 3 роки тому +22

    I love how they refused to accept the "cost reduction" sight, and went back to the nice slider as soon as they could

    • @Gameprojordan
      @Gameprojordan 2 роки тому +2

      It's a beautiful rear sight. My uncle has a sporterized one he bought like such but they kept the original front and rear sight (front sight protection ears were sadly removed though) but that rear sight was really nice

  • @blamokapow137
    @blamokapow137 4 роки тому +73

    I inherited a number 4 mark 2, was made in 1955 and I got it unused. Absolutely fantasic rifle and very accurate.

    • @worldoftancraft
      @worldoftancraft 4 роки тому +6

      this is the only one really battle-rifle in a row of all manual action rifles

    • @Codemaster99
      @Codemaster99 4 роки тому +5

      I also have a 1955 No.4MKII unissued with original sling, and crate tag AMAZING gun these are the guns to have in my opinion

    • @bradenculver7457
      @bradenculver7457 3 роки тому +2

      @@worldoftancraft see Ian and Karls video about how battle rifles are osolete. Lee's are fine rifles, but let's not kid ourselves. Any world War 2 semi automatic battle rifle would still be far more effective than a turn bolt. Even in a Lee, you can only turn that bolt so fast. And while it can be faster than other bolt guns, it's still going to be significantly slower than any proper semi.

  • @jeffkopher3468
    @jeffkopher3468 4 роки тому +73

    I have a Savage produced "U.S government property" lend/lease rifle. The earlier sight works well at distance. Best $120 spent at a pawn shop.

    • @51WCDodge
      @51WCDodge 4 роки тому +1

      That's intresting. I have an old Mossberg MB42a supplied for training with the same marking. Out of interest does your rifle have British Proof marks? That may be a story in itself.

    • @maverickpaladin4155
      @maverickpaladin4155 3 роки тому

      @Jeff Kopher yessir, at present, you've quintupled your money. Those Savage rifles are in high demand.

    • @DinnerForkTongue
      @DinnerForkTongue 3 роки тому

      Earlier sight as in the Mk. I? Or the super simple two-position one?

    • @jeffkopher3468
      @jeffkopher3468 3 роки тому

      @@DinnerForkTongue , the graduated sight, works well...

    • @DinnerForkTongue
      @DinnerForkTongue 3 роки тому

      @@jeffkopher3468
      Niiice. I'd love to own a rifle with one such leaf sight.

  • @chavezchavo
    @chavezchavo 4 роки тому +127

    Micrometer rear sight: When you want to do long range sniping without the scope for bragging rights.

    • @grimlock1471
      @grimlock1471 4 роки тому +17

      All these rifles with iron sights to 600, 800, even 1000 yards boggle my mind. I have to ask how many of the people who signed off on and designed these sights ever actually HIT anything at 800 yards. Although it can't be any worse than pistols with sights adjustable out to 200 meters...

    • @neilmorrison7356
      @neilmorrison7356 4 роки тому +14

      There is a story from Bisley where there was a competition at 1000 yards. This old Colonel was shooting with his No4. He fired and a bull was indicated. The Colonel type asked the Range Officer for an indication. The Range officer told him null indicated. The Colonel said, “I know it was a bull I want to know where in the bull”

    • @neilmorrison7356
      @neilmorrison7356 4 роки тому +11

      Grimlock the longer ranges were really for Section Shooting where targets would be engaged at longer ranges by the section. For the SLR in military shooting competitions targets would be engaged initially in the Section Match at either 500 or 600m, sorry age affecting my memory.

    • @feoffle
      @feoffle 4 роки тому +7

      Grimlock1 I suppose when you’re in a shitty hole on top of a hill shooting at a guy in a shitty hole on top of a different hill 1000yds away who is shooting at you....you want to sling some lead back at them.

    • @Kristian1944
      @Kristian1944 4 роки тому +8

      Simo Häyhä has joined the chat

  • @trashcompactorYT
    @trashcompactorYT 4 роки тому +56

    Amazing how fast this creature was able to evolve given the right environment! I love nature. So beautiful seeing these little guys emerge from their dens each spring. I can’t believe you caught so many.

    • @ckl9390
      @ckl9390 7 місяців тому +1

      @@ILikeToLaughAtYou He's speaking metaphorically.

  • @garchamp9844
    @garchamp9844 4 роки тому +4

    My first milsurp rifle was a Long Branch No4 mk1* with the mk2 rear sight. After my first trip to the range I immediately ordered a mk4 sight online and replaced the original mk2, and I am glad I did! I still have the mk2 sight, and I will sell it with the rifle if I ever decide to get rid of it.

