[DMK]

I couldn't believe it, one of my holy grails came right to my inbox. :)

We just purchased the balance of the Enfield 2A rifles known to exist in the world! The Enfield 2A .308 NATO rifle was manufactured by the Rifle Factory Ishapore in the 1960's. Their engineers made design enhancements to the No1Mk3 Enfield by utilizing superior 1960's technology in steel manufacturing and tooling when compared with the turn of the century processes used to make the .303cal. Enfields. The 2As were issued to India's Central Interior Security Force during the past four decades. They were shot little and were very well maintained. These rifles will show some metal finish wear from training, handling, etc. and may have arsenal stock repair(s) to prevent or repair wood cracks. They will feature bright bores and original wood stock finish (these rifles have not been power washed). Expect a clean military surplus rifle, while not brand new, will make a great addition to any collection. Once these are gone they won't be seen again. Please visit our website for more information.

Enfield 2A .308 NATO Rifles (http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Enf-2A__Enfield_2A_.308_NATO_7.62x51_Rifles.html)

[fisi]

thank you!

[DMK]

You're welcome fisi. I figured some folks here would be just as happy to see this as I am. :)

BTW: Does anybody know what kind of stripper clips work with this rifle? I've got loads of strippers from Australian F4 7.62 (L1A1/SLR clips?). Will these work?

[Sistema1927]

I wonder if they are all 2A, or if some are 2A1?

[cracked butt]

Now I'm glad I waited. I almost bought one for around $200 at a gun show a few months back. Thanks for the heads up.

[DMK]

I wonder if they are all 2A, or if some are 2A1?What's the difference? Isn't it something with the sights?

[Stiletto Null]

2A1 has better metal, I hear.

[trbon8r]

Too bad the FFL transfer fees would cost me half the price of the rifle. :uhoh:

[Sistema1927]

Too bad the FFL transfer fees would cost me half the price of the rifle.

That is why you need a C&R.

[The Undertoad]

Now I'm really regretting not mailing in my C&R paperwork when I got it.

Wanna bet by the time I get the approval (if mailed Monday) they're all gone? :(

[CZ 75 BD]

Looks like a deal, tell me more about this rifle, please.

[Remington788]

I called my BIL after I received the email and he said he is going to order a couple and will let me have the one he doesn't want.

[Ad Astra]

Ditto the stripper clip question, 2A1 has simplified sights (to 800 meters) IIRC, AIM says "2A's". Dunno about the metal issue... Scarlata's book says the Indians used a better metallurgy process to make the 2A's.

AIM had No.1 Mk4's as "gunsmith specials" for $69 a couple days ago. They went quick. Only 30 pieces. Supposed to be less than cost. "May have surface rust."

I may have steel wool and sandpaper, and 2 Enfields in the mail for $240.

C&R changes everything. Utterly worth getting. Low on funds but happy.

[mustanger98]

As far as the question of "2A" vs. "2A1", my No.4 was sold as a No.4 Mk1, but when I got it out of the box at my dealer's, it was a No.4 Mk2. It cleaned up beautifully and shoots very nicely.

I see they got a new batch of K31's too.

[kjeff50cal]

I have a 2A1 with a butchered bubba forestock which I paid $120 for. The difference between the 2A & 2A1 is the rear sights of the 2A are marked for a longer distance in meters than the 2A1, an optimistic 2000 meters vs 800 meters.

[DMK]

The difference between the 2A & 2A1 is the rear sights of the 2A are marked for a longer distance in meters than the 2A1, an optimistic 2000 meters vs 800 meters.Do they both start at the same distance? What is it 300 meters?

[redranger1]

does anybody have a coupon code or know how to get one for a discount?

[maasenstodt]

A late model, handpicked .308 Enfield rifle for less than $200 shipped? This is too good of a deal to pass up. :D

And I'll be getting my emailed receipt right about... now. :D

[Flyboy73]

My order is in. Man my CC is smoking again

Brion

[iamkris]

Hot diggety. Mine's on the way, too.

[k_semler]

I bought one. :) I'm so glad that I bought this, (but I wish I didn't have a visa to buy it with, darn 20.25% APR interest.)

