Ishapore No 1 Mk III Questions

[gregw]

Hi all, just wanted to know a few things about these Enfields.

So....I'm looking at one made in the late 60's not painted but blued in excellent condition. I was wondering what the quality is like compared to those made in the UK during the Great War and after?

Also, what is the price range (in US $) for one in this condition?

Thanks so much!!!!

Greg

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[RJW NZ]

Hi Greg,
Popular sentiment would have us think that the quality of anything ishapore is less than, well, anything except a paper cup, in fact thats not usually the case, especially if one looks at UK rifles made during war duress when less close tolerances would show up on rushing production lines with newly recruited machiners. If it looks good enough to own and shoot, it probably is, getting the head space checked will give you peace of mind about the wear that accumulates. Indian rifles often accumulate external wear, that visual stuff that puts folks off but its common to find a rifle under that which is in good shape with a good barrel.
Prices I'm not sure about but if you look at gunbroker, auction arms, guns america, you'll get an idea from how others are selling for the various conditions.
Welcome to the forum, this is a great place to aks questions.

[Ridolpho]

gregw: I would suggest you try to post a few photos which would allow the many experts on this forum to comment on your rifle. I am also new to this forum and a definite non-computer type but the system in place for attaching photos to a post is brilliant and very easy to use. If you look you'll find a step by step explanation of how to upload the images. As a non-expert I would like to know more about your rifle as my main references suggest #1 MkIII production is not known to have extended into the sixties but there were ongoing rebuild programs as well as the 7.62mm 2A/2A1 ultimate development of the MkIII. My own Ishapore is a 1939 No1 MkIII with all matching numbers but possible replacement stock without opening for the cutoff which has been removed. In spite of dating very near to WW2 it appears to have been blued with well polished metal. It compares nicely with my inter-war BSA commercial.

Ridolpho

[RJW NZ]

Just 5 years ago I saw an No1 Mk3 .303 for sale at the Costa Mesa gun show, correctly stamped, in near new condition, 1988.!!! I really wanted that and its one of those that I regret walking away from. I think it was Ishapore but not 100% certain. I have no idea how that could have come about. All the stamps were clean and simple and proper, no cross outs and re stamps, rebuilds or grinding visible anywhere.
Dang it!

[Norton1]

I'm no expert but mine was made in 66 and it's a 308. Looks rougher than a cobb, beautiful in its own way, but shoots just fine. I gave $175 for it.