Thread: Mounting a scope on a 303

Originally Posted by Crispyman

Hey all, newbie here
I'm wanting to chuck a scope on my ol trusty No.1 mk 3 sporter till I can afford something a little nicer and looking for some worldly wisdom
Wanting some advice for a rail solution. From what I've heard the 'no smithing' setups are just not that great, so wanting to know the best solution here; Where best to find a rail, and someone to chuck it on (If it's a complex smithing jobbie)

Buy a 140mm aluminium picatinny rail from ebay, one with a slightly curved underside. Get in there with the file and do a cutout to accommodate the left side of the SMLE charger bridge, to allow you to put it against the left side of the receiver, takes some time. Get someone to dril and tap and mount it using some chemical metal thrown in too. Also do a curved cutout in the picatinny rail to go flush with the thumb cutout on the left side of the receiver (for when you use the charger bridge and stuff them down at the end).

With a set of low mounts it will be a left mounted scope, but fine, especially as it does not interfere with using the stripper clips / chargers. (The no-gunsmith mounts ruin that facility, and it's plain undignified to be seen loading the old smelly girl one round at a time).

The 1" or so left-off-axis is not a problem at all, given at 100 metres the typical SMLE groups 2" or more.

Agree with @shooternz's comments on the SMLE, it is not a beginner's rifle, certainly not a long range rifle. Beyond setting it up for a good two stage pull as per Peter Laidler's instructions online, I also put a cable tie on the back of the trigger guard, locking piece forwards, trimming the tab just until you can pull off a shot, to eliminate trigger over travel. Set with epoxy. Helps, lightweight, and completely reversible.