Vince ,,, The steel mount should be alot better than some of the aluminum mounts that I 've tried on my No.4. , Hope you have good luck on finding the used mount....pete

Elvis wrote:

using existing screw holes is the way to go....way less to stuff up and remains origonal underneath....you got some recoil therapy in Mate....speaking if which,how was the later loads in that reguard????? still reckon you be much better off to take off the crappy recoil pad they came with and put a slip on one in place...much softer.

Yes mate, got some recoil therapy...and it was outstanding.

I am using a slip on pad now and it makes a helluva difference...actually quite comfortable to shoot. I have to revisit the load development...there was a mix of my lousy eyes not seeing the sights properly, even the ghost ring sight, and starting the loads off too light. I didn’t both posting the first 4 targets because they are rubbish, but the last targets show some potential at the higher load levels. Once I get a sight mount sorted, and a scope fitted, I’ll revisit the load development process. I’m even thinking a different powder might be an option...AR2209 instead of AR2206H.

pete4d wrote:

Vince ,,, The steel mount should be alot better than some of the aluminum mounts that I 've tried on my No.4. , Hope you have good luck on finding the used mount....pete

I agree Pete...steel is a much better option than aluminium. It holds its shape, is less prone to stress fracturing and won’t wear under recoil.
B-Square has a good reputation, although I believe they may have discontinued the SMLE sight mount production. That’s ok, I am happy with a second hand, pre-used, pre-loved sight mount in good condition.

saw a site the other day with heaps of bits new for the smle ETC ETC...including modern imitations of the scopes used .... IF I can find it again will post link.

Elvis wrote:

saw a site the other day with heaps of bits new for the smle ETC ETC...including modern imitations of the scopes used .... IF I can find it again will post link.

A couple of mates are doing a search in the US for me and have identified a sight mount made by Addley Precision in Canada.
Addley Precision Scope Mount

I’m not familiar with the brand, but one of the guys who is a collector of military rifles...and he shoots them...and he said they are good. The mount is machined from a solid piece of 6061 aluminium, which should mean that it is a good solid unit. I have some sight rings here, although if need be I’ll buy a new set to suit the mount. Then I’ll be able to revisit the load development.

it says look through on bottom....so your scope is going to be high.....having gone down this rabbit hole before.....admitidly with less precise system it brings up 2 issues
1 your face is well off stock to use scope
2 your trajectory is going to be all up the booey.....very it at hundy and it will be way high at 150 sort of thing if my memory is correct
if it lets you see irons and keeps scope low...tis all good....food for thought.

Wow!! I looked at the Addley mount for a Swiss K31... $$$$$!

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

Wow!! I looked at the Addley mount for a Swiss K31... $$$$$!

Have a look at this Punkin...

Darcarto

Elvis...I’ll have to see when I get the mount mate. I’m not interested in using the rifle’s factory sights...can’t see the bloody things, so I’ll have to work out how to use the scope.

Nice mount Vince, thanks!

Well, I have a sight mount inbound, and also a set of rings that will hopefully fit. Once the6 arrive and I get a scope fitted to the #5 SMLE I’ll be back into load development. I am also seriously considering a couple of different projectiles if these Hornady RN offering doesn’t work out as hoped. I’m researching the Sierra offerings as we speak.

Always looking ahead... Plan for the worst and hope for the best!

PaulS wrote:

Always looking ahead... Plan for the worst and hope for the best!

Yes mate, always a smart move.

A couple of months back, after a range visit, I decided that the best option was for me to fit a scope mount to my #5 SMLE. Whilst the factory peep sight sort of worked with my eyes, it wasn’t precise enough for load development, so I searched out a “no gunsmithing” scope mount.

I initially found one on eBay that fitted the bill, a mount from a Canadian company, Addley Precision, and ordered one. Of course with my luck, it turned out to be a bloody SCAMMER. After 4 unanswered emails to them, I raised a dispute through PayPal. It took PayPal less than a week to get back to me with a result in my favour, and a full refund. Long story short, I immediately ordered a mount from the Canadian manufacturer...it should arrive in the next couple of weeks. I have rings and a scope, so with some luck I’ll be on the range early September to revisit load development...fingers crossed and COVID allowing.

good of paypal to sort it for you.