[DMK]

Wow, I hope these turn out to be good. I trust AIM for the most part, but I'd feel terrible if these are lemons after so many of you guys jumped on this. :o

[Wade]

This may be a dumb question, but can you shoot commercial .308 ammunition through these rifles? Seems like I read somewhere that surplus 7.62x51 and commercial .308 are loaded to different SAAMI pressures. (??)

[armoredman]

Wish I had money!
Question - what's wrong with the metallurgy of previous Enfields? I have a 1943 Longbranch Number 4 MK1*, and it seems to be in great shape, and is certainly a shooter - one load gives me 1" groups at 100 yards!

[kfranz]

Now I'm really regretting not mailing in my C&R paperwork when I got it.

Wanna bet by the time I get the approval (if mailed Monday) they're all gone?

And if they're still around two or three months from now, will you have the same regret? Learn from your mistakes, don't repeat them. NO excuse not to have your forms in the mail on Monday....:cool:

[DMK]

This may be a dumb question, but can you shoot commercial .308 ammunition through these rifles? Seems like I read somewhere that surplus 7.62x51 and commercial .308 are loaded to different SAAMI pressures. (??)SAAMI specs do allow .308 to be loaded to higher pressures(62,000 psi max) than 7.62x51 (50,000 psi max). However, that doesn't mean all commercial is loaded that high.

I'm not going to say you can or can't. Here's a few articles from www.surplusrifle.com on the subject. Read them and you decide.

.308Win vs 7.62NATO (http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/308vs762nato/index.asp)

.308Win vs 7.62NATO: Federal Low Pressure Powershock (http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/update308vs762nato/index.asp)

.308Win vs 7.62NATO Part3 (http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/308vs762nato3/index.asp)

And here's a cool article (http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting2006/762ishy/index.asp) on the Ishapore No.2A

[DMK]

Question - what's wrong with the metallurgy of previous Enfields? I have a 1943 Longbranch Number 4 MK1*, and it seems to be in great shape, and is certainly a shooter - one load gives me 1" groups at 100 yards!Nothing is wrong with No.4 Enfields at all, as long as you keep them chambered in the cartridge they were designed for. Unfortunately, that particular cartrige is no longer available as economical, good quality surplus anymore. But 7.62x51 is....for now anyway.

I've got like 150 rounds left of SA .303 that I'm hoarding. I feel almost guilty shooting a box of it. On the other hand, I have a sizeable cache of Port, Aussie F4, and SA 7.62x51. :)

[Diomed]

Nothing is wrong with No.4 Enfields at all, as long as you keep them chambered in the cartridge they were designed for.

Not really true. Many No. 4s have been rebarreled to 7.62 NATO, and have - to this day - functioned quite effectively. Take the L42 and L39 for example, or the lesser-known L8 series.

The problem with reworking to use the NATO round was with the No. 1 rifles, which were not as heavily built as the No. 4s. The Brits abandoned this due to catastrophic failures in testing. India got around the problem by using better materials and treatments, thus the 2A series.

So, armoredman, don't worry about your Long Branch. You can keep putting .303 through it, and you can rebarrel it to 7.62 NATO when you wear it out. :)

[joab]

Mine will be here wednesday.

I recieved my $100 Brit made EnfieldNo4 MKI and $80 Yugo M48 last week from AIM as was very pleased with the quality.

I have been on a buying frenzy lately and really needto update my bound book
Also got three of Lipsey's Sistemas, they'renot as bad as you're hearing

I missed out on the AIM ufixem $50 to $100 Finns last week

[swingset]

I couldn't believe it, one of my holy grails came right to my inbox.

Had to quote that. Never ran into a person alive that thought an Ishapore was a holy grail.

Good for you though, you're easy to please!!! :evil:

[.45&TKD]

How effective is the sighting system on one of these?

I have a No4 MK1 with the micrometer sight that's great. But I've never shot a No1 Mk3.

[Diomed]

The pre-No. 3 rifles all have barrel-mounted open sights (notch and post), which includes the 2A series. How effective is it? Up to the individual.

You can get aperture sights that fit the receiver, but they're almost all calibrated for .303.

[.45&TKD]

How effective is it? Up to the individual.


So I guess these sights would be comparable to Mauser or Mosin sights?

[joab]

So I guess these sights would be comparable to Mauser or Mosin sights?Yes, more Mausery but better


If you don't handpick the price comes to $182.95 total with shipping

[.45&TKD]

Do these things accept bayonets?

[Stiletto Null]

Yep.

[lwaldron]

I ordered one from AIM, then cancelled the order. With a 12-round detachable magazine, this rifle is against the law in California.

[Stiletto Null]

Are you sure any of the "Assault Weapon" criteria apply to bolties? For that matter, AIM flags any guns which are illegal in certain states as simply not sold to those states.

[.45&TKD]

I just ordered a hand picked one. Can't wait!

Regarding the 12 round detached mag question-I wonder if that is why they did not import these in earlier; needed expiration of AWB?

[Stiletto Null]

Beats me. They've been around for a while, AFAIK.

[joab]

Do these things accept bayonets?Yes a big ole sword type bayo similar to the Winchester shotguns
http://www.southernohiogun.com/sacenf1bpop.html

[DMK]

Regarding the 12 round detached mag question-I wonder if that is why they did not import these in earlier; needed expiration of AWB?

Being bolt action and not semi-auto, these were importable during the federal AWB. They just weren't available I guess.


Quote:
I couldn't believe it, one of my holy grails came right to my inbox.

Had to quote that. Never ran into a person alive that thought an Ishapore was a holy grail.

Good for you though, you're easy to please!!! I am easy to please. :) I've been looking for one for a long while and always missed out when they came up for sale on line.

One of my others was a SVT-40 and I just got a Finn last month. :)

Now, I just need a nice FR-8....

I guess my real holy grail is an original 7.62x39 CZ-52/57 rifle. But I'm not going to hold my breath that AIM will have those any time soon.

[iamkris]

DMK -- when you find a nice FR-8, look for two and gimme a ring.

I didn't get one of these when they were plentiful a few years ago and now they've all dried up. They are a true bolt action assault rifle.

[DMK]

DMK -- when you find a nice FR-8, look for two and gimme a ring.

I didn't get one of these when they were plentiful a few years ago and now they've all dried up. They are a true bolt action assault rifle.If I come across two, I'll let you know. ;)

A while back, I found a nice FR-8 at a gunshow for cheap, but as my luck would have it, at that very same show was a beautiful Pre-B CZ-75 and a Colt CCO. After a bit of painful deliberation, I realized the CCO was more useful to me than the other two, and buying it left me no money to get one of the others. Never saw another of any of the three again.

[peyton]

I just returned from a wonderful vacation in a land of beautiful palm trees, and a lot of people who were trying to KILL ME. I wanted to find out if anyone in the Fort Hood area that has a C&R license can help me getting one of the Enfields in 308 that AIMSurplus has

Peyton

So many computers, so little air conditioning...

[Stiletto Null]

An irritant: I think you're (technically) soliciting a straw purchase.

[DMK]

I wanted to find out if anyone in the Fort Hood area that has a C&R license can help me getting one of the Enfields in 308 that AIMSurplus has I'm sure you meant no harm, but a C&R licence doesn't work that way. It only licences someone to buy for their own collection. Buying a gun explicitly for someone else with a C&R licence is very much frowned upon by the ATF. If someone knows of a fair dealer near you, AIM could ship it to them.

But welcome to the forum peyton. Welcome home and glad you made it back safe.

[peyton]

That's what I get for not reading up on this. I requested the C&R form from the ATF website, what is the turn around time for this?

Peyton

[joab]

Mine took five weeks

[longhorngunman]

Payton, call one of the local gunshops in the Killeen/Temple area and see if they will order it for you. Better yet, find one that does transfers for not an outrageous amount $20 or less, and order from Aim and have it shipped. Aim has to have the dealer's license on file, if not get the dealer to fax it to them. In the long run it is handy to have the C&R and will save you cash on other things besides old milsurp guns also. BTW Thank you very much for your service sir. Did you see any Enfields over there? I've heard Enfields and Mauser's still turn up from time to time.

