A while back I did a post on a Scout Rifle I built based on a Ishapore 7.62.During WWII there were Jungle carbines made using the 303 but a 7.62 version was never produced.
Gibbs decided to produce this one based on the 7.62 Ishapore. I acquired this one a few years ago in a trade. It is like new, I like the fact it is chambered for the 7.62 NATO. I don't think Gibbs produces them any more so you don't see them very much. It has a 10 shot magazine. The bolt is very smooth on this one. At one point the Enfield was noted as having the fastest second shot capability of any bolt action. The best improvement to these rifles would be peep sights.
Cool, one of my favorite gun shops has had a 303 jungle carbine for a while, but unfortunately he has it priced as a collectable.
ReplyDeleteThey tend to be overpriced, especially considering I don't think you could find an original 303 jungle carbine.
DeleteI get the various "jungle" carbines confuses. Someone I know has one, but I could swear its basis was the Garand.
ReplyDeleteThere may be other jungle carbines I am unaware of. Some may be be just cut-down versions and not true originals. The US had the M1 carbine which was most common.
DeleteOooh. Nice.
ReplyDeleteI've had a couple of original .303 jungle carbines over the years--both originals--but they were total beaters from neglect long before they were surplussed out to the importers.
They would be worth a good price today I think. I liked the old 303, my experience was it was far more accurate with after market ammo (sporting rounds) But if you didn't reload quite expensive to shoot.
ReplyDeleteIf you want one, check Gunbroker. They are out there and not as outrageous as you'd think.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big .303 fan myself, but more with my 1mk3's or Pattern 14 Enfield. Great cartridge, but yep--you've got to reload. (And Hornady makes a 174 gr. .312 bullet that just rocks Enfields and Jap rifles alike!)
That 10 round replaceable magazine is uber cool, I have a FR-8 7.62 Spanish carbine, but it is limited to the 5 shot Mauser 98 magazine. Yeah, stripper clips work great and I use them, but having replaceable magazine would be even better.
ReplyDeleteEnfield magazines are NOT "replaceable" in that they were never meant to be removed from the rifle other than for cleaning and maintenance. That being the case, they also don't detach or reattach all that smoothly or retain cartridges all that well when out of the rifle. Bottom line: If you have an Enfield, you're still using stripper clips or loading singles. But Enfield strippers load fast if you've got the cartridges in right so it's not a real detriment.
ReplyDeleteIt's true Enfield mag's were designed to be loaded with stripper clips and they aren't that 'high speed, low drag' for that reason you don't find many replacement ones like you do M16 for example. Usually the original stayed with the rifle.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever get tired of it send it my way -_-
ReplyDeleteJust be sure to conceal it in a box of pure heroin. Drugs get into our country pretty easily but guns are another matter entirely...
That's an idea, smuggle guns disguised as illegal drugs.....just might work.
DeleteDuke:
ReplyDeleteOn June 23rd I visited the Eastman Gun Show in Gwinnett GA by Atlanta. It was at the North Atlanta Trade bldg.
A guy had a very nice original "Jungle Carbine".
My collection already has two authentic Enfield #5s, and the private seller at the show listed his at $550.
In other words, they are not very common but you see them.
Back in October, a guy at the Orlando FL Gun Show had a private collection of five Enfield #4s and also had a #5 "Jungle": all were in excellent condition.
His business might be "Deland Collectibles", but I'm not sure.
Laufer, like you said they are out there but usually command a higher price now days. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDelete