Think #5 Mk I rifle. Modularity, second chances, less irreversible committment.
Industry solution:
wittmachine.net
I get it, the smle barrel is tapered and so forth. Modification: additional set screw or flank pin. They could make an adapter with a flank hole already drilled. All he'd have to do is carefully file a notch in the barrel until the pin goes through with his hammer and drift.
You could get really ghetto and file the small end of the barrel for a circlip.
The device looks solid enough to drill and tap for a front sight?
Numrich has the real #5MKI unitized flash hider/bayo lug/ front sight bases. They also have ones from when Gibbs went belly up, they have no bayo lug and a two slot compensator. Kinda ugh.
The diameter at 18.5"? you'd have to get one to check the measurements etc.