Nikon Prostaff 5 on Lee Enfield No4

[Seraphim]

I've been looking at entry level scopes (under $300) to use on my Enfield. I've acquired a mount which replaces the rear sight and requires no modifications to the rifle. I originally wanted mildot, but in that price range I could only find Bushnells, and I was concerned - from reading user reviews - about their ability to hold up to a .303 round's constant abuse.

I discovered the Nikon BDC reticle, and their SpotOn app for the iPhone. The Prostaff 5 has a 2.5 -10x scope - probably more magnification than I would want, but it wouldn't hurt to have it. I don't expect to ever shoot over 300 yards. I don't hunt, it's mostly for fun shooting, and I can get the scope and rings for $279.

Any thoughts - good or bad - on my choice? Later on I may get a nice rifle set up for longer distances, and get a true mildot scope. But I want to see how much I use this one, since I already have it.
Also, if anyone has any thoughts on the height of the rings I should get - haven't used a scope since the 80s. Any advice is apredicated. ( appreciated)

 

[Seraphim]

The mount takes Weaver rings...

 

[bman940]

I think you are right on track with your choices. The PROSTAFF 5 scope is an excellent choice for your use. It will be clear and easy to use. The BDC will let you dial in your scope,rifle and ammo for the greatest longrange accuracy. That PROSTAFF 5 scope is current;y under a Nikon Promo so you can get some free rings that'll work on your rifle. Check out this link below for more info. I don't do any sales, just trying to help a fellow S&W member out. When at all possible supprt this sites sponsors. Make sure they are authorized Nikon Dealer's so you can take advantage fo the free mount.

 

[model70hunter]

I have a couple of Nikon Pro Staff scopes. Work well.
What about the bolt when opening? Safety?

Google this to get pictures of scoped SMLE's. Some look like your thoughts. pictures scoped SMLE 303

 

[model70hunter]

Read some ballistic charts, if you zero it dead on at 25 yards it will be a few inches high at 100 yards and good to about 275 years with a 150 grain load.

If you zero it dead on at 100 yards it will be 10" low at 260 yards.

Sounds like a fun project. What will you use it for?

FYI; while reading up I see it was basically a 300 yard sniper rifle for the Brits. Good shots might wrangle 600 yards out of it.

 

[Seraphim]

I appreciate the comments. Mostly I'm just going to plink and punch holes in paper. A friend of mine has access to longe distance range, and I thought I might see if I could get enamored of long range shooting. If I did, I'll spring for something more modern with a longer reach.

The bolt should function with medium or high rings, I've read. Something to play with...

 

[Seraphim]

Read some ballistic charts, if you zero it dead on at 25 yards it will be a few inches high at 100 yards and good to about 275 years with a 150 grain load.

If you zero it dead on at 100 yards it will be 10" low at 260 yards.

Sounds like a fun project. What will you use it for?

FYI; while reading up I see it was basically a 300 yard sniper rifle for the Brits. Good shots might wrangle 600 yards out of it.

I've been looking at the ballistic charts. And Nikon has that neat app ...

 

[Seraphim]

A screen shot frm th app:

 

[Seraphim]

Yo can also expand the image and get more detailed ranges.

 

[model70hunter]

Nice! Do you reload? If so you can get close to 308 Win performance and the 168 grain target boattails might be outstanding

 

[Seraphim]

I haven't reloaded for some time, but now that I'm enjoying shooting again, I've begun looking at progressive reloaders. The .3o3 round, variable loads in the .460 cases, and 9mm, and maybe .40 cal. Just set up a table and made space in the basement....

 

[vonn]

I like the Nikon scopes ,very good for the price and I have never had a problem with mine. SWFA has a 10 power Super Sniper that is a good value if you really want a mil dot scope.

 

[Seraphim]

Thanks Vonn. 10x may be too much for what I'm going to use the Enfield for, and the Nikion BDC seems like a good learning tool. Thought I might even try hunting with the Enfield, if I become competent with it.

 

[Stirling]

In Cape Town we use the .303 out to 900m with open sights. The furthest I've shot mine is at 700m. I wouldn't scope mine but if I did I would look for something similar to the original sniper sight.

