Jungle Carbine

The Rifle No. 5 Mk I, nicknamed the “jungle carbine,” is a bolt-action carbine derived from the British Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk I, developed to give troops a shorter, lighter rifle for jungle warfare and produced from March 1944 to December 1947. It was about 100 mm shorter and nearly 1 kg lighter than the No. 4 thanks to lightening cuts, reduced woodwork, a drilled bolt knob, and the addition of a conical flash suppressor and rubber buttpad. Those changes made it popular in Far East and other jungle campaigns—seeing widespread postwar use in conflicts such as the Indonesian National Revolution, Malayan Emergency, and Vietnam War—although the lighter weight and small buttpad increased felt recoil. The sights replicated the No. 4’s arrangement with a rear aperture battle sight calibrated for 300 yd plus a flip-up ladder sight for 200–800 yd. Only the No. 5 blade bayonet would fit because of the large flash suppressor, and proposed Mk II and takedown variants (including grenade-firing strengthening and receiver-mounted triggers) were trialed but never produced.

Very good condition. The enfield rifle pictured is the rifle for sale. The stock is in good shape and looks like is 100% intact. We note a repair made by the factory near the buttplate. Additionally it does look like the stock was refinished and that likely took place when the repair was made. The blue finish is about 90% intact with minimal wear and patina. The bore appeared to be in good shape with nice pronounced rifling but some fouling and light pitting. Would clean easily. The bolt and bolt face look great and the action is nice and strong. Magazine and barrel band are not matching numbers. Bolt is also not matching. Includes original British sling.

No5MK1 ROF(F) – Royal Ordnance Factory – Liverpool

8/45 Q.74XX S/N and date production August 1945

C x – right hand side near barrel

Magazine and barrel band are not matching numbers. Bolt is also not matching