A wrong turn for First World War sniper sights, with weapon and firearms expert, Jonathan Ferguson

Published on April 13, 2022
Duration: 16:59

This guide details the installation of a Galilean telescopic sight, specifically the Lattey model, onto a Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, as demonstrated by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson. It covers the mounting of both front and rear sight components, highlighting the need for potential hand-fitting due to manufacturing tolerances and the requirement for a specific handguard modification for the rear sight. The video emphasizes that while these sights were adopted in 1915, they represented a 'wrong turn' in sniper sight development due to inherent optical limitations.

Quick Summary

The Lattey Telescopic Sight was a Galilean optical system used on the WWI-era SMLE rifle. Adopted in 1915, around 9,000 units were purchased, making it the most common sniper sight for Britain. Manufactured by AG Parker & Co. of Birmingham, these sights offered 2x magnification but were ultimately deemed a 'wrong turn' due to their limited field of view and light-gathering capabilities compared to tubular scopes.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Lattey Sight
  2. 00:31Galilean Optics Explained
  3. 01:36Historical Context and Adoption
  4. 02:07Manufacturing and Rarity
  5. 03:17The Ulster/Neale Sight Variant
  6. 05:46AG Parker Proprietary Galilean Sight
  7. 07:14Fitting the Front Sight
  8. 09:24Fitting the Rear Sight
  9. 11:10Sight Picture and Limitations
  10. 12:28Conclusion: A Tactical Dead End

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Lattey Telescopic Sight used on during WWI?

The Lattey Telescopic Sight was a Galilean optical system designed for and used on the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle during World War I, serving as a critical component of the sniper weapon system of that era.

Why were Galilean sights considered a 'wrong turn' for WWI snipers?

Galilean sights, like the Lattey, were considered a 'wrong turn' because they offered limited magnification, a restricted field of view, and lacked the light-gathering capabilities and single-point-of-aim advantages of contemporary tubular telescopic scopes.

Who manufactured the Lattey Telescopic Sights?

The Lattey Telescopic Sights, along with other Galilean optical systems, were manufactured by A.G. Parker & Co. Ltd. of Birmingham, England.

How many Lattey sights were adopted by Britain in WWI?

Britain officially adopted approximately 9,000 units of the Lattey telescopic sight in 1915, making it the most numerous optical sight employed by British forces during World War I.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Royal Armouries

View all →