Ishapore 2A1 bolt head question
Printed From: Enfield-Rifles.com
Category: Enfields
Forum Name: Ishapore Enfields
Forum Description: Let's see those Indian Enfields!
URL: http://www.enfield-rifles.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11903
Printed Date: March 26 2026 at 7:11pm
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Topic: Ishapore 2A1 bolt head question
Posted By: Mjdunk
Subject: Ishapore 2A1 bolt head question
Date Posted: February 22 2022 at 2:23pm
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Good afternoon, I have a question reference the Ishapore 2A1 bolt head. I think I’ve read every post on the Internet talking about this issue without coming to a good answer. I recently purchased a barreled Ishapore 2A1 action, and I’m working on building the rifle. I have all the parts, to include the bolt and bolt head but that’s where the main question comes into affect. Some say it must be a 19 ton bolt head marked 19T, What other say you can use the No 1 Mk3 fault as long as the size is correct and then of course they had space is right. Does anybody know if there’s a definitive answer to this question? Thank you
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Replies:
Posted By: Goosic
Date Posted: February 22 2022 at 7:25pm
| The only boltheads I'm aware of stamped with 19T are on No4 boltheads reproofed for the 7.62x51mm... |
Posted By: Mjdunk
Date Posted: February 22 2022 at 7:34pm
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Thanks Goosic, makes since. That means the 19T was used for the L42 and L39 I believe. Thanks
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Posted By: A square 10
Date Posted: February 22 2022 at 8:26pm
| i dont know that , but your 2A1 is a no 1 eifle and im not sure the no 4 heads are compatible , |
Posted By: Mjdunk
Date Posted: February 23 2022 at 3:28am
| Sorry for the confusion, no I will not use the no 4 bolt head, i will use a no1 bolt head. |
Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: February 23 2022 at 12:08pm
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I'm not sure if Ishapore used a different bolt head (material and/or heat treatment from the No. 1 Mk III rifle) for the 7.62 rifles. I recall reading some interesting information regarding how they were proofed (not using an oiled round or some such thing to get them to pass 7.62 NATO proof). Skennerton's book might have something in it regarding these rifles. Is there a serial number on the bolt handle or elsewhere on the bolt? If it matches the action body serial number, you should be fine. If you handload, I recommend only minimum to moderate .308 loads. Its pretty easy to load the .308 to .303B chamber pressures with the typical powders. I use 40.0 gr Varget with 174 gr bullet in the .303B and 40.0 gr Varget with 168 or 175 gr bullet in the 7.62/.308. Many other powders in the medium burn range work well of course.
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Posted By: britrifles
Date Posted: February 24 2022 at 9:08am
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I checked my copy of Skennertons book, the Lee Enfield Story. He states that EN steel and “advanced” heat treatment was used, but didn’t specifically state on which components. It would have been at least the action body, but also perhaps the bolt body and bolt head. I’ve also read somewhere, can’t remember where, that Ishapore had problems with failing 7.62 proof tests, so they changed the proof test procedure and/or proof cartridge. The RSAF Enfield concluded in the late ‘50’s early ‘60’s that the No. 1 rifle was unsuitable for conversion to 7.62 NATO due to the limitations in strength and stiffness of the action. Conversions then proceeded with the No. 4 rifles. |
Posted By: Shamu
Date Posted: February 24 2022 at 10:01am
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Yes they discontinued the use of "Wet" (oiled) proof rounds. ------------- Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force) |
Posted By: Goosic
Date Posted: February 24 2022 at 4:06pm
Ishapore also changed the steel from the EN steel back to the steel used originally for the No4 after the the proof tests were conducted.
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britrifles wrote: