Enfield No. 5 Mk I Jungle Carbine .303 British Bolt Action Rifle C&R 1945
SOLD FOR: $1103
WOA#: WY230404JB002
Make: ROF Fazakerley
Model: No. 5 Mk I
Serial Number: S5126
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: .303 British
Action Type: Bolt Action, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver over the stock collar is marked with a British Broad Arrow military acceptance stamp and “ENGLAND” underneath. The left side of the receiver is marked, “No.5 MKI ROF (F) 10/45 S5126”. The top of the chamber is marked “BNP”. . The bolt is marked, “F” with several proofs. The left side of the buttplate is marked with a Broad Arrow proof. The bottom of the magazine is marked with a matching serial number “5126”. The follower is marked, “S.M.C.”. The sling swivel is marked “CNB”. The barrel is marked “.303 2.222” / BNP 18.5 TSNS PER”. The left side of the front sight is marked, “M/4 / C” (POSSIBLY) the numbers are hard to read as the top of the mark has slightly faded.
Barrel Length: Approximately 20.5 Inches with integrated cone flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade dovetailed into a base on the barrel, protected by military style ears. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight pinned to the top rear of the receiver. This is a standard 1st Variation Mk I sight with the battle sight aperture. When the ladder is folded up, there is an aperture in the center of the slider. The slider is raised and lowered with a Vernier screw with a serrated knob at the top of the ladder. The rear face of the ladder is marked from “2” to “8” with an proof in the top left corner. The rear face of the slider is finely checkered to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The oil stained stock has a straight grip, nose cap, 1 barrel band, 2 sling loops and a metal buttplate with hard rubber buttpad. There are scratches and compression marks throughout. There are no large nicks. There are no cracks or chips. The LOP measures about 13.25 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Oiled Wood, Blued
Finish Originality: Oiled Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is deep. There is no erosion. The bore rates in Excellent condition.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The metal shows thinning throughout. The bottom screw heads show very light use. The markings are shallow in some spots. Overall, this C&R rifle rates in about Excellent condition given its age and provenance. All the serial numbers are matching. Please see photos for a better understanding of this rifle’s condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a magazine that shows scrapes consistent with insertion & removal. It is in about Fine condition. The spring is strong and the leading edges are sharp. There is some light corrosion.
Our Assessment: Today we’re talking about a rifle that’s both iconic and historically significant – the Lee Enfield No. 5 Mk I “Jungle Carbine”. This rifle saw action in some of the toughest environments during World War II in the hands of British Troops, including the Burma campaign and the Battle of Imphal. These soldiers were fighting in some of the harshest conditions imaginable, and the No. 5 was their trusty companion throughout and it’s still a favorite among collectors and shooters today.
First up, that shortened barrel and stock were designed specifically for use in the dense jungles of Southeast Asia. British troops needed a rifle that was compact and maneuverable, but still packed a punch, and the No. 5 delivered. And with its classic Lee Enfield action, this rifle is as smooth and reliable as they come.
Now, some folks might turn their nose up at the No. 5’s unconventional design, but let me tell you – this rifle was built for a specific purpose, and it excelled in that role. And with the ability to use stripper clips, British soldiers could keep up a sustained rate of fire, even in the thickest of jungle environments.
If you’re a collector or a shooter, this rifle is a must-have piece of history that you won’t want to miss. This rifle has all matching parts making it all the more rare and desirable. Please see details below and good luck!