ishapore lee-enfield 2a vs 2a1

[experthunter017]

I just picked up a Ishapore Lee-enield 2A. Not a 2A1. Mine was made in 1964. it has all matching number and has a GREAT and clean bore, the stock is in about perfect condition all but a crack near the butt plate. I know that the rear sight is the big differance between the two rifles. i also know that there were only about 50,000 of the 2A rifles made. My question is: Is there a differance in anything else besides the rear sight? and my other question is: Is there a differance in vaule?

 

[malaga2]

Re: ishapore lee-enfield 2a vs 2a1

Didn't know anything made in India had value ))

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: ishapore lee-enfield 2a vs 2a1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Malaga2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Didn't know anything made in India had value )) </div></div>

I spent a lot of time in India in the mid-late '90's...every policeman in Bombay seemed to have an Enfield...sitting out in the rain and the dust, muzzle up.

I think they must have taken a real hammering over time. Probably not the most well looked after guns in the world judging by the rozzers' personal turn out!

I was there for a couple of days a month or so ago....still lots of Enfields...but now some FAL's too!

Was always told to keep away from the Ishapores on account of them not being as well made as the UK, Canadian or Aussie versions....can't vouch for the validity of the advice though as never put it to the test!

 

[Infidel]

Re: ishapore lee-enfield 2a vs 2a1

Congratulations on finding one in good condition. The sight is the only difference. They make good shooters. The wood is often in poorer condition than you describe, so you done good. The condition makes a difference in value; 2a/2a1 does not.

 

[303_enfield]

Re: ishapore lee-enfield 2a vs 2a1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Infidel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Congratulations on finding one in good condition. The sight is the only difference. They make good shooters. The wood is often in poorer condition than you describe, so you done good. The condition makes a difference in value; 2a/2a1 does not.
</div></div>

Wrong! 2A bring more then the 2A1. Level of RARITY: Rifle 2A = RARE less then 50,000 made and many lost during the China and Pakistan wars.

Rifle 2A1 common, but 1970-1973 dates are rare.

Books to read:
India's Enfields by Edwards
An any Enfield Bible written by Ian Skennerton


Now, in the 70's-89's the Rifle 2A or 2A1 would run three times what you can buy them for now. You just could not find them in the USA. Heck, a CZ52 would run $600 in 1985.

Times change.

 

[Rotor]

Re: ishapore lee-enfield 2a vs 2a1

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Experthunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Is there a differance in anything else besides the rear sight? and my other question is: Is there a differance in vaule? </div></div>

It's a fun rifle to have and you dont have to buy .303.
No difference other than the rear sight gradations. Worth $225-250. Mine has a pristine bore with no muzzle wear.

It was the grungiest rifle I ever had to clean up. Covered with a mixture of black paint and grease. I think they were applied at the same time.

Check the bedding though. Mine was so softened by storage grease it was coming apart under the action and the twisted wood made the front sight seem out of alignment.

before clean up

after cleanup

The paint just came off as I cleaned the storage grease.

The wood was horrible with putty type repairs and shitty homemade biscuits.

Before

After

.

before

After

.

Before

After

I ended up getting replacement wood from Springfield Sporters and than the front sight ears were in the right spot.



JR

 

[recon13]

Rotor, did you ever fire the weapon before you restored it? was it only the two ears on the front sight post that were crooked? i just purchased one of these rifles today, and the front sight is crooked just as yours shows in the picture. and i dont really have the time or money to get new wood for it, i just want to know if its just the ears on the side or the front sight itself.

 

[longguntoter]

I just picked up a Ishapore Lee-enield 2A. Not a 2A1. Mine was made in 1964. it has all matching number and has a GREAT and clean bore, the stock is in about perfect condition all but a crack near the butt plate. I know that the rear sight is the big differance between the two rifles. i also know that there were only about 50,000 of the 2A rifles made. My question is: Is there a differance in anything else besides the rear sight? and my other question is: Is there a differance in vaule?

I can't answer your question, but I can say that you are a steely-eyed missile man for the purchase of that rifle! Nice gun, I'm green with envy!