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** SOLD ** 1952 Vintage R.F.I. Ishapore Lee Enfield No.1 Mk.3* Rifle in .303 British ** Modified for Grenade Launching **
Guns International #: 102322088 Seller's Inventory #: CM23-501
Category: Enfield Rifles - Military Rifles - Non-US
Seller's Information
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Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 190
Total Number of Listings: 14934
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
This R.F.I. Ishapore Lee Enfield No.1 Mk.3* is a very interesting rifle as it was modified for launching rifle grenades. The British Army adopted the Lee Enfield SMLE No.1 Mk.3 in 1904 and the Indian Army adopted it shortly after. In 1909 the state-owned Rifle Factory Ishapore began making their own Lee Enfields with British machinery, tooling, and British specifications. At the height of production during WW2, the Ishapore factory made more than 600,000 No.1 Mk.3s. The No.1 Mk.3 served the Indian Army well, and while other nations using the Lee Enfield rifle moved to more modern rifle designs the Indians continued to produce the No.1 Mk.3 into the 1960s. This particular example was made in 1952. The unique feature of this rifle is that it was modified by the Indian Army to be a designated rifle grenade launcher. It was found that the heavy recoil of repeated grenade launching would often break the stock and render the rifle inoperable. To prevent this from happening the rifle was wrapped very tightly in two places with heavy copper wire that was soldered in place to support the stock in the weaker areas. In addition to the wire wrapping a lag bolt was put through the stock just ahead of the receiver to cinch the wood together and act as a recoil lug. These two alterations would allow the rifle to be used indefinitely to launch grenades without the recoil tearing it up. The blue finish on this rifle is in good condition overall, showing moderate wear and minor handling marks. All factory markings are intact and legible, and all serial numbers match on the receiver, bolt, rear sight, and nose cap. The main factory marking is located on the right side of the wrist ring, stamped with the Royal Crown of India over "R.F.I." over "1952" over "No.1 Mk.3*". There is a light import mark along the right side of the receiver under the stripper clip guide. The bore in this Enfield is very good with strong rifling and just a touch of frosting in spots. The stock set and grenade launching modifications are in good condition, with the wood free of major damage but does show a couple of repairs and various scattered handling/field marks. The action on this rifle is smooth and slick, and the bolt locks into the battery perfectly with the barrel. All of the controls are also in perfect working order, including the safety, trigger, magazine release, and rear sight adjustments. This Ishapore No.1 Mk.3* should function flawlessly and accurately. It comes with one original 10-round magazine in good working order. If you have been looking for a unique variation of the famous Lee Enfield No.1 Mk.3* for your collection this would be a great addition.
PRICE: $595.00
We are Antique & Modern Firearms in Lexington, KY, a dealer of fine firearms since 1974.
PH. 859-276-1419
We Buy, Sell, and Trade Firearms & Knives.
Do you have an Individual Firearm, Firearms Collection, or Firearms Estate to sell? Call or email us, and we can talk about buying the item(s) outright or selling them on consignment for you.
NOTE: No additional fee for a Credit Card payment.
SOLD
Rifle Caliber: .303 British
Manufacturer: R.F.I. Ishapore
Model: No.1 Mk3*
Serial Number: 5014M
Condition: Good
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Sharp Rifling with Light Frosting
Manufacture Date: 1954