No. 5 Carbine questions

[Poparelli]

I have a No.5, 1945 ROF Faz. Correct flash hider with lug, "hockey puck" buttcap, matching serials. Hollow bolt handle, other lightening cuts present. Nice shiny bore with strong rifling. Only three things are off: The rear sight is a No.4 I believe, out to 1200 or whatever instead of the correct 800. Also, the forestock and handguard are either non-original or have been refinished. They are a bit lighter coloured and varnished instead of the oil finish that's on the butt. Finally, some previous owner has bent the rear sling loop on the buttcap down to the point where it's impossible to fit a sling through it because it's too close to the wood.

So, two questions: Will the rifle still be accurate with the No.4 rear sight or do I need to find an 800 (I've been looking for one anyway)? What's the best way to bend the rear sling loop back to original outward position without breaking something?

 

[louthepou]

Finding the rear sight is possible, although not essential exceot if you want it to be appropriate, collection-wise.

If the stock has been varnished, you can strip it with furniture stripper and then oil it with pure boiled linseed oil.

For the butt pad "frame", you could remove it from the butt stock, and try to bend it back to its original position. Of course if the metal is fatigued, there's a risk of snapping, but if I recall correctly, chances are it's maleable enough to bend.... others may have more insightful tips for this one,

Lou

 

[lyman54]

British soldiers complained they wouldn't hold zero. After making a study, the military concurred, so were discontinued in 1947. I read it was the front sight problem. However I'm sure there are others who would disagree. Off topic I know, hope you get it worked out, always did like those, but never owned one.

 

[enefgee]

The rifle should be very close with the No4 rear sight, especially at relatively close range (under 300). As far as bending the sling loop, I'd do it carefully, but there are sources for the but cap, so it is possible to replace the whole thing (except the hockey puck) as they do pop up from time to time.