Ishapore 2A1 Enfield Help

[RLTW]

I just saved an Ishapore 2A1 from bubba. The barrel has been cut (looks like with a hacksaw) to 19" in what was described as a scout project before the previous owner lost interest/ran out of funds. The rear sight has been removed and replaced with an XS rail (acraglassed on). The stock has been dremeled out to fit the XS sight as well. He included the old iron sights but they will not fit on due to the rail.

I love old steel and wood war horses and am a purist when it comes to MILSURP rifles. I would love to put this thing back into a* military configuration. Due to the current state-

I am currently eyeing jungle carbine conversion for the rifle from Numrich.

I figure I can salvage this project somewhat, even though it will not be original. At the end at least I will have a pretty handy scout rifle with some history. I already know I will need to re-cut and crown the barrel (rather, the gunsmith will).

The only sticking point for me is irons. As stated, the original irons will not fit, does anyone know of jungle carbine replacement irons that are available that will fit the 2A1?

In concept it will look similar to the Gibbs No.7 conversion.

But have jungle carbine rear iron sights.

I appreciate the help. I know it will not be original, but at least I will sleep better at night and will get some good use out of it.

RLTW

 

[Jim K]

The 2A1 is a modified SMLE Mk III, with the rear sight on the barrel. The Jungle Carbine (Rifle No. 5) is a modified No. 4 rifle with the rear sight on the receiver, with the receiver itself made to take the sight. It would be possible to install a commercial peep sight on the 2A1, but installing the correct No. 5 sight would be nearly impossible.

I think I would look at trying to remove that rail; some heat (not too much) might get the acraglas off and let you reinstall the original sight base and sight.

Jim

 

[RLTW]

That's good news. I have never worked with the stuff before. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[desidog]

Do a google search for Golden State Arms and Santa Fe; they professionally-bubba'd a number of surplus rifles into other configurations in the 1950's, and the No1 to No5 with incredibly-short-sight-radius was among them.