1965 Ishapore Enfield 2A1 in 7.62x51mm. Such a beautiful riffle I couldn't pass it up.
[IMG]0801171939b by ah1f39, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]0801171939a by ah1f39, on Flickr[/IMG]
The rifle is in like new condition except for the scout mount.
It was produced as a 7.62 rifle from the factory as a stop gap the fill slow FAL production. It is not a .303 converted to .308.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishapore_2A1_rifle
The original wood for most of the 2a1 was teak, not walnut as other Enfields. This is because of the availability of teak over walnut in India. Also the teak withstands the humid climate of India better. From the ground up the 2a1 was redesigned as a new rifle, the steel is a much higher quality to handle the pressures of .308. And the stocks are teak for better durability and less susceptibility to rot.
As far as the finish, I'm not sure it doesn't appear to have been redone judging by the crud and such in certain crevices. I've only found two small scratches on the fore end caused by the sling buckle . The butt plate shows only the smallest amount of wear from rack storage. Pretty sure this riffle was never issued. It has definitely never been in a field or training environment.
The bore is in new pristine condition. The steel bluing shows no sign of being redone the stampings and roll marks are deep, sharp and clear.
I did find an import stamp. N.A. RDGFIELD N.J. Navy Arms, Ridgefield, New Jersey was the importer. Making this a Gibbs Rifle Company No7 Jungle Carbine conversion.
http://www.gibbsrifle.com/historical_remakes_.html
If it has been refinished, Gibbs did a wonderful job. According to the Gibbs page they use the original wood when doing the conversion. The rifle must have been in outstanding condition before the conversion was done.
It is beautiful. The pictures don't do it justice. I love the grain pattern.