Competition No4Mk1

From the photo, there does not appear to be much clearance between the tunnel sight tube and sight protector.  I wonder if the protector ear inner surfaces had to be machined or filed down to allow some clearance with the tube?  While not an issue with a TZ or PH 5C target type back sight which allows ample windage adjustment, not having a means to adjust the foresight for windage with the standard service Mk 1 aperture sight would make zeroing the rifle impossible. And as Shamu pointed out, the elevation of the Mk 1 backsight would have to be raised well above the range index marking to obtain a 100 or 200 yard zero. 

It may be best to remove the front sight components and install the standard issue foresight block band, blade and sight protector.  Then sell the tunnel foresight assembly separately. 

The Parker Hale 5C and Twin Zero windage adjustable target type backlights are getting expensive, $300 USD.  Hard to say if going that route will fetch more for the rifle than what the additional cost of getting one of these sights is worth.  The problem is that competition rules here in the US (Civilian Marksmanship Program) for vintage military service rifles do not allow target type sights, the rules state “as issued” sights except the aperture may be reduced in size.  

This rifle is somewhat of a curiosity, as it was unlikely used in competition in this form without the target backsight.  It’s possible the previous owner wanted to keep his PH 5C rear sight for use on a different rifle. 

Had your friend fired this rifle?  Is it still chambered for .303 British? Many were converted to 7.62 in the 1960’s for target shooting.

DustOff wrote: Thanks for all the info.  He has not fired it so I will dig also to see what it is chambered in. But the 3 areas I found the Ser#, grip band-mag.- bolt lever, all match?

Well, from your description he doesn't have much time to shoot it, so he better get on that.  But then, I'm from that class that primarily shoots them, rather than collect them.

On what you've told us, the easiest and least expensive route forward would be to replace that front sight with what it left the arsenal equipped with.  The front sight rig on there right now will have some value for somebody, somewhere.  You retaining it rather than selling to fund bringing back to original condition wouldn't add much value to the rifle, even for most LE fans.

Service rifle competition rear sights are increasingly hard to find due to the damned collectors getting involved on the hunt for them.  I would not want to have to try and replace my PH rear sight right now.