ISHAPORE RIFLE PARTS

ISHAPORE RIFLE PARTS.

India produced a large number of SMLE rifles of various marks. Most of these were produced at the rifle factory in Ishapore (Bengal). Indian produced rifles are stamped RFI (Rifle Factory Ishapore) and rifles produced while India was a British colony are marked GRI (George Rex Imperiatus, King George- Emperor) whereas on post independence rifles the British crown stamp is replaced with the Indian Ashoka. Slightly different production methods and available materials (especially wood) means that there are several varations in components unique to rifles produced in India. Widespread use of Indian produced rifles by British and other empire troops, and the large number of rifles repaired in Indian arsenals means that Indian components are frequently found on rifles originating in the UK or Australia. Indian marks (especially FTR stamps) can be found on No4 rifles although India did not produce No4s.

Grenade Launching rifle 1946, SMLE No1 Mk III* SMLE No1 Mk3* 1951 Rifle 7.62mm 2A 1967

Ishapore Rifles were produced in .303" and later in 7.62mm. Production of these 7.62mm rifles, known as the 2A (@1963-65) and 2A1 (@1965-70) continued into the early 70s.

Large numbers of these rifles came onto the American market in the mid 1990s and while they look very similar to the standard .303" rifle there are important differences. The most visible external differences are the square site protector ears and the squared-off flat bottomed magazine.

7.62mm 2A Magazine& comparison of Muzzles (2A on left, No 1 MkIII* on right)

- note square protectors and absence of piling swivel on 2A

The information on these pages is intended for guidance only. Always consult a knowledgeable gunsmith concerning firearms safety and parts replacement.

BASIC COMPONENT BREAKDOWN OF: ISHAPORE 7.62mm 2A1

Click links to photographs of components:

1 Buttplate (& 2 screws)	15 Bayonet Mount
2 Buttstock	16 Piling Swivel
3 Buttstock Marking Disk	17 Sling Swivel
4 Bolt Body	18 Fore-End
5 (left side) Safety/Locking Lever	19 Backsight
6 Retaining Spring	20 Backsight Protector
7 Cocking Piece	21 Bolt Head
8 Charger Bridge	22 Breech Cover loop
9 Action Body	23 Magazine Group
10 Rear Handguard	24 Magazine Catch
11 Front Handguard	25 Trigger Group
12 Front Band (& screw)	26 Trigger Guard
13 Foresight	27 Rear Sling Swivel (& 2 screws)
14 Nose Cap

ISHAPORE 7.62mm 2A1 Major components.

The rifle used as the basis for these photographs is a 1967 2A. It is in fairly typical condition for the rifles imported into the US in the mid 1990s. The metal is covered with a thick black paint (several coats) and the furniture has a low quality varnish on it. This particular rifle has also been marked with a yellow stripe. There is some suggestion this is a means of identifying the 7.62 rifles from the large number of .303" rifles that remained in service. Despite its rough apperarnce the rifle is remarkably accurate and retains the inherent reliability of the SMLE.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF MAJOR COMPONENTS