Turkish "Enfauser" - Mauser/Enfield Hybrid Rifle

Published on April 16, 2018
Duration: 12:54

This entry details the Turkish 'Enfauser,' a unique Mauser-Enfield hybrid rifle. Originally a 1911 Short Lee Enfield Mark III from Ishapore, India, these rifles were captured by the Ottoman Empire during WWI and later modified by the ASFA arsenal in Ankara, Turkey, during the 1930s. The conversion involved re-chambering to 8x57 Mauser, adapting Mauser-style sights, furniture, and a 5-round flush magazine, while retaining the Enfield bolt action. Ian McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, provides a deep dive into its mechanical conversions, historical context tied to events like the Siege of Kut, and its rarity, with only a few hundred estimated in the US.

Quick Summary

The Turkish Enfauser is a unique Mauser-Enfield hybrid rifle, originally a 1911 Ishapore Lee-Enfield converted by Turkish arsenals in the 1930s to 8x57 Mauser. It features an Enfield bolt action with Mauser-style magazine, sights, and furniture, and is considered rare with few examples in the US.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Turkish Enfauser
  2. 01:19Hybrid Design and Origins
  3. 02:47Manufacturing Marks and Provenance
  4. 04:03Historical Context: Siege of Kut
  5. 06:42Mechanical Conversions
  6. 07:51Magazine and Bolt Modifications
  7. 11:07Importation and Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Turkish Enfauser rifle?

The Turkish Enfauser is a rare hybrid rifle created by modifying captured British Lee-Enfield rifles. These were converted by Turkish arsenals in the 1930s to chamber the 8x57 Mauser cartridge and adopt Mauser-style furniture and sights, while retaining the Enfield bolt action.

Where did the Turkish Enfauser rifles originate?

The base rifles for the Enfauser conversion were typically Short Lee Enfield Mark III rifles manufactured in Ishapore, India, around 1911. These were captured by the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

What modifications were made to create the Enfauser?

Key modifications include re-chambering to 8x57 Mauser, replacing the magazine with a 5-round Mauser-style unit, adapting Mauser-style sights and furniture, and modifying the bolt head for the Mauser cartridge. A reinforcing bar was also added to the receiver.

Why is the Turkish Enfauser considered rare?

Only about 5,000 Enfauser conversions were made by Turkey. Furthermore, due to historical circumstances and import quirks, only a few hundred are estimated to be in the United States, making them highly sought after by collectors.

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