  • @culshie
    @culshie 4 роки тому +56

    Oh you are going to get in trouble with B.O.T.R.

    • @BlokeontheRange
      @BlokeontheRange 4 роки тому +85

      No he's not ;)

    • @jizzmonkey9679
      @jizzmonkey9679 4 роки тому +15

      @@BlokeontheRange are you sure?,he said crumpets are crap and you should put the milk in tea first.

    • @glynwelshkarelian3489
      @glynwelshkarelian3489 4 роки тому +5

      @@jizzmonkey9679 Stop stirring! You don't need to if you put the milk in first.

    • @jizzmonkey9679
      @jizzmonkey9679 4 роки тому +9

      @@glynwelshkarelian3489 but you cant take milk out ,you can always add more

    • @glynwelshkarelian3489
      @glynwelshkarelian3489 4 роки тому +2

      @@jizzmonkey9679 if you don't know how much milk is enough by experience then perhaps you're too young to be trusted with the spout!

  • @randywatson8347
    @randywatson8347 4 роки тому +2

    Love those sights that closes flush along the top.

  • @wilsonlaidlaw
    @wilsonlaidlaw 4 роки тому +6

    The cross hatching around the aperture on the Mk.III rear sight makes it easier to use prone, with the sun behind your shoulder. For this reason, the Mk.1 rear sights which our school OTC used for competition 500 yard shooting, were initially painted matt black. The head of the school OTC then "bribed' our local visiting armourer with a bottle of malt whisky, to let us have 10 of the Parker Hale "Marksman" rear sights for our shooting team. These were a considerable improvement with the adjustable aperture and precision adjustments for elevation and windage.

    • @itsapittie
      @itsapittie 4 роки тому +2

      In 33 years in uniform I got more military stuff with good whisky than by any other method.

    • @at1cvb417
      @at1cvb417 4 роки тому

      @@itsapittie good whiskey or good coffee goes a long way, and anything else that is in limited quantity.

    • @itsapittie
      @itsapittie 4 роки тому

      @@at1cvb417 That it does!

  • @iuploadherebecauseimnotbuy7236
    @iuploadherebecauseimnotbuy7236 4 роки тому +3

    Good morning Ian , thanks for the show . Somehow watching your videos makes my coffee better.

  • @bigshlong69able
    @bigshlong69able 3 роки тому

    Love your videos man, I just got a enfield no4 mk1 for my birthday and I'm trying to find out all the history I can about it!

  • @charlbotha8138
    @charlbotha8138 4 роки тому +2

    Ian, I inherited this model with the milled sights from my father. Its a awesome rifle. Doubt I'll ever sell it.

  • @JohnDoe-pv2iu
    @JohnDoe-pv2iu 4 роки тому +3

    I have all three designs on rifles.
    I love the history of mods and all but honestly the English did a fine job because all three designs work very well!
    Great video and take Care, John

    • @leo51588
      @leo51588 2 місяці тому

      What makes the mark 2 rear sight stay upright without flipping forward or backward?

  • @NickYatesFH45
    @NickYatesFH45 4 роки тому +8

    For the first time, I already knew everything he said in that video. Thanks BOTR.

  • @simonhengle8316
    @simonhengle8316 Рік тому

    Excellent vid, thank you

  • @lowangproductions4235
    @lowangproductions4235 4 роки тому +2

    Now I have to go look at the rear sight on my No4Mk1 1942 dated to see what I have. Pristine unmodified rifle with 1942 marked sling proper cleaning kit in the stock and bayonet with frog dated 1942. Thanks for the info!

    • @lowangproductions4235
      @lowangproductions4235 4 роки тому +1

      Mine is steel stamped Mk3. So, at some point my rear sight was updated?!?

    • @kentr2424
      @kentr2424 8 місяців тому

      Yes, possibly in the field by the armourer@@lowangproductions4235

  • @mydixienormous5746
    @mydixienormous5746 4 роки тому

    Eaaarrrlyyy and it feels so good! Great vid!!

  • @no.4mk126
    @no.4mk126 4 роки тому

    Awesome video!

  • @markfergerson2145
    @markfergerson2145 4 роки тому +20

    I do not doubt that Lindybeige could expound for 45 minutes on why the Mk 3 is labeled Mk 2 and *almost* have his explanation make sense.
    Oh, well- he probably already has.

    • @jonathanheppel8225
      @jonathanheppel8225 4 роки тому

      Ian's already alluded to it: the flipsight was always intended to be replaced when the tooling for the stamped Mk2 was developed, so honouring such a substandard article with a mark number would be offending all rules of common decency.

