Thread: Any ideas??

Anyone know what rifle this fore sight protector belongs to? Designed to rotate round and lock in place when using sights.

no but seeing it id like to know as well

Done a bit of looking on uncle G and come up with one bit of info. It's possibly a genuine BSA protector for an MLE (Long Tom). @gundoc may be able to offer some thoughts?

It is an after-market sight protector. They were a quite common accessory for target rifles prior to WW1, especially with the Martini and MLE based target rifles. That particular style is not commonly seen, compared to the nickel-plated brass variety.

SNAP

Attached is the broad arrow stamped site protector from my 1901 BSA LE 1* which incidentally also came with a BSA range site incorporated into the rear lobbing sight.

The inclusion of a Broad Arrow changes things! It appears to be a "Protector, Front Sight, Magazine Rifles, Steel (Mark I)" introduced into service 19/10/1898 for use with the MLE (Long Tom) rifles. An interesting item for a British Military collector!

Originally Posted by gundoc

The inclusion of a Broad Arrow changes things! It appears to be a "Protector, Front Sight, Magazine Rifles, Steel (Mark I)"........

Or, whilst still sticking with Army parlance and as it is attached to my Enfield Mk1*, Cinders (Minister of Hugs) and Baldilocks would call it:

"Protector, Front Sight, Magazine Rifles, Steel (Mark I), people, for the killing of."

Thanks @gundoc & @Kiwi Sapper this made me put my glasses on for a better look. Has serial # 127 (crossed out) and the broad arrow markings. Not sure how I came across it but now have the correct info....thanks.

Originally Posted by Mathias

Thanks @gundoc & @Kiwi Sapper this made me put my glasses on for a better look. Has serial # 127 (crossed out) and the broad arrow markings. Not sure how I came across it but now have the correct info....thanks.

Attachment 126653

A nice piece of history from one of the Boer Wars or WW 1 you have in your hand "Ein Freund." Take care of it and look out for a "Long Tom" to stick it on.

@Kiwi Sapper would you be so kind as to post photo of it in place so I can get head around how it works??? please.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

@Kiwi Sapper would you be so kind as to post photo of it in place so I can get head around how it works??? please.

What Ho @Micky Duck Done me Old darling. In image 3, the protector is rotated away from the camera prior to sliding further onto the barrel and you can see the "Broad Arrow" stamp at the right hand end of the protector.

aha now I gets it...thanks for that.