[Dave R]

Sighting system? Not as good as the aperture sights on other Enfields, and US service rifles. But better than a Mauser.

The only other complaint I've experienced (and others have reported) is weak extraction.

Other than that, I love it. A fine, accurate rifle that doesn't always eject cleanly.

[Diomed]

Weak extraction/ejection seems to be the fault of how complex it is. Quite a few of the extractor springs are weak/brittle, and tend to break. Ejection uses the magazine and the ejector screw in some kind of mystical combination I haven't figured out yet.

My 2A1 has pretty crappy ejection. Probably the mag.

[Flyboy73]

Got my 2a yesterday. Its sights are to 2000m, so i guess its a regular 2a.

Gun looks good. Stock has a small repair in the top by the buttplate. Small dings that are normal, bore looks good.

Wonder why they used black paint on it though. Took the mag out and some came off puttin the mag back in.

Brion

[Davo]

but im in KALIFORNIA, where a detachable 10rd mag is ok, but a 12rd is a weapon of mass destruction.

[jdseven1]

Flyboy73. I just recieved mine today same repair as top of the buttstock. But otherwise in good shape. Anyone fire theirs pls advise.

[.45&TKD]

jdseven1,

How about a picture?

I won't have mine until Tuesday.

[Ad Astra]

Mine just came. Gorgeous wood, peeling-a-little black paint finish, sharp lands and groves, clean barrel. Low serial- I think- A025xx. 1964-made.

Nice balance to this piece! Indian grime on my t-shirt from spontaneously shouldering this thing right outta the box.

Outstanding!

Added: Mine has a S (up arrow) A mark in a circle, on right buttstock side

white painted "1" on left side- small, 1/2 inch

slight bayo lug wear

splice piece, small, between rear sling swivel and alum. buttplate.

WOW nice grain. filthy oily bugger for now, tho.

Whole different balance and feel from the Mk. 1 No.4*- heavier, more solid

[KaceCoyote]

PICTURES!

[joab]

Mine just came in

Nice grained dark wood fore stock solid dark wood butt.
Some sort of ameteurish repair to butt, top and bottom of heel
No telling what the finish looks like under the stoving but the bayo lug is in the white

It's a 65 and I love the import mark

I'll be shooting it Sunday

[.45&TKD]

Pictures, please!

[conanman]

Received mine yesterday.

The black paint is coming off pretty much all over. I think I'll strip it down and put some duracoat on it. Stock has two crudy repairs on the butt. I'll be refinishing the stock also.

On the bright side it does have a nice bore.

[joab]

That ain't paint.
It's stoving, a rust preventative.
I'm not sure if it's better or worse than cosmo yet

[DMK]

That ain't paint.
It's stoving, a rust preventative.Actually, it is paint. Stoving was a process where the finish was baked into the metal, I believe during the heat treatment process. The British also used a very tough paint called Suncorite. India used some kind of poor quality paint that is nowhere near as durable as either of the British finishes. The British finishes won't get dissolved by bore cleaner, the finish on these 2As will.

[joab]

the finish on these 2As will.
__________________Good cause that's my project for tomorro

[Janos Dracwlya]

I got mine Wednesday. That paint is a pain in the @$$. I spent a couple hours today on the magazine and barrel end cap. And they still aren't as clean as I would like. But it will be a beautiful rifle when it is done.

Mine's a 1965, with a great bore and a couple of small arsenal repairs to the stock, but nothing bad.

[DMK]

I worked on mine a bit today. I used some cheap Prestone Brake Parts Cleaner (like 99 cents at Walmart). I sprayed it on, let it soak a minute, and the paint just bubbled up. Some light scrubbing with a small brass brush took it right off. Easy Peasy

[Janos Dracwlya]

I'm using the Wal-Mart brand carbuerator cleaner. Some of the paint comes off really easily. So requires a lot of work. Perhaps I should go get a can of brake cleaner instead. :)

[STAGE 2]

Anybody know a good smith to send one of these rifles to for a look over?