    • @828enigma6
      @828enigma6 4 роки тому +2

      Beige has a profound tendancy toward verbosity.

    • @nunyabeeswax6002
      @nunyabeeswax6002 4 роки тому +2

      check out bloke on the range's video where he compares the actual zeroed distance of +6 (i forget exactly) different SMLE sights. Incredibly meticulous and well done, all things considered.

  • @2009Berghof
    @2009Berghof 4 роки тому +7

    Question for Ian: What came first the Savage flip sight or the flip sight of the M1 Carbine?

  • @michaelponn931
    @michaelponn931 4 роки тому +3

    And I believe the milled sight had the "battle sight" removed to make room for the scope on "T" models

  • @ernesttravers7517
    @ernesttravers7517 2 роки тому +1

    A New Zealand soldier told me that the foresight was adjusted for each man on his particular 303 rifle
    They used to fire on the range with the bayonet on to steady and balance the rifle
    Then the officer used to adjust the front sight with a screwdriver to get the man more accurate
    It wasn't possible with British units because of class divisions which did not exist in New Zealand
    Keep up the great articles

  • @ianj1828
    @ianj1828 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you! I have a post war #4 and always wondered why it had a MKI sight.

    • @BlokeontheRange
      @BlokeontheRange 4 роки тому +1

      AFAIK pretty much all the post-war ones were produced with a Mk.1 sight.

  • @MrWadeant
    @MrWadeant 4 роки тому

    Amazing timing on the vid Ian! I just got a 1943 Savage No.4 Mk1 SMLE with the L sight. I was wondering if i could fit one of the ladder sights on to it and you have just answered that for me! Love your vids, keep up the great work!

  • @marcb.9492
    @marcb.9492 8 місяців тому

    Thank you! I have a 1943 #4 from Long Branch that has the simplified flip sight ,and I was debating on replacing it, but I think I'll just leave it as is

  • @WraithSeer-uv6tv
    @WraithSeer-uv6tv 4 роки тому +6

    Oh my god, this is the perfect video for me. I am doing a EPQ on firearms and this will help tremendously. Thanks for the video

    • @jamietus1012
      @jamietus1012 4 роки тому +2

      Might want to check out bloke on the range if this kind of video helps you, he has heaps of this kinda stuff

    • @WraithSeer-uv6tv
      @WraithSeer-uv6tv 4 роки тому +1

      @@jamietus1012 Dont worry, ive been a long time subscriber to him too ;) Thanks though

  • @CaptSargeMudkip
    @CaptSargeMudkip 4 роки тому

    Nice video, thanks.

  • @IcedReaver
    @IcedReaver 4 роки тому +5

    My No4 MkI had the MkIII rear sight and I believe this would've been a great rear sight for war (quick to manufacture, quick to use), but it isn't the best for target shooting due to the size of the aperture and the fact that it's a little flimsy. I used to get around 3moa using handloads but after I swapped out to the ph5c rear sight that dropped to 1moa with handloads. This is in part due to the adjustable aperture of the Parker Hale but also holding a much more solid zero. Very happy with it now!

  • @chexquest87
    @chexquest87 4 роки тому +6

    The missing sight here is Canadian version- a milled base with a stamped ladder. That’s what my 1942 longbranch has on it.

    • @markwilliams882
      @markwilliams882 4 роки тому +1

      I have the exact same rifle.

    • @panfriedmarmot
      @panfriedmarmot 4 роки тому

      Same! Mine is 1944, it is the first rifle I ever bought, at a pawn shop for $120. Only recently (after 15 years) have I been able to shoot it more than once or twice a year now that I have my own land and range to shoot on.

    • @MrAlanbooker
      @MrAlanbooker 3 роки тому

      Mine also, milled base stamped ladder but with the mark 3 ladder, updated inward facing spring clip!

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      CMk3

  • @blueskdragonFX
    @blueskdragonFX 2 роки тому

    Ahh cheers for clarifying. Dug up a bunch of Enfields recently. Most had the simple flip sight but some had the MK3 sight.

  • @wapiti3750
    @wapiti3750 4 роки тому +34

    The 'Gun Jesus' is up to his old tricks again: producing great videos!

  • @daskriegsman7013
    @daskriegsman7013 4 роки тому +2

    You think you could do a review on U.S. lend lease Enfields? I own one but I would like to get more information on it. There's not a hole lot of reviews on those rifles and the ones that do exists don't really go in dept like you do. Your the only man for the job.

