RFI Ishapore No.1 Mk.III .410 Indian Musket — 1949 Conversion Single-Shot SMLE with 25.2 in Smoothbore Barrel
This RFI Ishapore .410 Indian Musket is a 1949 factory conversion of a 1941 G.R.I-marked No.1 Mk.III SMLE. Purpose-built as a single-shot arm for police, prison guard, and riot-control roles, it features a smoothbore barrel and a blanked magazine well with a flush cover. Clear conversion and service markings, SMLE pattern sights, and original furniture define this notable post-war configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, bright smoothbore with minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm does not chamber modern .410 bore; it is chambered for Indian spec .410 musket. The wood stock shows some wear consistent with service handling.
What’s Included
- Khaki web sling with brass buckle
Converted at the Rifle Factory Ishapore in 1949, this musket began as a 1941 G.R.I-marked No.1 Mk.III. The left butt-socket carries the “.410 / RFI / 1949” conversion marking, while the right butt-socket retains the 1941 No.1 Mk.III and Crown over G.R.I designations. This conversion was intended primarily for police, prison guards, and riot-control duties, and the rifle was adapted to single-shot operation.
Chambered for the Indian spec .410 musket cartridge, it does not chamber modern .410 bore. Capacity is one round, and the magazine well is neatly blanked with a flush cover. The barrel measures 25.2 inches and is a smoothbore configuration. A charger bridge remains present, and the SMLE nosecap with sight ears is retained.
Sight equipment follows the SMLE pattern: a protected front blade within the nosecap ears and a tangent rear sight. The action is bolt-operated with a left-side safety lever. Metal surfaces present in a blued finish over a steel receiver.
The full-length hardwood stock set includes a full-length fore-end, two upper handguards, and an oil-finished surface. Additional details include a brass buttplate with trap, a sling swivel at the toe, and a fore-end transverse reinforcement screw. The right butt shows a circular inspection/cartouche stamp and a painted numeral “2.” Length of pull measures 13.5 inches.