Ishapore 2A1 rifle

The 2A was widely used by the Indian Army after the Sino-Indian War in 1962, 2A rifles were previously supplied to Bangladesh during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The weapon was produced at a rate between 22,000 and 115,000 rifles annually, averaging 70,000 a year. Around 250,000 rifles were made in total before production ended in 1974. ==Development==

Production of the 2A/2A1 started in 1962 after the SMLE Mk IIIs* was phased out of service with the Indian military. Externally, the Ishapore 2A/2A1 rifle is based upon (and is almost identical to) the .303 British calibre SMLE Mk III* rifle, with the exception of the distinctive "square" (10 or 12 round) magazine and the use of the buttplate from the 1A (Indian version of the FN FAL) rifle. The 2A was designed to allow the British Pattern 1907 (P'07) sword bayonet used on the SMLE MkIII to be attached. Other difference included the use of improved steel (to handle the increased pressures of the 7.62mm NATO round), and a redesigned extractor for use with the rimless round. Some stocks were salvaged from existing surplus and show artificer repairs where rotted or damaged wood has been replaced. This repair is especially evident with the recoil draws (the area the receiver contacts when recoiling after the shot) that often failed over time due to the rifle being rack-stored butt down / muzzle up, which allowed oils and grease to migrate downwards into this critical area. ==Variants==

Ishapore 2A rifle The original production rifle has a sight range of 2000 meters. Their barreled actions were made from chrome vanadium steel. 2A Tanker Carbine Sold in the American surplus market, these are 2A/2A1s with the barrels cut down from 25" to 20". ==Users==

• : Formerly used in the Bangladesh Liberation War. Indian police forces began to phase out the rifle from 2020 and some were known to be made into anti-riot guns. ==References==