[Diomed]

Anybody know a good smith to send one of these rifles to for a look over?

Depends. How much do you want to spend? How long do you want to wait?

[Flyboy73]

What type of finish is under the black paint? Can I stripe the paint and leave it as is or i need to refinish it?

Brion

[DMK]

What type of finish is under the black paint? Can I stripe the paint and leave it as is or i need to refinish it?Some bluing, maybe a bit of parkerizing here and there. It will probably be well worn. You can certainly leave it with a worn finish, just keep it oiled.

I'd prefer no finish to that black paint. Not only does it look better IMO, but the paint was interfering with the function of the rifle in many areas.

[STAGE 2]

Depends. How much do you want to spend? How long do you want to wait?

Like I stated above I want a competent smith to look the rifle over. I have a vested interest in keeping all all of my fingers attached and metal shards out of my face.

So I'll ask my question again, who is a good person to send one of these rifles to for a safety and function check.

[Ad Astra]

Getting the paint off is a mess- Gun Scrubber, brake cleaner and a scotchbrite pad. Some cosmo too, under the barrel and nose cap. 3 hours, not done yet. Worse than a Yugo SKS. Microscopic bits of paint on everything.

But when you hear that big box mag click in place, it's worth it. Also, the bore on mine seems perfect- no wear at all. Looks new.

And the bore was clean. Kudos to the troop who used it last.

[Diomed]

Well, you can try Mike at M & M Gunsmithing, (703) 739-2150, 204 S Union St., Alexandria, VA. He's handled a few thousand Enfields in his time, he's usually backlogged like crazy though. Very reasonable rates.

Brian at BDL Ltd. is about the highest-end Enfield smith in the U.S., I haven't had occasion to use his services (yet) but those who have speak highly of him (and he is priced accordingly). BDL Ltd., (803) 637-5784, http://www.bdlltd.com/.

[joab]

Like I stated above I want a competent smith to look the rifle over. I have a vested interest in keeping all all of my fingers attached and metal shards out of my face.Tie it to a saw horse and pull the trigger with a long poiece of twine if you're nervous

[joab]

Just got off the phone with AIM you can handselect a 2A1

Mine is shipping Wednesday

[Bane]

Someone please post pictures!

[Keitha]

Main reason you can not order from California is that the gun is not over 50 years old. The C&R in CA requires that it must be Manufacrured at least 50 years ago (vs designed 50 years ago for the rest of the country).

Sucks to be us sometimes!

Keith

[MechAg94]

I didn't really see an answer eariler in this thread. Can you shoot most commercial .308 ammo in these rifles?
I was curious if it was the same as the Garands that are generally restricted to loadings close to the WWII ball ammo. I was hoping to get an answer on that before I bought a rifle myself. Thanks. :)

[.45&TKD]

My 2A just came in. I paid for the handpick.
Photos attached.
I like it. Another shrewd milsurp purchase.
Bore is bright and shiny, wood is in great shape, with nice color and grain, although there is 1 stock repair at the top of the butt stock, which doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would.
Black paint is in good shape, for what it is. I'll probably leave the black paint, unless it becomes a problem.
Numbers I can see, do match.
It looks a lot better than the photos.


Where do I look for the date? I don't see the date.
Did they slop this paint on as part of a re-arsenal job? The paint does not look original.

[Sistema1927]

MechAg94: 7.62x51 is different from .308 Winchester. However, there are a couple of commercial loadings of "low recoil" .308 that most people deem to be safe in mil-surp weapons in good condition. IIRC, both Federal and Remington make these, but do a search to make sure.

.45&TKD: You should find the year stamped on the receiver, just about under the bolt handle.

[.45&TKD]

Sistema1927,

Do I need to remove the stocks to see the date?

[DMK]

Do I need to remove the stocks to see the date?No. It's right on the right side, perhaps under some paint and grime.


I didn't really see an answer eariler in this thread. Can you shoot most commercial .308 ammo in these rifles? The general consensus is these are 7.62x51 only. The headspace on a lot of these, while well within spec for 7.62 is usually loose enough to close on a .308 field gauge. They weren't shot much, so it's the way they were made.