  • @frenchfan3368
    @frenchfan3368 4 роки тому +1

    Wow! I was just wondering about this pop-up mk2 sight a few weeks ago when I was looking at my two Lee-Enfield Number 4, Mark 1 rifles. I was wondering why my Lee-Enfield from 1943 had the ladder type sight and my other one from 1942 had the simplified, rear sight. I was beginning to think that someone had removed the ladder sight from my 1942 rifle and just put a cheap part on it. I am pleasant surprised and relieved to know that someone did not. I don't care what they say; If I were to take a time machine back to the Second World War, I would take a Lee-Enfield into battle over an M1 Garand any day.

  • @loupiscanis9449
    @loupiscanis9449 4 роки тому

    Thank you

  • @coyote9594
    @coyote9594 4 роки тому +1

    Just put a mklll sight on my no4 mk l*. Thought I was just being lazy not learning how to use the mkll sight. Glad the Brits never expected me to

  • @SportbikerNZ
    @SportbikerNZ 4 роки тому

    Interesting.
    I just watched the Bloke on the Range video on the battle sight aspect of these a few days ago.

  • @brucelee3388
    @brucelee3388 4 роки тому +1

    Parker-Hale also made a windage adjustable flip up sight for the No.4, I'm guessing that it was a private purchase item for Service Rifle matches.

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      That would be both the A.J. Parker No. 4 and the Parker Hale PH4.

  • @cammobunker
    @cammobunker 4 роки тому

    Also when the Factory Through Repair was conducted on No4 rifles, upgrading them from No4 Mk1 to No4 MkII the existing rear sight was always changed to the milled version of the rear sight. The stamped rear sight was flimsy. The fixed aperture is easily bent or broken off and the slider gets quite floppy with some wear, and I've even seen them with the primary leaf bent almost into a U shape.

  • @kentlindal5422
    @kentlindal5422 4 роки тому

    I learned to shoot on a mark 1. In .303 looking at these brings back fond memories.

  • @danielburgess7785
    @danielburgess7785 4 роки тому +4

    Ian should be a tenured professor somewhere. Not so much money but job and bene's galore.

  • @magecraft2
    @magecraft2 4 роки тому +1

    Would be interesting if you could fire each and see how the changes effected the guns?

  • @stevebracewell9675
    @stevebracewell9675 4 роки тому

    Good info,looks like my Infield has the mark 1sight

  • @jerryjohnsonii4181
    @jerryjohnsonii4181 4 роки тому

    Very interesting. Thanks for showing the Evolution of the No4 Lee Enfield rear sight, Gun Jesus !!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @amoose8439
    @amoose8439 4 роки тому +1

    And here I was thinking the leaf rear sight had been bubba'd.... super neat

  • @richardsolberg4047
    @richardsolberg4047 4 роки тому

    Have # 4 with 2 grove barrel and came with a mark II sight , replaced with a mark I ,now need different front sight ,have to adjust slider to 400 yards to be close to zero at 100 yards ..

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      Zeroing the MK4 ALWAYS begins with selecting the right front sight for your chosen load (because MkVII is no longer made).
      Each increase/decrease in front sight will move POI roughly two inches at 100 yards.
      Rather than battlesight zeroing six inches high at 100 yards, the preferred method is leaf aperture set at 200 yards. Three inches high at 100 yards

  • @aeddonmckaba9797
    @aeddonmckaba9797 4 роки тому +2

    I noticed the checkering on the Mk.3 long-range sight, was that added to reduce glare?

  • @madhatter2523
    @madhatter2523 3 роки тому

    I have a 1943 Lee Enfield No.4 Mk1 with the precision aperture just like on the 1st rifle you showed in the video, however, mine doesn't have the horizontal groves on the upper guard as yours does.

  • @jadedengineer
    @jadedengineer 4 роки тому +1

    You should link to bloke on the range’s shooting comparison to see what the zeros were

  • @p03saucez
    @p03saucez 4 роки тому +1

    My Savage No4 MK1* has the dual-aperture MKII flip sight. Hate it but can't bring myself to replace it with a MKI or MKIII sight since it's both correct for the rifle and original to it (marked S for Savage).

    • @mandymayne8759
      @mandymayne8759 4 роки тому +1

      I have one of those. Tried shooting it after I bought it: one box of Remington and one box of Sellier & Bellot. Wouldn’t feed from the magazine, so had to do it single shot. Safety would re-engage after every shot. Shot 5 inch groups, at 25 yards! Now it’s just a show piece. Glad it still has the “U.S. Property” stamp. Read that sometimes British soldiers would grind that off. I bet it has some stories to tell.

