No 5 Jungle Carbine……………………. (F 1196)
Created on September 13th 2025
Enfield No’ 5 Jungle Carbine
Of standard build and construction with a twist, namely finished as many American service weapons were, in a parkerized grey. An even smooth finish over all surfaces which resists rust very efficiently. Along with the light golden Coach wood timber this makes a striking combination – and quite unusual. This is a genuine carbine as the hand guard has been removed to check for the “flutes” in the barrel knox form, and they were present. The weapon also is equipped with the correct carbine rear sights and a genuine flash hider. It is chambered in .303 with a ten shot detachable box magazine and the classic Enfield bolt system. There is no doubt that the basis of this rifle is correct and it always was what it preports to be. It just loks a little different.
Developed to aid troops fighting in the close quarter confines of jungle warfare conditions. It was the intent of the developers to provide a weapon that could be easily and quickly brought on target, against an enemy, that could be hiding only feet away in dense undergrowth. An enemy that were expert in camouflage and concealment and ferocious in close quarter hand to hand combat. The No 5 retained the power of the .303 cartridge but the full length of the rifle was reduced in place for a more manoeuvrable weapon. The only problem was, they didn’t alter the powder burn of the cartridge, consequently, you still had powder burning beyond the length of the shortened barrel. This produced a giveaway muzzle flash which would betray your position – hence the development and fitting of the classic flash hider fitted to the carbine barrel. The larger ring size of the flash-hider cone required a larger bayonet ring and thus required a redesign of the bayonet. Eventually resulting in the instantly recognisable Jungle carbine Bowie style knife bayonet associated with this carbine. The end result is a handsome and business like looking outfit which was very much up to the job. It only resulted in one slight disadvantage when going up against a screaming Japanese infantryman armed with the longer reaching Type 38 or Type 99 rifle and long bladed bayonet; your opponents reach! The solution being; shoot him first, before he gets anywhere near you – and that was idea of the shorter rifle – quicker target acquisition.
Overall the carbine is 39.1/2″ long. The round blued barrel is 20″ long including flash hider. The trigger pull to centre is 13.1/4.” The LH wrist is marked “ENGLAND” with a badly stamped crows foot above. The LH outer action wall was marked; ” No5 MKI ROF (F) / _ _ / _ _ _ _ _ _”. The ROF meaning manufacture at Royal Ordnance Fazakerley. The last part of the marking is almost unreadable. A badly stamped serial number is crudely stamped in underneath. The bolt is matching marked “0996” on the reverse of the bolt arm. Drilled bolt knob to reduce weight. No 2 marked bolt head. Rectangular cocking piece. Classic rubber recoil pad with pressed steel surround which incorporates the side bar for the sling. The rubber pad being in good condition. Safety catch to rear LHS of action. Very good bore with strong rifling, clean and bright. Appears little used. Fitted with grey painted steel cap fore-end .
There is a great debate about accuracy and wandering zeros etc, but I can only comment drawing from experience; made no difference to me; the only competition I ever appeared on the score sheets for, involved my own example of this weapon – so I think the effects are minimal. This example is certainly a handsome looking piece. Coachwood stock with fine clean matt finished woodwork all over. Virtually no dings or dents to stock surface. Battle sight and flip-up rear carbine ladder sight graduated to 800 yards also marked “F” for Fazakerley. Front sight protected by ears with bayonet lug under the flash hider.
Mechanically fine, British proofed and ready for the range. Go on…. Are you mad enough…!
Stock No F 1196 – F.A.C. Required
£ 945.
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