There is also a lot of talk about them not being strong enough for the higher pressure of .308 (7.62 is spec'ed to a lower max pressure). Personally, I think they are strong enough, but they were never proofed to the higher .308 pressures so we don't know for sure unless someone wants to test it.

[.45&TKD]

I really don't see the date, but oh well.

Is there a trick to adjusting the sights?
Or are they just painted in place?
Mine won't budge and I don't want to force it unless necessary.

[Ad Astra]

The date is there, but under paint...

7.62x51 ammo just came from AIM- local GS wanted $59 for it! I support Mom & Pop, but that same battlepack was $26 at AIM... 2/$52... and it's got a 1981 headstamp, pretty new.

Know a guy who shot a bunch of regular .308 in a Ishapore 2A through lack of knowledge, but I'm not gonna do it. I believe it can take it, I'm just not going to risk it.

[jdseven1]

.45 & tkd. Just push the button on the left side of the flip up sight with your thumb and it should slide easy. That is a slotted button.

[MechAg94]

Thanks DMK and Sistema. Sounds like a similar precaution to the Garand. Stick with loadings of similar weight and velocity as 7.62X51 if I shoot anything but mil-surp. I have a couple cases of SA 7.62 which is what I primarily use. I guess that is safe. If I try to use it hunting, I'll have to be careful. I am placing the order this evening. :)

I was a little down when I got home from work today. I figured I needed to do something fun. "Order a new rifle" came to mind. Great way to top off the day. I might get one of those select K31 rifles as well.

[bosshoff]

Now I am confused (suprise suprise):uhoh: I was thinking I could shoot the same Lake City .308 Nato surplus which I use in my M1A? Is this not the case?

[Crosshair]

If the ammo is made to NATO spec then it is safe. 7.62x51 IS a NATO spec. Wait a bit though for others to correct me if I made an error.

[DMK]

I was thinking I could shoot the same Lake City .308 Nato surplus which I use in my M1A?Crosshair's right. I don't think Lake City ever made .308 ammo. If it's military surplus, it's 7.62x51.

[Sam Adams]

If it's military surplus, it's 7.62x51.

Does this also apply to the SA surplus available at AIM? I think it does, but it is listed under ".308" on their website.

[DMK]

Quote:
If it's military surplus, it's 7.62x51.

Does this also apply to the SA surplus available at AIM? I think it does, but it is listed under ".308" on their website.Yes. AIM also lists the 2A Enfields as .308 which is incorrect.

Be sceptical about everything importers and vendors say in their ads or tell you when you call. It's your responsibility to know what you are buying (which is what these forums are for). They'll print misleading info about calibers (I've seen Guardia Mausers labeled as .308 also). They'll tell you their ammo is not corrosive when it is. They'll tell you guns are all original when they've been refinished. They will say something is very rare and they will be no more ever, when next month thousands of them will be selling everywhere.

AIM's one of the good guys mostly, in my experience. If you are unhappy with something they will take it back or make it right somehow. However, they still mis-label a lot of stuff.

When in doubt, ask here, search the forum or use Google. ;)

[joab]

I think it does, but it is listed under ".308" on their website.That's probably aimed at people like me, who know the difference but still call .7.62x51 .308 and probably always will
And for people that don't know the difference and would be confused with all that military talk.

[Rockrivr1]

I just called and ordered one of these 2As yesterday. (My first C&R purchase) I asked the lady I talked to if they were running low and she actually laughed. She stated that they were selling at a crazy pace, but they had a lot of them left. Maybe that was just so I wouldn't worry about buying a bottom of the barrel rifle, but the way she laughed put me at ease.

This is my first Enfield. Any recommendations on where to get a manual? I'm going to strip that paint off, but I'm not sure of how to break it down. The first time I tried to take apart a milsurp without the manual I was pretty lost for a good amount of time and was pretty close to just taking a large screwdriver to it. Don't want to do that again. :rolleyes:

[.45&TKD]

Rockrivr1,

www.surplusrifle.com

[joab]

I asked the lady I talked to if they were running low and she actually laughed.I got the same response from Tim
Apparently they got a boat load

[.45&TKD]

I just received my No. 1 MK 3 bayonet from SOG and tried to put it on my AIM Enfield 2A and the bayonet lug is too tight to fit. Its probably because of the black paint slopped on.

