The FR8/Ishapore 2a/2a1 connection.

[jagdpanzer347]

Oftentimes I find these two rifles mentioned in the same post or conversation.
Why is that? Is it because they are both older designs that were built or converted to 7.62NATO? Is it because some consider them the highest evolution of the bolt action battle rifle? Is it because they are both of relatively recent(as far as milsurps)manufacture?

With me it's a combination of these factors. And how can one overlook the "coolness" factor of each? I was lucky enough to run across an FR8 at a gunshow a few months ago. Now,thanks to AIM, I've got my Ishy. Now to decide which surplus rifle to buy,just because it's cool. SVT40's are pretty expensive. Hhhhmmm.....Hakim anyone?

What are your thoughts?

-jagd

 

[DMK]

They are two proven, reliable designs that chamber a common round; 7.62x51. A lot of folks have other guns that shoot this round (CETME, FAL, M-14, converted Garands) so they are popular.

There's no magic to these rifles other than the FR-8 looks really cool and the Enfield has a larger capacity mag than most bolt actions. Mausers, K-31s, Mosin-Nagants and others are just as good, but it seems some some folks are afraid of strange and different ammo.

Also, many people think FR-8s and Ishapore 2A/2A1s are .308 rifles. They are not. Try buying 7.62x51 at your local sporting good store. You'll have just as much luck as buying 8mm.

 

[iamkris]

DMK - that's why I buy it cheap and stack it deep. 3000 rounds of Port and 2500 rounds of South African sitting in the basement right now

 

[DMK]

DMK - that's why I buy it cheap and stack it deep. 3000 rounds of Port and 2500 rounds of South African sitting in the basement right now

Right there with ya. With double the SA and a few cases of Aussie F4. Even with a couple ravenous FALs, my 2A won't be going hungry.

 

[DMK]

Now to decide which surplus rifle to buy,just because it's cool. SVT40's are pretty expensive. Hhhhmmm.....Hakim anyone?

Hakims are nice. I had one for a short time. I ended up selling it to buy an SVT-40 actually. The Hakim is a better rifle. Better design, better made. I just wanted the Tokorev to go with my Mosin collection, plus I have a LOT more 7.62x54R than 8mm.

 

[Crosshair]

What about the FN-49?