CLI .303 club of Cape Town
https://www.facebook.com/CLI303Club?fref=nf

 

[Seraphim]

15 years ago I'd do the same. But considering my old eyes can no longer focus on the front sight blade, with or without my glasses, I'm having to reconsider my options. I've seen the facsimiles of the original scope, but I don't want to thread new holes in the rifle for the mount - it will never be a real T version - and the cost and scope aren't what I'm currently looking for. Maybe one day. One company has the sights, mount, cheek rest etc available to make it a pseudo sniper rifle, but im not sure if that would devalue the rifle itself. Perhaps you can answer that concern?

 

[Seraphim]

Vonn
I bookmarked that scope for future reference

 

[Stirling]

15 years ago I'd do the same. But considering my old eyes can no longer focus on the front sight blade, with or without my glasses, I'm having to reconsider my options. I've seen the facsimiles of the original scope, but I don't want to thread new holes in the rifle for the mount - it will never be a real T version - and the cost and scope aren't what I'm currently looking for. Maybe one day. One company has the sights, mount, cheek rest etc available to make it a pseudo sniper rifle, but im not sure if that would devalue the rifle itself. Perhaps you can answer that concern?

LOL You're not alone, my eyes aren't what they used to be. I just never get round to sorting out my spectacles. Given that the rifle really isn't worth that much I would seriously consider giving a more "authentic" period look. It may well be more desirable because it would be easier to shoot accurately. The real question is would it suit you better?

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

When you are shooting, what size targets are you planning on shooting at? The image you posted of the scope recital is very "thick" and may cover too much for small targets. I see you are a Marine (as is one of my sons), and I assume most of you training was on large bullseye and man sized torso targets. However on the long range courses that use steel plates, we rarely see targets over 1' square at those distances. 3" x 5" is about the smallest target from a practical stand point. The power of the scope is less important than the clarity of the scope and a big enough objective lens to gather light (about 40mm seems to be the minimum) The problem with recitals with mulipul cross hairs or dots is the are fixed to a specific velocity and BC. The app tells you conversions to match what you are using and tells you that the 200 yard dot is say 180 yards. That is still a hit on a 18" x 24" torso but will most likely be a clean miss on a 4 Minute of Angle (8" x 8") target.

No. 4 Enfields seem to be a great rifle to start with! My oldest son and I both started our centerfire shooting with one. When I comes to reloading there are a few pitfalls though. You will need to use the .313 diameter bullets instead of American 30 caliber .308 bullets. 150, 154, 174, and 180 grain bullets seem to be you main choices. I would recommend the 174 boat tail bullet. Most No. 4's have a extra amount of "slop" in the front of the chamber (a place for debris and mud to go in the battlefield and still function) this causes the shoulder to move forward about 1/10" when fired. When reloading this would normally be pushed back in full length resizing. The brass stretches from just in front of the web (about a 1/4" in front of rim) and around the 4th firing has case separation (look for a 30-06 stuck case remover). Neck sizing is the normal answer. Start with virgin brass, you have no idea how many time "once fired " brass has be shot. Have fun. Ivan

 

[Seraphim]

LOL You're not alone, my eyes aren't what they used to be. I just never get round to sorting out my spectacles. Given that the rifle really isn't worth that much I would seriously consider giving a more "authentic" period look. It may well be more desirable because it would be easier to shoot accurately. The real question is would it suit you better?

I think the Nikon will do me well right now. When I'm ready to change, I have an AK pistol Im considering making into an SBR. The Nikon would do well there.

At the moment, all I have available is a hundred yard range - enough for me to sight the scope in, and to get used to shooting through a scope. I have done so in the past, having had a Winchester 70 in 30-06 and a 12x Weaver scope, but that was some time ago.

Mosltly be shooting small targets to begin with - depends on what I can get away with with the scope.
And if the Nikon turns out to be a mistake, it's not an expensive one.

 

[Stirling]

The way we are able to shoot accurately over distance is because we use adjustable aperture sights. Mine were installed by an old Navy armourer who also relieved any pressure points the stock was making on the barrel and fitted a sling swivel ahead of the magazine.

I'm more a pistol shooter but the first time out at 700m I shot 38/50. The old hands can call the wind pretty well and they help get you on the paper in two or three shots.

Haven't shot with the club in years btw.