Corrections:

 

In paragraph 8, change to read: " . . . separate trigger guard and plastic strap."

In paragraph 9, change to read: "If the gas plug freezes . . ."

In paragraph 13, add: "Apertures of metric sights do not fold and come in three separate heights and adjust by sliding them forward to make range changes."

does any one know if the isophfor fn are metric or not . I want to get some stuff from dsa to build a fn for myself . If not i want to buy a metric fn from someone. email me at [email protected]

Ishapore 1A1 rifles are a combination of both commonwealth and metric part features.  Usually, you can swap parts as assemblies and they will fit, but there are some parts that are peculiar to the Indian rifle.  Parts that are different include:

 

1.  Butt stock.  This is specific to the 1A1 and will not fit either a metric or commonwealth rifle.  The 1A1 butt stock has an aluminum butt plate (the same as the one for the Ishapore 2A1 7.62 NATO modification to the No. 1 Mk III Enfield) that's held on by two screws.  The sling swivel is a stamping that attaches to the stock with screws and the wrist (narrowest part) of the stock has the metal reinforement ferrule found on metric wooden stocks.  You cannot modify either a metric or Commonwealth stock to fit the Indian 1A1 rifle. 

 

2.  Lower receiver.  This resembles the L1A1 or C1A1, except for the attachment of the butt stock.  There is no semi-circular reinforcing lip on the Indian lower receiver that is found on the Commonwealth ABC rifle lower receivers.  Instead, the butt stock seats flush against the back of the lower receiver like the metric lower receivers.  Indian 1A1 lower receivers use the same kind of internal parts as their Commonwealth ABC rifle cousins.  You cannot use a Commonwealth butt stock on this receiver, but you might get a metric butt stock to fit (maybe).

 

3.  Front and rear sights.  Indian rear sight assemblies combine both metric and commonwealth features.  That is, the push button latch of the metric sights and the fold-down aperture of the Commonwealth L1A1 sights.  However, the heigh of the aperature is shorter -- similar to the metric rear sight aperatures that do not fold.  The front sights are patterened after the Israeli metric pattern and not the Commonwealth pattern.  Indian 1A1 gas blocks resemble the Commonwealth pattern, but have the Israeli metric front sight characteristics of front sight and spring.  Indian gas blocks and barrels use the metric gas port setup (that is 90 degrees to the bore), so only Indian parts can be used on 1A1 rifles.  Commonwealth L1A1 sights cannot be fitted, unless the Indian upper receiver is retapped for 1 inch 16 TIP threads.  [Commonwealth gas block gas ports have the port cut on an angle; Indian gas blocks gas ports are straight.]

 

4.  Pistol Grip and Handguards.  Commonwealth pattern is used, except for the wood.  The pistol grip screw has a small reinforcement screw on the side that Commonwealth grips do not.  There are two kinds of handguards and both are wood.  The first pattern resembles the first pattern L1A1 wooden handguards.  The second pattern is unique in profile only to Indian 1A1 rifles.  Both grips and handguards interchange with Commonwealth parts.

 

5.  Barrel.  Indian barrels resemble Commonwealth L1A1 barrels except the threads are those of the Israeli metric barrels -- that is, they are truly METRIC.  The 1 inch, 16 TPI pitch is used on all Commonwealth and metric barrels except Indian and Israeli.  The Indian 1A1 rifle front sling swivel is a stamping (different from both metric and Commonwealth).  Indian gas blocks resemble the Commonwealth desing in profile but have Israeli metric characteristics for the front sight blade and spring and use the metric 90 degree gas port.

 

6.  Magazines.  Indian 1A1 magazines follow the Commonwealth ABC or inch-pattern with the large latching lug on the front.  Indian magazines are about 1/4-inch longer than their Commonwealth cousins, but fit all Commonwealth rifles.  Indian 1A1 magazines are easily identified by the RFI (Rifle Factory Ishapore) markings.  Internal parts interchange with Commonwealth magazines.  India also makes a 7.62 NATO copy of the British L4A4 Bren gun (converted to 7.62 NATO), called the 1B.  The Indian 1B light machine gun uses a copy of the 30-round L4A1 magazine that will fit both Commonwealth ABC rifles and Indian 1A1 rifles.

 

7.  Cocking handle.  Indian 1A1 cocking handles fold like their Commonwealth cousins.  However, they are closer to the metric variation and need some fitting to mate with inch-pattern upper receivers. 

 

8.  Upper receivers.  Indian 1A1 upper receivers follow the British pattern of L1A1 receiver except for the barrel thread.  Indian barrel threads are the same as the metric Israeli.  Indian 1A1 receivers are not as well-finished as their British L1A1 cousins and show numerous tool marks.

 

9.  Top cover.  Indian 1A1 top covers follow the Commonwealth pattern with the stop lugs.  There is some variation in length between Commonwealth and Indian covers, the Indina being slightly shorter.  Australian and British L1A1 top covers may require fitting to work.

 

10.  Flash eliminators.  Indian 1A1 follow the British pattern of either 5-cut or 3-cut flash eliminators.  Indian models are stamped with "RFI".

 

11.  Carrying handle.  Indian 1A1 carrying handles resemble the first pattern British L1A1 wooden carrying handles.  Indian 1A1 carrying handles interchange with all Commonwealth or metric carrying handles, although the fit of the handle in the receiver may be either tight or sloppy depending on the diameter of the wire used.  The gas tube nut that holds the carrying handle in position in the upper receiver, is slightly larger in size and a different profile than either the Commonwealth or metric types.  Some minor fitting may be required to get non-Indian handguards to fit.

 

The Indian 1A1 is a very close clone to the Commonwealth L1A1 rifle -- except where it is different.  I hope this helps you.  Check the Rifle Factory Ishapore enteries in this section for photos of the rifle and piece parts.  The differences will be readily apparent.