Enfield 2A info?

[Jim B.]

I am waiting for my first Enfield 2A (Ishapore) to arrive in the mail.  Several sources have described this rifle as almost identical (mechanically) to the SMLE other than the chambering, of course.  I know their used to be an Ishapore website and forum but it seems to be gone now.  Does anyone know of a good online source for information about the care and feeding of the Enfield 2A?

Jim B. in IN

[Stan in SC]

The Indians made two rifles chambered for the 7.62X51 NATO round at the factory in Ishapore.They are the 2A and 2A1.They are identical except the 2A rear sight is graduated to 1200 yards while the 2A1 is graduated to 800 yards.The reason for the 800 yard rear sight is that they recalibrated the original .303 rear sight to the NATO round.
These are identical to the No.1Mk.III in looks.They are not converted .303's.The steel used in the .303 was too soft for the pressure of the NATO round so they made a complete new receiver with harder steel.
The magazine holds 12 cartridges.Most of these were made in the 1960's.
I have a 2A1 made in 1967.It is a wonderful shooting rifle and I have never heard of a bad shooter.The receiver is strong enough to handle the commercial .308WIN round with no problem.
Gibbs Rifle Co. used these receiver as a basis for their .308 "Jungle Carbine" and for the "Quest" model.
The only problem I have heard about is sticky extraction which is quickly solved by polishing the chamber and making sure the extractor is in good shape.Spare extractors are available easily from Numrich Gun Parts along with about any other part you might need.
In the milsurp market these are becoming very sought after by Enfield lovers due to the relative shortage of .303 milsurp ammunition.
Congratulations.You will love the rifle.They're kinda heavy but they definitely grow on you.Resist the temptation to "sporterize" it.They are great just like they are.