    • @mauricestevenson5740
      @mauricestevenson5740 7 місяців тому

      Weeeelll... Actually...
      It is entirely possible your rifle originally had a Mk I sight from the factory. Then, following a trip across the Atlantic, it was thrust into the trembling hands of an accountant's assistant who, in a moment of terrified absent-mindedness, dropped the rifle on the sight, which was replaced by a Mk II sight.
      I could come up with other scenarios but I won't...
      Incidentally, the "US PROPERTY" marking mentioned by mandymayne8759 was a gesture to the US supplying arms to the Allies before Pearl Harbour had an early morning visit from the Japanese. It showed that the Allies were paying for the equipment so the US could claim they were not participating in the war - just making money from it.
      And Britain paid their share (unlike the Russians, for example). All of it.

  • @jamesplunkett6861
    @jamesplunkett6861 3 роки тому

    I have an AB serialized Maltby 4mk1 from 1942. It must have been made within the last few months of standard production, before everything was sped up. It has the screw up ladder rear sight. However the bolt has a squared and notched cocking mechanism, not a knob style. Came to me sporterized when I was a boy.

  • @briankelly2886
    @briankelly2886 Рік тому

    My 1941 Long Branch has the 300/600yard flip sight.

  • @andyblack5687
    @andyblack5687 4 роки тому

    In the early 90s I had a No. 4 MK1 and I never could get used to the rear aperture sight. Mine didn’t have the micrometer.

  • @sirupate
    @sirupate Рік тому

    At boarding school in the CCF we only used the Battle sight, but is was never explained to us how to use the numbers on the leaf sight? can you explain please?

  • @Jesses001
    @Jesses001 4 роки тому

    I have the Mk.2 sight. Even though it does not have the dialing in for long distance, it is a rather great sight for fast target transitions. It is so good, I do not even think about the sight. I just think, I want the bullet there, and it hits.

  • @Boozie513
    @Boozie513 Рік тому

    Hmm, I have a No. 4 MK I, with the stamped sight shown in the video. Says Mark 3 on it?

  • @armorer94
    @armorer94 2 роки тому

    I just picked up one of these. I lucked out and got the micrometer sight.

  • @robkcra
    @robkcra 3 роки тому +1

    I may have gotten lost in your description of the naming of the various sights, but for what it’s worth I have a LE with this designation stamped on the receiver:
    C No 4 Mk1*
    Long Branch
    1949
    It’s rear sight fits your description of a Mk 4 (but stamped Mk 3???) and is described thusly:
    • the slide’s lever has that little curl or
    bend in it
    • both the slide and the leaf are clearly
    stamped; C Mk 3
    So do I understand correctly that this is actually a Mk 4 sight; not a Mk 3?

  • @roum22
    @roum22 4 роки тому +1

    You didn't mention the that the Mk1 is click adjustable like a scope turret. Each click being 1 MOA if I remember correctly..

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      You are correct. Replace that micrometer sight with the one for the No5 jungle carbine and you have half MOA clicks.

  • @Gordonseries385
    @Gordonseries385 4 роки тому

    Cool!

  • @montycrain5783
    @montycrain5783 2 роки тому

    Next to M1Garand sights one of the most shootable sights.

  • @thomasborgsmidt9801
    @thomasborgsmidt9801 4 роки тому +2

    As I have been asking this question for the last 40 years without a convincing and qualified answer.
    What is the difference between the sight with bayonet mounted and without bayonet. Does the bayonet interfere with the projectile, the balance of the rifle or something quite different.
    When the importance of that percolates down to private level, it is something of a holy grail - or is it a dogma of immaculate conception.

    • @slavsupreme5129
      @slavsupreme5129 4 роки тому +3

      The bayonet changes the barrel harmonics and therefore the POI of the round

    • @Ashcrash82
      @Ashcrash82 4 роки тому +2

      the long mosin rifles (M91 and M91/30, etc.) also run into this issue. They seem to be relatively accurate out to around 4-500 ish meters, but beyond that can't produce a decent group. Attach the bayonet, and boom, a good shooter can be accurate well past 600 meters. Same reason, barrel harmonics.

    • @stephenchapman4440
      @stephenchapman4440 4 роки тому +1

      Bloke on the range recently did a comparison of all the no4 sights, and explained during the video what effect the bayonet had on the point of aim. ua-cam.com/video/keZoROIMxbQ/v-deo.html

  • @ianjohnson182
    @ianjohnson182 4 роки тому

    neat. I have a savage made one with the Mk II style of sight. Interesting that it never got upgraded.

