DE-ACTIVATED WW2 DATED 303 JUNGLE CARBINE RIFLE
HISTORY
The Rifle No. 5 Mk I, nicknamed the "Jungle Carbine" for its use in jungle warfare, was a bolt action carbine derivative of the British Lee-Enfield No 4. Mk I. It was developed partially for a lighter carbine rifle for airborne troops (used in the Arnhem airborne landings by the British paratroop Regiment) and for use in the jungles of South East asia due to jungle fighting experiences in the Pacific War that led the British to decide "a rifle shorter and lighter" than the regular Lee–Enfield was critical for better mobility. Produced between March 1944 and December 1947, the Jungle Carbine was intended for and used in jungle environments where it gained its nickname. It notably saw widespread usage on various sides of postwar colonial conflicts such as the Indonesian National Revolution, Malayan emergency, and the Vietnam War, well into the 1960s, with sporadic use reported to have continued in several secessionist wars such as the Bangladesh Liberation war and the Bouganville conflict throughout the rest of the 20th century.
The rifle was first issued to British airborne forces in Norway towards the end of the Second World War; these were troops that were likely to be sent to the Far East for an invasion of Japan. The term was colloquial and never applied by the British Armed Forces, but the Rifle No. 5 Mk I was informally referred to as a "jungle carbine" by British and Commonwealth troops during the Malayan Emergency
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This example of the jungle carbine was made in 1945 and would have possibly been used in the last stage of WW2. The rifle is maker stamped to Birmingham Small Arms Company and is also date stamped 1945. It is fully de-activated but still cocks and dry fires. The Walnut wood work is in good condition.
I know that this rifle is not cheap however as they were only produced for three years they are rare in the market place. This is the second one I have had in four years having sold one a few months ago and its a nice condition example.