Thread: Parker-Hale backsight?
Retrieved: 06/05/2014

I finally got around to making an ejector screw to correct length so I could mount this PH5C on blondie. This is the first time I have had an adjustable aperture peep and I like it. Now for the question. The 5C has two models, one in 1/2 MOA (small knobs) and one in 1/4 MOA (large knobs). I have read a few places that the large knob version is calibrated for 7.62. Is this correct? Or would a PH5C for a 7.62 be marked 7.62?

I'm not smart enough to figure out the markings anyway with out a cheat sheet so I guess it doesn't matter.

Meet blondie.

tiriaq
01-29-2010

It doesn't really matter. Forget about the range calibrations, and use the minutes scale with Vernier. The elevations on the sight will be close enough to get you in the ball park. Zero the rifle, and record your elevations for future reference.

Mk VII
01-29-2010

You get large knobs in 1/2 and 1/4 min. versions. These look like they've been home-workshop made - not difficult with a lathe and a milling machine with a dividing table. I've seen several like this. I've never seen a PH5C that was marked 7.62 (though Parker's 4/80 was so marked, and went up to 1000 only) and I doubt they exist. The PH5E4 probably took over when new production was required. Nobody took much notice of the range markings anyway.

Enfield trader
01-29-2010

Not a PH5c but a AJ TZ4/80 sight.

Marked 7.62mm -- never seen a PH5c marked 7.62mm -- but have seen the PH5c used on the DCRA NO4 7.62mm rifles.

I also have 2 - TZ 4/47 sights one is marked 7.62mm just like the 4/80 and the other is not marked 7.62mm.

PICTURE 404

PrinzEugen
01-30-2010

Here's a couple of mine - the 5c with big knobs and 1/4 MOA isn't marked 7.62, and I assumed it was calibrated for 303. The TZ 4/47 is marked 7.62 though. (I'll have to ask Enfield Trader how he got his so buffed!) Enjoy shooting with the sight madcrate - it's great fun.

PrinzEugen
01-30-2010

The PH5E4 is also a 7.62 calibrated sight (it was the one used on the Enforcer) just to give you another option! Sadly for you the price on eBay seems to be holding up - the last 4/47 went for 155.

Enfield trader
01-30-2010

Another option -

Well first is another pic of a TZ 4/47 marked 7.62mm.

Then there is the John Wilkes precision sight with adapter plate for the No.4 and plate for the P14 / M1917.

Or the 8/53 or the PH4

Surpmil
01-30-2010

The later Parker Hale 5C's with the squared knobs are rather shoddy compared to the AJ Parker Twin Zeroes, and particulary the Centrals; sloppy fitting, backlash etc. PH even used an aluminum body on the late ones, which is particularly cheap 'n nasty.

Which of course is why serious shooters used Centrals and no one bothered with the PH's anymore. Even the TZ has backlash in the windage mechanism. "Good enough" as long as there's no competition in the marketplace...

A bit of 600 grit wet 'n dry paper rubbed in a straight line will clean up the scales nicely.

madcratebuilder
01-31-2010

I have heard a few people complain about the sloppy fitting, backlash etc on the PH. I sure don't see it the example I have. Tight as a drum, even with the locking screw loose there is no movement.

Alan de Enfield
01-31-2010

Over the years I've had a few 5Cs, generally they are as tight as a duck a**, the odd ones that have been loose have been very worn and basically useless. They can be re-furbished but its as expensive as buying another one.

Surpmil
01-31-2010

It looks like someone has put in a screw or probably a spring loaded plunger/ball to tighten up the elevation slide. Or perhaps that was a late attempt by PH to improve things I don't know. Never seen it before myself.

If the knobs are 'home-made', then whoever was doing it would be well able to do that kind of modification as well.

Still doesn't solve the lack of an anti-backlash spring on the windage screw.

I've got one of the alloy bodied ones here and it is a POS compared to a Central or Twin Zero, or an early PH5 for SMLE for that matter.

Only the quality of fitting on the Twin Zero makes up for the fact that it has a rectangular elevation slide and slot: emphatically NOT self-aligning in principle. Probably done to get around PH patents... guess I'd better get Edna's book and 'get edumacated.'

Mk VII
01-31-2010

Some TZs have a T-slot; some have a dovetail. Important to know if you're looking for a replacement arm.