R.F.I. S.M.L.E. Enfield No 2A1 Rifle ………. (F 1304)
Created on October 29th 2026
7.62 x 51mm SMLE by R.F. Ishapore
The last chapter in Enfield collecting. Produced from scratch in India and chambered in the newly adopted 7.62 NATO round. Stronger because the steel used was of the new EN type, but easily recognised from the angular square forged front sight protector. Another instant clue is the squared profile, ten-shot, detachable box magazine. The rear sights were altered and the butt plate is completely different to its predesessors in shape and constitution, being made of an alloy. Butt trap empty. Operation, loading, aiming are all the same despite the alterations to the sights.
Chambered in 7.62mm x 51 the bottle-knecked cartridge resulted in some small mechanical changes with the ejector and the charger guides but otherwise its basically a Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifle. As made from scratch with a new material, these are a better choice safety wise, than a straight converted .303 SMLE. The rifle measures 44.1/2″ in overall length. The round covered barrel is 25.3/16″ long (640mm) The length of Pull to center is 13.3/8″. Fully stocked in a very rich dark walnut whose grain is dense and has held up well to handling; it has produced a highly polished patina in the high handling areas.
The serial number is fully matching in that it appears as “D 7271” on the receiver ring. The rear of the bolt arm. The bayonet stud. The spine of the magazine and the underneath front end of the forend. This is no mean feat from a rifle that has been through the system on that huge continent. The wrist strap is marked as follows; ” Indian Ashoka (post-independance mark that replaced the royal cypher) /RIFLE / 7.62MM 2a1 / R.F.I. (Rifle Factory Ishapore) / 1965.” The RHS of the butt-stock is also clearly marked within a circle stamp “S arrow A / I.” The clear, post indepenance marking for the Ishapore Factory. The only item that has been changed out (thats my guess) is the rear sight as it is marked “D 1836” but it IS in the correctly graduated sight for the 7.62 model, being distinctly different in its graduations which only go as far as 800 meters. Also interesting that it is in the same suffix range as the balance of the rifle. On its upper face it is marked; “ICR 1559 / R.F.I.”
Otherwise the rifle is very much an SMLE with a safety beside the rear of the bolt on the LHS of the action. Serrated trigger. Magazine release catch within trigger guard. Flat rear sight guards. Bayonet fittings to fore-end. Mid barrel band fitted with sling swivel. The normal cross screw re-enforcement in the fore-end. Removable bolt head. Squared ribbed cocking piece. The number “224” neatly stencilled into the LHS of the butt-stock. Very good right hand twist four groove bore. Just a hint of the mildest roughness in the grooves at the throat, but nothing to worry about. Bright with a good clean shine, good depth to the groves good definition. Comes fitted with a late green sling. BNP proofed.
Possibly the last of the collectible Enfields, but a highly useable example. Also available, the correct bayonet for this rifle. Very similar to the standard SMLE bayonet but officially shorter. In its correct black leather scabbard. The flat single sided blade is 12″ long the handle an extra 4.3/4″ with a staright cross guard. A more angular finish with wooden grips. One side of the ricasso is marked “II* / N.W.R. / 44.” This could refer to the North West Railway Volunteers a long formed brigade with history going back to the 1880’s in India. Bayonet fits well to rifle: extra £ 55.
Stock No 1304 – FAC Required.
£ 825.
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