Indian Ishapore RFI 2A1 7.62x51mm Bolt Action Rifle C&R 1967 w/Bayonet
SOLD FOR: $740
WOA#: WY240117CB038
Make: RFI (Rifle Factory Ishapore)
Model: 2A1
Serial Number: P3883
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Caliber: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action Type: Bolt action, 12 round detachable box magazine
Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked “P3883”. The rear right side of the receiver is marked with an import mark. The rear of the bolt handle is marked “P3883”. The right side of the receiver collar is marked “Rifle 7.62mm 2A1 R.F.I. 1967”. The top of the rear sight is marked “ICR 1559 R.F.I.” The underside of the rear sight is marked “P3883”. The right side of the buttstock has a government ownership mark. The left side of the buttstock is marked with the rack number “514”. The underside of the forestock is marked “P3883”. The nose cap is marked “P3883”. The rear side of the magazine is marked “A38967”. There are various small proof and acceptance marks scattered throughout the wood and metal surfaces. The left ricasso of the bayonet is marked “1907 S294 WSC”. The right ricasso has proof marks. The scabbard throat piece is marked “M/44”.
Barrel Length: 25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a ramped base and between two protective wings. The rear sight is a u-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly set between two protective ears.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece wood stock has a straight grip with finger groove, nose cap assembly with bayonet lug & sight wings, barrel band, two sling loops, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage in the butt. There are compression marks, scuffs, and scratches throughout the wood. The buttplate is pitted with wear throughout. The buttplate door opens normally and the storage is empty. There is a small crack at the rear of the rear upper handguard. The right side of the buttstock has a thin 2.1” horizontal gouge near the buttplate. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Black rust-proofing paint
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is moderate erosion in the bore with stubborn fouling near the muzzle.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. There are drag marks on the nose cap. There are impact marks along the edges of the trigger guard. The bolt and action show operational wear. There is thinning to the black finish on the front upper handguard collar and the rear sight wings. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are crisp, though the Ashoka mark on the stock collar is worn. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good 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 12 round detachable magazine, a canvas sling, and a Pattern 1907 bayonet in its scabbard. The bayonet has quite a bit of pitting along the blade cheeks and the leather section of the scabbard is worn.
Our Assessment: The Ishapore 2A and 2A1 were reserve rifles built by India in the 1960s and early 1970s. They resemble the British No. 1 MKIII but are chambered in 7.62x51mm. Ishapore, more formally known as the Rifle Factory Ishapore, had years of experience building No. 1 MKIIIs, supplying the British Indian Army rifles throughout the Second World War. Leftover stocks from that time were used to build the 2A and 2A1.
This 2A1 was built in 1967. Aside from the collar marking it out as a 2A1, it can be easily identified by its rear sight, which is marked out to 800 meters. 2A rifles use No.1 MKIII rear sights which are marked out to 2000 yards. All of the serialized parts match, aside from the magazine. Nearly all of the markings are legible, with a nice rack number mark on the buttstock. The bore is serviceable and with the availability of 7.62×51, it should make for an enjoyable range rifle. It comes with a 12 round detachable magazine in really nice condition, a green canvas sling, and a British made Pattern 1907 bayonet. This would fit in nicely into any Enfield or Commonwealth collection. Please see our photos.
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