Indian Ishapore RFI 2A1 7.62x51mm Bolt Action Rifle C&R 1966
SOLD FOR: $712
WOA#: WY240117CB014
Make: RFI (Rifle Factory Ishapore)
Model: 2A1
Serial Number: M5919
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Bolt action, 12 round detachable box magazine
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “M5919”. The rear right side of the receiver is marked with a Navy Arms import mark. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “M5919”. The right side of the receiver collar is marked “Rifle 7.62mm 2A1 R.F.I. 1966”. The top of the rear sight is marked “ICR 1559 R.F.I.” The underside of the rear sight is marked “M5919”. The right side of the buttstock has a government ownership mark. The underside of the forend is marked “M5919”. The nose cap is marked “M5919”. The rear side of the magazine is marked “T9949”. There are various small proof and acceptance marks scattered throughout the wood and metal surfaces.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between two protective wings. The rear sight is a u-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly set between two protective ears.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, nose cap assembly with bayonet lug & sight wings, barrel band, two sling loops, a reinforcement pin, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. The buttplate is lightly pitted with heavy scuffing near the center. The buttplate door opens normally and the storage is empty. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. There are larger chunks missing from the rear of the left side of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore with stubborn fouling near the muzzle.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 8 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There is wear to the finish on the rear sight wing edges. There is wear to the finish on the top edges of the safety lever and on the base. The finish is thinning on the bolt handle. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are crisp, though the Ashoka mark on the stock collar is worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 12 round detachable magazine and a canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The Ishapore 2A and 2A1 were reserve rifles built by India in the 1960s and early 1970s. They resemble the British No. 1 MKIII but are chambered in 7.62x51mm. Ishapore, more formally known as the Rifle Factory Ishapore, had years of experience building No. 1 MKIIIs, supplying the British Indian Army rifles throughout the Second World War. Leftover stocks from that time were used to build the 2A and 2A1.
This 2A1 was built in 1966. Aside from the collar marking it out as a 2A1, it can be easily identified by its rear sight, which is marked out to 800 meters. 2A rifles use No.1 MKIII rear sights which are marked out to 2000 yards. All of the serialized parts match, aside from the magazine. Nearly all of the markings are legible. The stock is lightly worn, with most of the wear being on the buttstock. The bore is in great shape and with the availability of 7.62×51, it should make for an enjoyable range rifle. It comes with a canvas sling. This would fit in nicely into any Enfield or Commonwealth collection. Please see our photos.
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