Nice bayonet though. Not super sharp, but sharper than I expected. A real weapon in itself.

Anyone know about these bayonets?
Is the scabbord leather, and if so, what's good to put on the scabbord?

http://www.southernohiogun.com/sacenf1bpop.html

[gunshack]

I ordered one from AIM, then cancelled the order. With a 12-round detachable magazine, this rifle is against the law in California.

The rifle is fine, the magazine is illegal. Numrich has ten rounders.

Some dealers won't send C&Rs less than 50 years old to licensed collectors in California, Aim is one of those dealers. They will send them to licensed dealers, without the mags of course.

As for the ammo question; I've heard the 2A1 is safe for high pressure and commercial ammo, the 2A is not. The main reasoning behind that is metallurgy.

[joab]

.45&TKD
My bayonet fit after a little forcing to scrape the rust proofing off.
Second time it slipped right on,

Ballistol works great on the leather scabbard and wood and metal, Hitler even drank it for healthy bowels

I ordered two more bayonets from SOG yesterday

I found frogs but will have to look through my favorites to find where, I think it might have been IMA

[.45&TKD]

joab,

Let me know. I'd be interested in picking up the frog's as well.

[joab]

http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info.php/products_id/1333

They are marked for S.M.L.E No. 1 Bayonet and the P.14 Bayonet sp they should be correct

Look around thesite and you will also find some repro leather or canvas slings and other stuff of interest

[.45&TKD]

Thanks joab.

Speaking of slings what's the appropriate type of sling for the Enfield 2a?
What did the Indians use? Canvas or leather?

[Diomed]

Speaking of slings what's the appropriate type of sling for the Enfield 2a?
What did the Indians use? Canvas or leather?

Webbing is the appropriate material, Indian manufactured slings I'm not sure where to get (except for pre-WWI repros, those are Indian make). This should be close enough:

http://www.ima-usa.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_60/products_id/151

[Crosshair]

As for the ammo question; I've heard the 2A1 is safe for high pressure and commercial ammo, the 2A is not. The main reasoning behind that is metallurgy.
The metallurgy is the same in both rifles, the only difference is the rear sights.

[meef]

Jumping on the "Whoopee, I got mine!" bandwagon here.

:D

Just picked it up from my dealer. I figured I'd gamble the extra $10 and play the "handpicked" lottery.

Whoa! I don't know who was doing the picking that day, but I'd buy him a beer anytime!

Except for the usual layer of "gunk that must eventually be dealt with", this puppy is beautiful! No stock repairs, scratches or even dings...:what:

The bore is pristine. The whole rifle almost looks like nobody ever got around to using it (except to paint it black and goop it up).

I couldn't be more pleased. What a deal for less that $200!

Thanks for the tip, DMK.

[iamkris]

I'll get that guy to buy ME a beer. My handpick definitely wasn't worth it.

[DMK]

Cool deal Meef. Glad you got a nice one.

I ordered my first with the handpick. Not knowing how long they'd last, I figured I'd hedge my bets on getting a good one. Later, I ordered a second without the handpick. The second one is nicer in every way except that it has a small stock repair on the bottom of the buttstock mirroring the one most of these have on the top.

IMO the extra money for handpick most often doesn't get you anything unless you ask for something specific (like in this case some asked for a 2A1 instead of a 2A, or a certain year of production, etc).

[monsternav]

I feel I got hosed on the handpick also. Mis-matched stock with multiple repairs (handguard) and screws in the worse shape I have ever seen. One screwhead has been ground all the way through on one side in an attempt to make the slot deep enough to hold a screwdriver.

Oh, well. The rest of the gun is in great shape really. The paint came off (what a mess), and there is some park (?) under there and some older stoving, which appears to have been applied correctly, as it has not yet come off. The butt and the forend are nice and solid and not to dirty. Numbers match and the bore is perfect, so not a bad buy for $200.