  • @hockeywarrior
    @hockeywarrior 4 роки тому

    I have a No. 4 Canadian-made Longbranch rifle dated 1942 that has the 300/600 war expediency sight which is pretty cool. That said, obviously the Mk1 or Mk3 sights are much better for actual shooting. I'm debating buying a replacement Mk1 or Mk3 sight ... though it hurts to change the rifle's probable original configuration. Interesting what you said about the 300 yard marker being configured to work with the bayonet attached... I'll have to try that out next time I'm at the range to see if the groups change!

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      If you're going to change, consider buying the leaf sight for the No5 jungle carbine
      "Only" graduated to 800 yards instead of 1300. But when installed on a Not with its longer sight radius, you get half MOA clicks instead of one MOA clicks.

    • @shaunkilleen6267
      @shaunkilleen6267 Рік тому +1

      I can attest to the groups changing. I shoot long range with no bayo and under 500 yrds with the bayo attached. It makes a significant difference.

  • @Dawgs241
    @Dawgs241 3 роки тому

    I have a no.4 Mk 1, stamped with date of 1943, with a Mk 2 sight.

  • @pauljshields123
    @pauljshields123 4 роки тому +10

    Go to bloke on range... he's done an in depth review on no 4 sights, with shooting!

    • @samholdsworth3957
      @samholdsworth3957 4 роки тому

      But you'd have to listen to his horrible English accent 👌

    • @kmc7355
      @kmc7355 4 роки тому +2

      @@samholdsworth3957 Out of all the 50 or so English accents, is his the only one you dont like? Or are they all horrible?

    • @baobo67
      @baobo67 3 роки тому

      @@kmc7355 The best accent, dare I say in the World, was from near England and has just left us. That of Sean Connery, a Scott. Vale.

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      @@baobo67 That would be the same Sean Connery who maid his fame and fortune playing a gunslinging British agent with a license to kill?
      Same one who was a huge supporter of gun bans and confiscations for the common herd who bought the movie tickets to make him rich?
      Same guy who regularly voiced his contempt for "American gun culture"?
      Good actor; that's about it.

    • @baobo67
      @baobo67 3 роки тому

      @@AirborneMOC031 The very one. Yes excellent Actor and like many of his ilk ie all sorts of celebrities that take up "causes." He was pushing for Scottish Independence at the time but "American gun culture" is a matter for Americans. Cheers.

  • @michaelw.urbansr.8617
    @michaelw.urbansr.8617 17 хвилин тому

    HUH...... I have a Long Branch No4 Mk1* that has a rear sight on it that dosnt look like any of the three shown here.....Its got a milled rear sight with a curved actuator on it. It looks most like the stamped one but not quite. I dont mind as i purchased a very good example i plan to shoot i dont buy wall hangers. It was built in 1943 in Canada. I think it was built by Savage Arms , before they were Savage Arms?

  • @ethandertz1160
    @ethandertz1160 4 роки тому

    I have a Long Branch 1942 Mk I* with a Mk 3 back sight. The sights are way better than the sights on my SKS.

  • @nicholasvaneyk4565
    @nicholasvaneyk4565 3 роки тому

    Happiness is a google question answered with a Forgotten Weapons video

  • @fLowMage21
    @fLowMage21 4 роки тому +1

    Please do a video on the AKS-47u

  • @HDSME
    @HDSME 11 місяців тому

    They also removed the round bolt cooker and later removed the grooves in the new cocker then they cheated out the nose to save machining few more little new onceses
    They removed the wood grooves in the kite arm stock I loved that thing sad

  • @egnr9668
    @egnr9668 4 роки тому +2

    The small rear sight was known as the Battle Sight

  • @VeraceSzK
    @VeraceSzK 4 роки тому

    I have a 1943 Fazakerley with the L flip sight.

  • @OhBoysPaintball
    @OhBoysPaintball 2 роки тому

    So what about a 1944/45 production Lee Enfield’s with the “L” style flip sights? I have seen these before. Why would ones built those years not have the better version of the adjustable sights? Were some guns built after 1943 still with the “L” sights?

  • @GenStallion
    @GenStallion 4 роки тому

    I have a no4 mk5, its sights appear to be a kit bash of the mark 1 and mark 3 sights. Do you know anything about that, it has been driving me nuts for years.

