What Enfield to buy in .308?

[Boberama]

I want a Lee-Enfield in .308, and I'm looking at getting an Ishapore .308 or an AIA Enfield. I also want aperture sights if I get the Ishapore. Are there any problems you know about in the .308 Enfields from the higher chamber pressure, or any other problems I should be aware of?
I've never seen an Ishapore or an AIA so I would appreciate some input on quality, accuracy, etc. and most importantly reliability. If the rifle has issues I'll stick with .303.
I'm looking to buy this as a hunting and mainly a survival rifle, so that's why I want .308, for ammunition availability.

 

[wnycollector]

I have a 1966 Ishy .308. It is one of my favorite rifles to shoot. It is tough, accurate and packs a punch. As far as aperture sights, plan on spending $150-250 for a Parker-hale PH5a or one of the aussie sights (central or rawson). They are wonderful sights, but very pricey IMOO. For $10 I added this sight to my ishy and haven't looked back http://cgi.ebay.com/British-Lee-Enf...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item48391da8b0 Mind you, If I found a PH5a for a reasonable price I would buy it w/o hesitation, but the $10 sight works fine for the time being!

As far as AIA, I want their 7.62x39 enfield that takes AK mags

 

[Acera]

Boberama where do you live? I know a place that has one for $350.

 

[Va Shooter]

See if you can get one of these. #7 Jungle carbine with scout mount (B-SQUARE with Burris 2X scope) 12 rounds of 7.62 nato.



ps. Ishy 1967

 

[Boberama]

I live in BC, Kanada. Does AIA make their own magazines for that 7.62x39?
If they do I might be able to buy a 30 rounder. Otherwise it's ten rounds for me.
I have one question since I've never handled one of these rifles. The Ishapore and the AIA are both strengthened to handle the .308, does this affect the speed of operationg the bolt? I have a No.5 Jungle Carbine and it's lightning fast, but I wonder if the bolt is a bit harder to operate due to higher pressures.

 

[John Parker]

The bolt is still as quick as greased lightning in 7.62x51.

 

[navyretired 1]

The #4Mk1* adjustable aperture sights fit any Smellie and are available from Sarco for resonable price. I bought my Savage #4 with that sight on it and have since replaced the other 4 rifles that I have.

 

[nalioth]

You do not want a rebarrelled .303 model.

The .308 Ishy Enfield's receivers were redesigned from the get-go for .308.

 

[Quiet]

I live in BC, Kanada. Does AIA make their own magazines for that 7.62x39?
If they do I might be able to buy a 30 rounder. Otherwise it's ten rounds for me.

The AIA 7.62x39mm Enfields uses AK magazines.

 

[MJ]

......................

 

[HankC]

MJ, what scope mount you have? I need to get one!

 

[shenandoah]

That is one neat rifle. .308 rules!