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Before the current Accuracy International rifle, the Irish issue sniper's rifle was a FAL with a Leupold? 4x? scope. The scope was mounted on a special dust cover, which was not as solid as later receiver mounts.
Before that was a scoped Lee Enfield 303. Was the latter a No.4 Mk1(T)?
Anyone able to correct or conform these facts? Any of ye fire these? If so, how did they perform?
Co-incidentally, I just got Karl Martin's "Irish Army Vehicles" book this week, and saw the picture below, which clearly shows a No.4 Mk I (t).
Anyone know when these were acquired, and how long they stayed in service?
Also, anyone know what went before that? A LDF veteran mentioned a "Long Range Rifle" on occasion to me that was distinct from the SMLE. I understand some American P17 rifles were in service during the emergency, could this be them?
After consulting with a friend of mine, ex-FCA, who knows a great deal about small arms, I got the following information:
the Lee Enfield used was indeed the No4 Mk1(t).
The FN which replaced it was not liked as it was accurate beyond about 600meters/yards. the problems seemed to stem from it being an automatic, the sight mount was not regarded as a problem.
I hope to get more info in the next week or so.
"We will hold out until our last bullet is spent. Could do with some whiskey"
Radio transmission, siege of Jadotville DR Congo. September 1961.
Illegitimi non carborundum
Fired the Enfield alright, but without the trendy 'scope.
A lovely weapon to fire, but woe betide if you didn't have it firmly into your
shoulder, it had a hell of a kick.
Also, a pain in the arse to clean the barrel, pouring 7-8 pints of boiling water
down it before cleaning and oiling...
"Well, stone me! We've had cocaine, bribery and Arsenal scoring two goals at home. But just when you thought there were truly no surprises left in football, Vinnie Jones turns out to be an international player!" (Jimmy Greaves)!"
Before the accuracy international, the role of the sniper was a sub-unit asset and did not have the specialised training that the position has now. Essentially he was a very good marksman. This probably had an impact on the choice of weapon at the time.
Sniping in itself is a skill which has to be mastered over time.The whole ethos & doctrine of modern sniping has evolved in the DF over the past few years with the standards being very high in the "Green Army".
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