  • @normann4016
    @normann4016 2 роки тому

    Hi, Ian a nice report on weapons, etc.... but... would you mind posting some reports on the std. issue ammo of those rifle...? Thank you

  • @freddiekarno1162
    @freddiekarno1162 2 роки тому

    Was there another rear sight version? I first fired this rifle in the 70s and these versions are unfamiliar.

  • @danielm6049
    @danielm6049 2 роки тому

    I have a 1945 Longbranch marked No4mk1* with mk2 dual peep, what happened?

  • @justagi119
    @justagi119 4 роки тому

    It'd be nice if we got a sight picture too

  • @whitey129
    @whitey129 4 роки тому

    I own a mk.4 (CMK 3 marked) rear sight, you said they're identical to the MK3's just one or two slight changes, mine is significantly different, the rear ghost ring sight is rounded and it looks like the leaf is actually welded or braised to the base mounting block. I'm just curious if mine is an odd ball, or what's going on, it definitely looks authentic in manufacture.

    • @whitey129
      @whitey129 4 роки тому

      upon further exception, I am almost positive what I have is a mk.3 leaf, welded or braised onto the intermediate flip sight (300/600 zero peep sight version). It looks like it was done by the manufacturer. Just curious about the details.

  • @legion6049
    @legion6049 4 роки тому

    Any way to tell if these rifles were shipped overseas to Britain? I have a Savage No.4 Mk1* dated 1943 with a Mk1 Sight.

  • @Norsksk
    @Norsksk 4 роки тому

    If you ever get a chance you should do a video on the Norwegian nm149

  • @tommyfournier3138
    @tommyfournier3138 8 місяців тому

    Looking at those no4 mark 1 I noticed mine does not have the bolt catch near the sight, it has a slot cut near the chamber to flip the bolt head up and slide it out. Long branch only?

    • @tommyfournier3138
      @tommyfournier3138 8 місяців тому

      And the sight is stamped mk 3 making it a mark 4?

    • @user-gm8gh3sx7r
      @user-gm8gh3sx7r 3 місяці тому

      Long Branch and Savage. They are No,4 Mk, I* rifles. Made them a bit quicker to manufacture not needing the rear bolt release bits.

  • @maverickpaladin4155
    @maverickpaladin4155 4 роки тому +1

    Was there also a Parker Hale Target Sight, similar to the Mk I but more refined? I've heard mention of such a thing but have never seen one in person and was wondering if it was a production sight or a later aftermarket target shooting upgrade.

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому +1

      PH4 by Parker Hale. A.J. Parker also made similar sights. They're still in use and still in demand by Service Rifle competitors and others.
      You can find them on EvilBay and elsewhere, but they have gotten very spendy over the years.
      Surprised somebody hasn't tried making something similar to the PH4 and/or Twin Zero, with proper ACTUAL minutes, not Lee Enfield minutes. Shouldn't cost more than what the used PHs are going for now.

    • @maverickpaladin4155
      @maverickpaladin4155 3 роки тому

      @@AirborneMOC031 thanks for the reply, sir. I'll do a little digging later for that sight.

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому +1

      @@maverickpaladin4155 Make sure you're prepared for sticker shock...
      If you don't do any real shooting beyond 200 - 300 yards, you should save your money and buy the leaf sight intended for the No 5 jungle carbine. That's the one with the micrometer markings that only go up to 800 yards, instead of 1300 yards.
      Put that on the No 4, with its 5.5" longer sight radius, and now you have half MOA click adjustments, instead of the one MOA adjustments of the MK1 leaf sight intended for the No. 4.
      Not as exact and precise (and as backlash free) as a P.H. No4. But hundreds of dollars less to purchase.

    • @maverickpaladin4155
      @maverickpaladin4155 3 роки тому

      @@AirborneMOC031 I did some google searching yesterday for the PH4...couldn't even find one for sale. Is the one for the No 5 called a PH5? Are these readily available or are they also made of unobtainium?

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      @@maverickpaladin4155 I don't know, but I highly doubt the PH5 would fit the jungle carbine because of how it mounts to the side of the No 4s receiver. With the lightening cuts made to the sides of your receiver, I suspect it wouldn't fit without some somewhat precise shimming to result in emulating a No4 profile.

  • @ung427
    @ung427 Рік тому

    The middle rifle's bolt head is screwed out one too many turns is it not?

  • @invalidentidy1526
    @invalidentidy1526 4 роки тому

    You can keep me more interested in an 1/8 of a few guns for more time then my math teacher kept my attention

  • @Ponzy-km2bz
    @Ponzy-km2bz 4 роки тому

    I have a Long Branch 1944 made No4 Mk1* that has the L flip sights. Did Canada just continue with the other style?

