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Ishapore 2A1 SMLE: WW II Fave Bolt Gun

nutnfancy
Published on January 4, 2021
Category: Reviews
Duration: 33:11

This review of the Ishapore 2A1 SMLE highlights its unique characteristics as an Indian-manufactured Lee-Enfield variant chambered in .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO). The video details its historical context, operational features, shooting performance, and value proposition compared to other vintage bolt-action rifles. It's presented as a collectible with modern caliber utility and a distinct personality.

Tags

Ishapore 2A1
SMLE
Bolt Action Rifle
308 Winchester
7.62x51mm NATO
Mil-Surp Rifle
Indian Enfield
Bolt Action Accuracy
Vintage Rifle

Quick Summary

The Ishapore 2A1 SMLE is an Indian-made variant of the British Lee-Enfield, factory-chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) with a hardened receiver. It features a 10-round detachable magazine and the classic smooth Lee-Enfield action with a 60-degree bolt throw, offering good accuracy and value as a collectible mil-surp rifle.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction & Height Comparison
  2. 00:30Modern vs. Vintage Firearms Discussion
  3. 01:23Introducing the Ishapore 2A1 SMLE
  4. 01:43Caliber: 7.62x51mm (.308)
  5. 02:01Dislike for .303 British Cartridge
  6. 02:15Philosophy of Use: Shooting Mil-Surp
  7. 02:54New Manufacture vs. Conversion
  8. 03:05Ishapore Factory & 1968 Build Date
  9. 03:14Magazine Fed & Awesome Design
  10. 03:21Admiration for Lee-Enfield Design
  11. 03:45Focus on the Ishapore 2A1
  12. 03:56Collectibility & Value
  13. 04:09Comparison to K98 Price
  14. 04:42Ishapore 2A1 Market Value
  15. 05:02Parkerized Finish & Condition
  16. 05:11Excitement Over Found Rifle
  17. 05:23Product Improved SMLE in Desired Caliber
  18. 05:367.62x51mm Firing Demo
  19. 07:16Collectibility & Future Value
  20. 07:24Modifications & Market Trends
  21. 07:43Mosins & Value Appreciation
  22. 08:03Functional Awesomeness
  23. 08:08Rarity on Gun Racks
  24. 08:17Shift in Appreciation for Vintage Rifles
  25. 08:33Era of Walnut, Steel, Craftsmanship
  26. 08:42Affordability & Investment Potential
  27. 09:00Fondling & Handling the Rifle
  28. 09:20Go-to-War Rifle Potential
  29. 09:27Best Vintage Bolt Action Yet?
  30. 09:35Accuracy & Smoothness
  31. 09:40Quirks & Sight Limitations
  32. 09:46Comparison to Ruger Gunsite Scout
  33. 09:52Coolest Things Around
  34. 09:56Mil-Surp Appeal & Modern Calibers
  35. 10:18Holding Technique
  36. 11:01Weight: 9 lbs 2 oz
  37. 11:19Good War Rifle in Restricted States
  38. 11:39Comparison to M1903
  39. 11:45Bolt Action Ranking Revisited
  40. 11:50SMLE in the Running
  41. 11:5310-Round Magazine & Stripper Clips
  42. 12:02Shooting Impressions: Recoil
  43. 12:14Handling & Musket Feel
  44. 12:39Revolutionary Warrior Appearance
  45. 12:55Retained 1800s DNA
  46. 13:02Features: Muzzle Cap & Bayonet Lug
  47. 13:14Limited Front Sight Option
  48. 13:25Dovetailed Front Sight (Windage Adjustable)
  49. 13:33Heavy Duty Protective Ears
  50. 13:58Bayonet Lug & British Pattern 1907 Bayonet
  51. 14:24Sling Band & Walnut Stock
  52. 14:35Slender Forend & Sling Swivel
  53. 14:44Wood Smoking During Rapid Fire
  54. 14:54Downside of Closed Barrel Design
  55. 15:01Comparison to M1903 Wood
  56. 15:17Rear Sight: Graduated to 2000m (2A) / 800m (2A1)
  57. 15:32Missing Rear Sight Piece
  58. 15:54Machining Cost & Complexity
  59. 16:03Criticism of SMLE Machining Requirements
  60. 16:13Simplified Design Adjustments
  61. 16:16One-Piece Charging Guide
  62. 16:26Ludicrous Knob on Rear Sight
  63. 16:361968 Build Date vs. Design Era
  64. 16:45Interesting Point: Modern Production
  65. 16:52Hardened Receiver for 7.62x51mm
  66. 17:08Why Not a Rear Aperture Sight?
  67. 17:18Short Sight Radius Issue
  68. 17:30Progressive Thinking vs. Battle Proven Design
  69. 17:44Troops Loved the SMLE
  70. 17:52Ruger 22 Pistol Example
  71. 18:10Eddie Stone & P13/P14 Comparison
  72. 18:20Rear-Mounted Aperture Sight Example
  73. 18:35Hardened Receiver vs. .303 Version
  74. 18:40Smoothness of Enfield Action
  75. 18:46Guide Rail & Rear Locking Lug
  76. 18:52Bolt Closing Stiffness
  77. 19:04Comparison to K98 Smoothness
  78. 19:11Not Bad: World Records in Rapidity of Fire
  79. 19:21British Design Philosophy: Case Expansion
  80. 19:31Stiffness Attributed to Firing Speed
  81. 19:3710 Round Magazine & Bolt Throw
  82. 19:457.62x51mm Shorter Length
  83. 19:52Fast Firing Bolt-Action Rifle
  84. 19:58Manually Operated Semi-Auto Feel
  85. 20:14Shooting Demo: Aiming Low Left
  86. 20:24Love for the Gun
  87. 20:50Quick Firing Capability
  88. 20:54Safety Mechanism
  89. 21:03Bolt Lock on Safe
  90. 21:06Comparison to Mauser Safety
  91. 21:10Cocking Piece Indicator
  92. 21:13Decocking Procedure
  93. 21:55Magazine Release Location
  94. 22:05SMLE Magazine Shape
  95. 22:13Magazine Cost & Availability
  96. 22:17High Quality Magazines
  97. 22:19Comparison to M14/MAC Magazines
  98. 22:23Magazine Insertion: Straight In
  99. 22:26No Magazine Problems
  100. 22:33Trigger Pull: Stout & Take Up
  101. 22:39Trigger Pull Weight: 8.5-9 lbs
  102. 22:45Piratey/Muskety Trigger Flavor
  103. 22:48Field Stripping the Ishapore 2A1
  104. 23:00Bolt Removal Mechanism
  105. 23:18Stiffness Reassembling
  106. 23:27Stiffness Noticed While Shooting
  107. 23:37Downturned Bolt Handle
  108. 23:45Steel and Walnut Construction
  109. 23:52Walnut Stock Wrist Guard/Socket
  110. 23:56RFI Marking (Royal Factory Issue)
  111. 24:00Stock Repair Example
  112. 24:11Rear Sling Swivel (M14 Style)
  113. 24:181A SLP Butt Pad (Indian Foul)
  114. 24:25Oiler Compartment
  115. 24:30Features Summary
  116. 24:34DNA Mix: Musket, Pirate, WW2/WW1 Bolt Gun
  117. 24:45Martini Henry Influence?
  118. 24:52Short Length of Pull
  119. 25:01Eclectic Mix & Machining Quality
  120. 25:08Thick Steel Trigger Guard
  121. 25:14Forged Steel Construction
  122. 25:18Hard to Believe 1968 Production
  123. 25:25Features Retained from Bean Counters
  124. 25:29Longest Issued Standard Military Bolt Action
  125. 25:40Still Serving in Indian Police
  126. 25:53Shooting Performance Recap
  127. 25:54Recoil & Butt Pad Recommendations
  128. 26:06Increasing Length of Pull
  129. 26:14Favorite Recoil Pad
  130. 26:24Slamming Bolt Home
  131. 26:32Getting Used to Stiff Trigger & High Right Shooting
  132. 26:37Shooting High Right vs. Jump
  133. 26:40Comparison: 1903, 24/47, K98
  134. 27:19Shooting Demo: Muzzle Smoke
  135. 28:13Love for the Gun
  136. 28:37Afternoon Shooting Choice
  137. 28:40Fun Factor & Ammo Cost
  138. 28:51Favorite: 1903
  139. 28:58Mag Conversions for 1903s
  140. 29:04Patterson Device & Receiver Cutout
  141. 29:131903s Shooting High Right
  142. 29:23Favorite Overall: 1903
  143. 29:29Bolt Action Smoothness: 1903 vs. Enfield
  144. 29:341903 Downside: Rounds Limited
  145. 29:38Love for the Ishapore
  146. 29:41Accuracy Demo: 100 Yards
  147. 29:47Federal Soft Point Ammunition
  148. 29:54Point of Aim & Shooting High Right
  149. 30:07Rate of Fire Demo
  150. 30:18Accessories & Parts Availability
  151. 30:22Loose Screw Example
  152. 30:30Missing Rear Sight Part
  153. 30:37Lock Tightening Recommendation
  154. 30:42Mil-Surp Fun: Going Through It
  155. 30:54Sick Front Cap
  156. 30:57Aperture Rear Sight Conversions
  157. 31:04Collectibility & Personalization
  158. 31:18Milling Own Front Sight
  159. 31:24Dovetail Forget About It
  160. 31:30Optics Conversions
  161. 31:34Fun Mil-Surp Collectible
  162. 31:39Great Entry Level Rifle
  163. 31:43K98 Comparison
  164. 31:51Caliber Preference: 7.62x51mm
  165. 31:58Smoother Action & Better Trigger (K98)
  166. 32:01Better Investment & Lighter Weight (K98)
  167. 32:06Days of Cheap K98s Are Done
  168. 32:12Comparison to 24/47 & Mauser
  169. 32:18End of Cheap Russian 98s
  170. 32:28Conclusion: Ishapore 2A1 Review
  171. 32:31Ishapore 2A1 Incomplete Nutnfancy Review
  172. 32:39Quirky, Unusual, Common Caliber
  173. 32:44Great Round Capacity & 10-Round Magazine
  174. 32:47Charge from Top Bonus
  175. 32:51Relatively Smooth Action
  176. 32:53Recommended Signing Off

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Ishapore 2A1 SMLE chambered in?

The Ishapore 2A1 SMLE is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, which is also commonly known as .308 Winchester. This was a deliberate factory chambering, not a conversion.

What makes the Ishapore 2A1 different from a standard Lee-Enfield?

The Ishapore 2A1 is an Indian-manufactured variant of the British SMLE, notably chambered from the factory in 7.62x51mm NATO and featuring a hardened receiver to handle the round's pressures, unlike original .303 British models.

How does the Ishapore 2A1 compare in price to other vintage bolt-action rifles?

The Ishapore 2A1 is generally considered a good value, often available at a lower price point than comparable condition Mauser K98s or other vintage military bolt-action rifles, making it an accessible collectible.

What are the key features of the Ishapore 2A1's action?

It utilizes the classic Lee-Enfield action known for its smooth bolt operation and a short 60-degree bolt throw, facilitating rapid firing. It also features a 10-round detachable magazine.

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