Educate me on the Enfield 308

[kmcintosh78]

SO I have found an Enfield in 308 locally, and I am wondering if someone could educate me on these.
I am not looking for something to look nice on a wall. I want to take it out and shoot the darn thing.
What is a Mauser Action?


Thanks

 

[litman252]

Here is some reading-
http://www.thehighroad.org/search.php?searchid=6624591

http://www.thehighroad.org/search.php?searchid=6624595

How much do you want? Mauser started in the late 1800's, Enfield is the most common cock on closing action out there..... stripper clips

Tony

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

Mauser action: Generally refers to bolt action rifle following the model 1898 configuration, dual opposed front locking lugs, non rotating claw ectractor, standing ejector, staggered column box magazine. There are many other designs buy mauser, many quite different: 1871,1889,1892,1893,1894,1895,1903,1910, each with unique features.

 

[Limeyfellow]

The problem is the Enfield could be one of a number of rifles from the US M1917, The Ishapore 2a and 2a1 rifles, a No 9 Lee Enfield, an L39 or L42a1 Lee Enfield, or one of many conversions, or even one of the modern AIA remakes. We need just a little more to go on to really even identify the rifle. Usually though it be an M1917 or an 2a/2a1.

 

[One-Time]

Most ENfields in .308 are Ishapores. They look like a No1 MkIII. They are great rifles, mine are all .303 but I love the platform so i suspect you wont be dissapointed and my 4 is very accurate

 

[kmcintosh78]

Ok, so add says that it is a 308 rifle enfield 7.62 mm 2a1 r.f.i 1968.
Here is a pic of the band with a serial number.

 

[Proinsias]

They are Enfields made by the Ishapore factory in India. They are NOT conversions, but were designed to shoot the 7.62x51mm NATO round from the start. Technically, you should avoid the strongest .308 rounds, as it was designed for the military caliber. However, I have never heard of any problems arising from shooting .308. They also usually hold 12 rounds instead of 10 for regular Enfields. The metal is usually painted ugly black, there may or may not be Parkerization underneath.

Overall, it's a nice rifle for the price (hope it's not too much). It is essentially the same thing as a SMLE No. 1 Mk III, and is of comparable quality and utility.

 

[kmcintosh78]

Guy is asking $250.
Trying to decide between a bolt rifle in 308 or a M44 in the 7.62X54.

 

[Slamfire]

I have an Ishapore 308.

I would get an Ishapore 308 before I got a Russian. They are a lot rarer.

I am certain I bedded my Ishapore, it had a new barrel, and it will shoot within four inches at 100 yards.

It is not a target rifle, but then, neither is a M44.

The muzzle blast will be less than a M44 (monsterous fireballs!) and you can get 10 rounds in the magazine.

You will find the Ishapore workmanship to be a little rougher than a Brit Lee Enfield, but the rifle will go bang.

And it is in 308.

 

[Rshooter]

Enfield 308.

The British moved some of their equipment for making Enfield rifles to India at the Ishapore Arsenal. They first made .303's but sometime in the very late 50's they decided to rework the design to fire a .308 cartridge to supplement their FAL rifles. These are an Enfield rifle in .308. They are accurate and fun to shoot. I currently have two of them. The biggest problem I have had with mine is the magazine feed lips.

I load mine with standard .308 stripper clips from the top and leave the magazine in place.

I had an interesting experience once when an Indian contractor I knew came over once. He had actually used one of these rifles in the military when he was doing his required service.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Guy is asking $250.
Trying to decide between a bolt rifle in 308 or a M44 in the 7.62X54.

Go with the Ishapore in .308!!

 

[kmcintosh78]

What about accuracy? Which one will be better.
And can anyone confirm that 308win can be used in the Enfield?
I plan on adding a scope, to either one I get.

 

[Robert]

I had a jungle carbine from RFI in .308 and I shot .308win in it all the time without any problems. The No2A1 would be more accurate in my opinion.

 

[wnycollector]

I have a 1966 Ishapore enfield. With any ammo I have shot through it(WWB, S&B, wolf gold and black box, brown and silver bear, radway green and turkish MKE) , it is 3MOA all day long with 140-150 grain loadings. I also own (or owend) three nagants they are great rifles for the $$$ but the ishpore shoots so much better. IF SHTF, I would grab the enfield...12 rounds of .308 can put lots of lead down range quickly.