British Enfield No.5 Mk.I Jungle Carbine 303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,076.00
LSB#: LSB250822BL029
Make: ROF Fazakerley
Model: No. 5 Mk. I ‘Jungle Carbine’
Serial Number: AA86
Year of Manufacture: April, 1947
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt action, fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “No5 MK1 (F) / 4/47 AA 86”. The left side of the stock collar is marked “ENGLAND”. The left side of the barrel, just forward of the heat shield, is marked “.303 2.222” / BNP18.5 TONOPER”, along with a couple proof marks.
Barrel Length: 20.5” with integral flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post dovetailed into a base mounted between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture, which when flipped up has an adjustable aperture.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, barrel band with sling loop, right side of buttstock sling well with bar, and a hard rubber buttpad. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings and scuffs throughout. The stocks fit the barreled action tightly, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Oil Darkened Metal
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a few scattered scratches and dings scattered throughout the metal surfaces, and thinning finish on the bolt knob, muzzle, forend cap, and trigger guard. There is operational wear on the friction surfaces of the action. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads range from tooled to sharp, all have strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with 1x 10rd magazine, in Very Good condition, along with a canvas sling.
Our Assessment: The No.5 Mk I “Jungle Carbine” represents the final evolution of the Lee–Enfield battle rifle family—a lightened, shortened variant of the No.4 designed during the closing phases of World War II for airborne troops and operations in dense terrain. Introduced in 1944 and produced primarily at ROF Fazakerley, the No.5 incorporated extensive lightening cuts, a shorter 20.5″ barrel with integral flash hider, a rubber recoil pad, and a more compact profile that made it exceptionally handy compared to earlier Enfields. This 1947 example was produced in the postwar run that continued into the late 1940s, and it retains the characteristic wartime utilitarian finish and rugged construction that defined the model.
Chambered in .303 British, a cartridge with service roots extending back to the 1880s, the No.5 maintained the same 10-round detachable magazine and fast-cycling rear-locking bolt that made the Enfield system one of the quickest bolt actions ever fielded. In this rifle, the bore remains bright with sharp rifling, rated 10/10, demonstrating strong internal preservation despite its age. The exterior metal retains roughly 90% of its oil-darkened finish, showing honest wear at the muzzle, bolt knob, and friction points consistent with decades of service and storage.
The walnut stock set remains tight and structurally sound, showing light to moderate field wear typical of British surplus arms but retaining solid fit without cracks or separation. With clear markings, proper postwar British proofs, an included magazine, and a period sling, this No.5 Mk I presents as a clean, mechanically solid example of Britain’s last general-issue Lee–Enfield rifle. Collectible, historically significant, and instantly recognizable, it embodies the compact fighting rifle concept that influenced countless later designs. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
