Thanks for taking the time to explain everything.
Point taken on the foresight adjustment tool. Unfortunately I didn't win the AJ Parker piece, I did try but £130 didn't quite do the job! Thankfully Watcher has kindly offered me his for free, what a gent! This should at least get it shooting straight on a zero wind day.
It's funny you should mention the windage adjustable leaf, I stumbled across one
here the other day and I thought it might help. My rifle is historically correct as far as I'm aware, it's just the parts weren't assembled until recently. I would prefer to keep it as is, so long as it's practical to do so, but adding this isn't a problem. Although I have to admit I'm finding it harder to shoot than the No.4, purely because the rear sight is mid rifle and the range on the rear sight starts at 200m, which I do find a bit off putting, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.
I might consider the PH target sights, but I'll straighten up the foresight and add the windage adjustable leaf first and see how I get on. Thanks for your offer, sorry I couldn't make it because of prior arrangements.
Cheers,
Craig.
mas36 wrote:Each solution has its own issues mate.
Foresight adjuster - expensive and not always readily available. Most of these can only be used to adjust the foresight by removing the nosecap, adjusting a bit, refitting, shooting and repeating several times until satisfied. Undertake on a nil wind day to achieve a group in the centre of the target. Once done, the tool is not used again - you correct by aiming off from then on otherwise youd be constantly adjusting for even a small change in wind or distance. Expensive option for something you may only use once! Excessive removal and refitting of the nose cap will lead to excessive wear and tear and possible damage to or loss of the screws. I can get one from the US, new, for about £40 and it would be here in about 10 days if youre really after one.
Windage adjustable leaf for the rearsight. Gives quite a bit of adjustment to the rearsight. IF the foresight isnt too far out to begin with it can be the easy option, otherwise you have to undertake the above first to get the rifle shooting straight before fitting. Never fitted one but I understand its easy to do and I can get one for about £40, maybe less (second hand). How original is your rifle, and more important, how original do you want it to be? Fitting one would make it unpallatable to a purist!
The Parker Hale type. Go on ebay for £100 -£200. Dont need any holes etc to be drilled or tapped, but do require a screw set for fitting. If they arent with the sight they should be! They are still available at times but cost 20 -30 quid so factor that in. Also needs a 6 hole aperture, same applies. No foresight adjustment needed and will improve your groups no end. Yes they are unsightly to some people but are a means to an end and give an excellent range of adjustment. I have one on mine and swear by it. You can remove the adjustment arm without taking off the "body" and still use the normal leaf rearsight if required.
All may be available at Bisley - and may be cheaper or more expensive. You never can tell!
Are you at the club Sunday, I can bring my SMLE so you can try the rear sight if you want.