Ishapore (RFI) 2A1 .308 Win SMLE Bolt-Action Rifle, 25 in Barrel, 12-Round, India (1960s–1970s)
Built at Rifle Factory Ishapore in India, this 2A1 is the 7.62-pattern SMLE variant associated with 800 m rear-sight graduations and newly manufactured for 7.62×51 NATO in the 1960s–1970s. This example shows matching serial numbers on the receiver, bolt handle, and nosecap, and retains the classic No.1 Mk III*-pattern features with a 25 in barrel and a distinctive 12-round magazine design.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
This rifle is believed to be chambered in .308 Win/7.62×51 NATO rather than .303 British; please verify chambering with a gunsmith before use. The metal surfaces show paint wear. The wood furniture is mismatched with noticeable dings and general wear.
What’s Included
- Ishapore (RFI) 2A1 bolt-action rifle in .308 Win
The 2A1 is a purpose-built 7.62×51 NATO SMLE produced by Ishapore, not a conversion from .303 British. It is associated with 800 m rear-sight graduations specific to the 2A1 pattern and features a distinctive 7.62-pattern detachable magazine design with a 12-round capacity.
It retains the rear-locking Lee–Enfield action with cock-on-close operation, paired with a steel receiver and a left-side safety lever. Sighting is via a barrel-mounted tangent rear sight with sliding cursor, paired with an SMLE-style protected front sight arrangement, reflecting the service-ready configuration of the pattern.
The rifle follows the No.1 Mk III*-style layout with a charger bridge and a nosecap bayonet boss. The furniture includes a full-length hardwood stock and SMLE-pattern upper handguard, both with an oil finish, plus one barrel band and sling swivels. The 25 in barrel maintains the familiar balance and sight radius of the SMLE platform.
Collector-oriented details on this example include matching serial numbers observed on the receiver, bolt handle, and nosecap. A rack number "26" is painted on the butt, adding period character consistent with service use.