Lee Enfield Ishapore 308 Rifle

Published on May 19, 2011
Duration: 10:37

The Ishapore 2A1 is a bolt-action rifle developed by India as a stopgap measure, transitioning from .303 British to 7.62 NATO. It features a distinctive 12-round magazine and was produced from 1963 to 1975. While designed for 7.62 NATO, caution is advised with commercial .308 Winchester due to potential pressure differences, recommending headspace checks. These rifles are now available on the surplus market, offering historical value and a unique shooting experience.

Quick Summary

The Ishapore 2A1 is a 7.62 NATO bolt-action rifle made in India from 1963-1975 as a stopgap. It's identified by its 12-round magazine and uses stronger steel for the NATO round. Headspace checks are recommended for commercial .308 Win ammo due to pressure differences.

Chapters

  1. 00:40Historical Context: Why the Ishapore 2A1 was made
  2. 01:58Magazine & Caliber Differences: 12-round vs 10-round
  3. 03:18Ammunition Safety: 7.62 NATO vs .308 Win
  4. 04:01Markings & Identification: RIFLE 7.62mm 2A1, R.F.I.
  5. 05:53Sights & Hardware: 800m sight on 2A1
  6. 07:19Market Value: Current prices and future outlook
  7. 08:51Technical Specifications: Weight, length, rate of fire

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ishapore 2A1 rifle and why was it developed?

The Ishapore 2A1 is a bolt-action rifle produced in India from 1963 to 1975. It was developed as a stopgap measure following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, to transition the Indian military from .303 British to the 7.62 NATO caliber while FAL production was slow.

How can I identify the 7.62 NATO Ishapore 2A1 from a .303 British Lee Enfield?

The 7.62 NATO Ishapore 2A1 is easily identified by its squared-off 12-round magazine. In contrast, the original .303 British Lee Enfield models typically use a curved 10-round magazine.

Is it safe to use commercial .308 Winchester ammunition in an Ishapore 2A1 rifle?

While designed for 7.62 NATO, commercial .308 Winchester has slightly different pressure characteristics. It's recommended to check the rifle's headspace before using .308 Win ammunition to ensure safe operation, though failures are rare.

What are the typical markings found on an Ishapore 2A1 rifle?

Common markings on the receiver include 'RIFLE 7.62mm 2A1', 'R.F.I.' (Rifle Factory Ishapore), production dates, and often import marks from companies like Century Arms International (C.A.I.).

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