Turkish "Enfauser" - Mauser/Enfield Hybrid Rifle

Published on April 16, 2018
Duration: 12:54

This review details the rare Turkish 'Enfauser,' a hybrid rifle combining Lee Enfield and Mauser components. Originally a 1911 Ishapore-made Short Lee Enfield Mark III, it was converted in the 1930s by Turkish arsenals to chamber 8x57 Mauser and adopt Mauser-style furniture and sights. The conversion involved significant mechanical changes, including receiver reinforcement and bolt head modifications, to accommodate the new cartridge and Mauser magazines. Its history is linked to British/Indian rifles captured during WWI, particularly from the Siege of Kut.

Quick Summary

The Turkish Enfauser is a rare hybrid rifle, a conversion of British Lee Enfield rifles into a Mauser-style configuration. Originally manufactured in 1911, these were upgraded in the 1930s by Turkish arsenals to chamber 8x57 Mauser and adopt Mauser sights and furniture.

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 the Turkish Enfauser rifle?

The Turkish Enfauser is a rare hybrid rifle, a conversion of British Lee Enfield rifles into a Mauser-style configuration. Originally manufactured in 1911, these were upgraded in the 1930s by Turkish arsenals to chamber 8x57 Mauser and adopt Mauser sights and furniture.

How was the Turkish Enfauser rifle created?

It was created by modifying captured British Lee Enfield rifles from WWI. Turkish arsenals reinforced the receivers, altered the bolt heads, narrowed the stripper clip guides, and changed the magazine to accept 8x57 Mauser cartridges and components.

What are the key mechanical differences between the Enfauser and a standard Lee Enfield?

The Enfauser features a receiver reinforcing bar, a notched bolt head, a modified stripper clip guide for Mauser clips, and a 5-round Mauser-style magazine instead of the Enfield's original 10-round box magazine.

Why is the Turkish Enfauser considered rare?

Only about 5,000 of these hybrid rifles were converted by Turkey. Furthermore, only a few hundred are estimated to be in the United States, often bearing misleading import marks.

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