I'm still gonna have to buy a bunch of screws, darn it!

[Rockrivr1]

Where's a good place to get replacement screws for the 2A?

I took mine mostly apart. The screw that holds the internal trigger assembly is stripped out so I left that part on while I'm stripping the paint. Wow, some of the gunk is hard to get off. Oh well, it's turned into a challenge now. I figure another two weeks or so to paint the metal and stain the wood before it actually makes it to the range.

[Ad Astra]

I still haven't gotten all the paint off mine... billions and billions of particles- but I can affirm the 17" bayonets SOG has fit fine, and the FAL stripper clips work perfect too.

The free CETME bayo was brand new but I already had one; maybe I'll make a pike or something with it.

[monsternav]

I think I'll get one of those SOG bayonets this month. 17 inches of pig sticker on the end or your rifle, just can't resist.

Numrich has screws

http://www.e-gunparts.com/

So does this gentleman

http://www.customscrewsandmore.com/default.html

[.45&TKD]

I still haven't gotten all the paint off mine... billions and billions of particles

What are you using? Oven cleaner? Something else?

[Ad Astra]

<What are you using? Oven cleaner? Something else?>

Brake cleaner. Goof-Off. Gun Scrubber. Scotch-brite pad. It's gonna be winter before I'm really happy with it. :(

The SOG bayos- someone else said 1907-made; mine's 1907 and a crown, some other neat markings under MORE black paint or stoving from almost 100 years ago.

Be careful cleaning the leather body of these: a century of oook is holding it together. Staple at top is loose now. :scrutiny: can see making a new leather body for this someday.

[joab]

Spend the extra $5 for handpick on the bayonets

I paid for handpick on the last two and they look almost brand new, except for the grips.
The one I bought a few months ago was not handpicked and while still in good shape is not nearly as nice as the other two

[Rockrivr1]

Well I spent most of the day working on mine. I started using CitriStrip on the metal and wood and it did a pretty decent job. The metal is pretty much ready for whatever paint I'm going to use, but the wood didn't come out so well. I used the CitriStip on it and then mineral spirits. There is still a LOT of dirt and grime ingrained into the wood. Plus, when it shipped the wood looked to be all the same color. Now that it's stripped down some it's pretty obvious that the butt is a different color then the stock. I'm gonna need to work on that.

I just got done baking the stocks in the oven to get any leftover grease off of them and they are definitely in need of additional cleaning. I'm glad the wife was out and about so she didn't witness that. That could of been an intersting conversation.

Anyone have a better method of cleaning up wood? I've gone through two sets of gloves using mineral spirits and sandpaper. Any suggestions would definitely be appreciated.

[.45&TKD]

....sandpaper. Any suggestions would definitely be appreciated.

Yes, don't use sandpaper.

[Janos Dracwlya]

OK, so I got my AIM Surplus Ishapore No. 2A and I've cleaned it up:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/Dracwlya/BoltAction4c.jpg

I darkened the one serious repair with a little leather dye before rubbing the gun down in linseed oil:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/Dracwlya/IshaporeRepair-1.jpg

I even managed to preserve this stamping on the stock (and the rack number on the far side - no pic of that):

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/Dracwlya/IshaporeStockCartouche-1.jpg

So, I need to get a headspace gauge to check it, but nobody seems to carry a 7.62x51mm headspace gauge, only .308 Winchester, and I've heard folks say that checking a mil-surp gun with a .308 gauge won't give accurate results. What to do?

Thanks.

[leadcounsel]

If these are listed for .308, I don't understand why the headspace needs to be checked, nor do I even understand what that means

Can someone 'plain to me?

[STAGE 2]

Anyone have a better method of cleaning up wood? I've gone through two sets of gloves using mineral spirits and sandpaper. Any suggestions would definitely be appreciated.

As per another members suggestion here, soak the wood in purple power for about 15 minutes, rinse under really hot water and then set aside to dry. I took a soft toothbrush and scrubbed some problem areas while it was soaking.

The purple power really does the trick. I can see the factory stampings on the stock and it actually smells like wood as opposed to 3rd world preservative.