Re: Vintage Sniper Kit
OK - hands up to this. I'm addicted/share the sickness
I'll aim to kit out all my milsurps with period correct slings, correct scopes, scope covers, spare mags (if appropriate), cleaning kit and bayonet. If I can, I'll also try to get a full set of front sight blades, always useful to have! If I can't find an original item in good condition at the right price, I'll get a repro, as long as it is near t the original as possible.
My best/worst obsession (depending on your point-of-view
) is my No4T:
- Rifle wears repro 1907 sling (Turner Slings "Historic") and correct pattern scope caps from Moore Leather (Hide member "saddler")
- Bakerlite oiler and broad arrow marked pull through in butt trap
- Transit Chest was made for me by a guy called Rick Grant in Canada - very high quality and accurate repro for a fraction of the cost of a buggered up original!
- Original Scope tin (with repro strap, again from "Saddler"). First pattern, and with rare trials rifle serial number
- Original Scout Regt Scope with carry case and strap
- Original unissued No4 Cleaning Kit - including gauzes
- Original unissued canvas carry bag (missing the shoulder strap). This is probably the most pointless bit of issue kit imaginable....the rifle will only fit in it if you take the scope off (who wants to do that once zeroed?). So many were used with the top cut to let the rifle slip in with the scope attached...but of course the scope still stuck out of the bag in the muck and weather!
- Original ruptured case extractor
- Original and marked canvas .303 bandolier x2
- Set of No4 front sight blades in all issued size - not shown
- '44 dated Bren gun webbing sling (preferred by many to the 1907 for it's longer length and ease of use) - not shown
- Spike bayonet with frog (MkII pattern) - not shown
- Spare thumbwheels and springs for scope mount/bracket - not shown
- Spare unissued mag - not shown
I've even got a copy of the War Department's 1940 training pamphlet issued to precision marksmen.
All I'm looking for now is a MkIII Compass.....
Truth is, I've got way more stuff for this rifle than I'll ever use or would need.
But it was fun tracking it all down at the time.
I took (still take) the view that it's better to get the bits when you can. As these rifles get older, it may be a lot harder/more expensive to find them. Also...as this thread proves...anyone who may buy the gun later may also appreciate all the "extras"!
Think I should try to get out more?!
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(delete as appropriate!!)