Late WW 2 Enfield No 5 Jungle Carbine…………………. (F 1193)

British No 5 Jungle Carbine by Fazakerley

The British answer to close quarter Jungle fighting, still chambered in .303 British, with a ten shot detachable box magazine.  This well presented late World War Two carbine is stocked in a straight grained European Walnut three piece stock set, peculiar to the carbine model. Overall length 39.3/8″. The round barrel is 20.1/2″ long including flash hider.  The trigger pull to centre is 13.” These rifles are notorious for giving slightly more kick than a conventional full-length rifle as, lighter by about 1lb 14oz than the no 4. and having a barrel approximately 5″ shorter. Hence the fitting of the hard rubber butt-pad. However as time has past, these rubber butt-pads have become harder.  Add to this, by concentrating on securing the rubber component with the pressed steel surround, they had infact, decreased the area of contact at the shoulder. More felt recoil. The overall effect – no gain – more pain!

It all started so well! Developed to aid troops fighting in the close quarter confines of  jungle warfare conditions. It was the intent of the designers to provide a weapon that could be easily and quickly brought on target, against an enemy who could be hiding only feet away in dense undergrowth.  An enemy that were expert in camouflage and concealment and ferocious in close quarter hand to hand combat.  The No 5 retained the power of the .303 cartridge but the full length of the rifle was reduced in place for a more manoeuvrable weapon. The only problem was, they didn’t alter the powder burn of the cartridge, (they couldn’t as it would present logistical problems)  consequently, you still had powder burning beyond the length of the shortened barrel. This produced a giveaway muzzle flash which would betray your position – hence the development and fitting of the classic flash hider fitted to the carbine barrel.  The larger diameter of the flash-hider cone required a larger bayonet ring and thus required a redesign of the bayonet. Eventually resulting in the instantly recognisable Jungle carbine Bowie style knife bayonet associated with this carbine. The end result is a handsome and neat looking outfit which was very much up to the job.  It only resulted in one slight disadvantage, when going up against a screaming Japanese infantryman armed with the longer Type 38 or Type 99 rifle and long bladed bayonet – your opponents reach!  The solution being; shoot him first, before he gets anywhere near you – and that was idea of the shorter rifle – quicker target acquisition.

The Jungle carbine is instantly recognisable for all the above reasons.  There is a great debate about accuracy and wandering zeros etc, but I can only comment drawing from experience; made no difference to me; the only competition I ever appeared on the score sheets for involved my own example of this weapon – so I think the  effects are minimal.  This example is certainly a handsome looking weapon.  Even coloured and finished woodwork all over.  Minimal dings and dents.  The classic and almost standard effect of time on the black finish painted on the action and barrels etc: producing flakeing in exposed areas.  Some finish remaining in protected areas.  Correct Carbine battle sight and flip-up rear ladder sight graduated from 200 to 800 yards.  Front sight protected by ears with bayonet lug under the flash hider.

Reduced weight action and drilled bolt head.  Knox form “scooped” to reduce weight.  The RH wrist is marked “ENGLAND.” Markings on the outside action wall show; “No 5 MKI ROF(F) / 9/45  R 1543” adjacent to the ejector screw.   Bolt carries matching number.  Remonvable bolt head marked “O.”  Rectangular cocking piece.  Classic rubber recoil pad with pressed steel surround which incorporates the side bar for the sling on the left ! Underside of wrist marked with Canadian ownership mark with plugged sling holes on umderside. (This is probably a modified butt-stock)  Safety catch to rear LHS of action.  Plain fore-end.  Bore excellent.

If your going to shoot a carbine with a barrel some 5″ shorter than a standard rifle, you may as well chose one with an excellent bore and this would be a good choice.  With these rifles you need all the advantages you can get.  “BNP” proofed.

Stock No F 1193  – FAC Required

£ 1025.

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