    • @Ashcrash82
      @Ashcrash82 4 роки тому

      maybe yours was issued and in the field when the MkIII came out. I have a 1943 Long Branch with the MkII sight, but mine went through an FTR sometime before the late '40s (when the No.4 Mk 2 rifle standard was adopted). I assume mine would have had the later style sight installed at that time, if it wasn't installed at production.

  • @TopAce1945
    @TopAce1945 4 роки тому

    I have a 1943 dated with the milled sight. Did they still put a few milled sights on rifles by then? I assume to use up leftover stock?

    • @jamietus1012
      @jamietus1012 4 роки тому +3

      My understanding is that they would upgrade to the milled sights as available. It's also possible someone has put that on over the years to make it better for target shooting

    • @davehall44
      @davehall44 4 роки тому

      Same as me, as were most of the rifles I saw in training in the '60s. Wondering if the NZ army did some later retrofitting.

  • @keeperofgunsandfish
    @keeperofgunsandfish 4 роки тому

    Thanks for answering a question I've had for a while, Ian. I have a 1943 BSA no4 mk1 with a mk2 flip battle sight. How late into 1943 were they still using the mk2?

    • @thomasgordonjr.2208
      @thomasgordonjr.2208 2 роки тому

      I have a December of 43 BSA with the mk2 sight. I believe it's original, since the rifle seems completely matching otherwise, down to the factory magazine

    • @leo51588
      @leo51588 2 місяці тому

      What helps the flip up sight stay up right without moving forward or backwards ?

  • @sd3gunner
    @sd3gunner Рік тому

    how common is it for a Savage No.4 mk1* to have the first gen nice dial sight?

  • @jamesvatter5729
    @jamesvatter5729 6 місяців тому

    So when did the mark 4 sight come into play?

  • @yeetergriffin1586
    @yeetergriffin1586 18 днів тому

    I know this is a very late comment but I’m hoping I can get a good awnser maybe but I picked up a No4 mk1/2 Enfield and it’s absolutely great. Not in the best shape but only payed like $550 for it. I’m curious because it’s dated 1943 but it has the early Mk1 micrometer sight so would that mean it’s not original to then gun?

  • @tankdriver67m64
    @tankdriver67m64 4 роки тому

    The Savage built No. 4 I just bought has the first sight.

  • @DRNewcomb
    @DRNewcomb 4 роки тому +4

    The Bloke has a video on this subject that will make your eyes glaze over.

    • @calehume6960
      @calehume6960 4 роки тому

      I can't tell if your insulting or complementing

    • @1Notten
      @1Notten 4 роки тому

      It's the tears of joy.

    • @TheArgieH
      @TheArgieH 4 роки тому

      @@calehume6960 Or even complimenting.

    • @tomryan914
      @tomryan914 4 роки тому

      Liberace Joke: Voice from upstairs, "Lee, has the piano tuner come yet?" "Not yet Momma, but his eyes are glazing over!"

  • @scrubsrc4084
    @scrubsrc4084 4 роки тому +2

    Whats the calibration difference in relation to bayonet and no bayonet?

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 4 роки тому +1

      It's because the bayonet shifts the point of impact. Another poster here said a fixed bayonet changes that 400y zero to a 300y zero.
      I know that long moisins are notorious for about a 6" shift in point of impact when you fix the bayonet.

    • @AirborneMOC031
      @AirborneMOC031 3 роки тому

      @@ScottKenny1978 The presenter is wrong. The battlesight was NEVER 400 yards in any variant; always 300 yards. After zeroing 6 inches high at 100 yards with bayonet fixed, with the bayonet removed, the 300 yard aperture was on at 400 yards.
      It's all in the proper military pam's that were issued with the rifle. The 200 yard leave aperture, zeroed three inches high at 100 yards without bayonet fixed was preferred and a superior zeroing arrangement.

  • @frankwebster6082
    @frankwebster6082 4 роки тому

    Great Video. Does anybody know anything about the Lee Enfield P.O.F. RIFLES.

  • @sandemike
    @sandemike 4 роки тому

    Why was there no windage adjustment on these sights?

  • @MortRotu
    @MortRotu 4 роки тому

    I wonder how often the leaf part of the sight actually got used by the standard infantry rifleman? Was it really worthwhile going back to the mk3 sight?

  • @anthonylee6322
    @anthonylee6322 4 роки тому +1

    I hope he does one on the bayonets.

  • @babalonkie
    @babalonkie 4 роки тому +1

    My fav bolt action...