Ishy Smelly accuracy

[FilJos]

I'm not a great shooter, so I really can't say how well a rifle shoots. I never know if the accuracy is due to the rifle or something I am doing wrong.

Bearing that in mind, what is the best accuracy I could hope for out of an Ishapore 2A? I mean, is it possible to accurize it? Could the average rifle shooter make a decent weapon out of it? If it is possible to accurize it, what specific things should I look into doing with it?

I'm not looking for sniper rifle sub-moa accuracy, just accurate enough to hunt man or deer sized targets at ranges out to 300 yards or so. Basically a scout rifle.

Could it work, or should I abondon my current scout project and start with something else?

 

[LeonCarr]

The first thing you could do is give the rifle a good cleaning with a good bore cleaning solvent (I like Shooters Choice) and get the barrel totally clean. The barrels of milsurp type rifles are usually full of everything from powder and copper fouling to cosmoline. A good overnight soaking with Shooters Choice or equivalent (read the directions on whatever solvent you use, some can harm the barrel if left in overnight) will surprise you with all of the gunk that comes out. Next, you might try some different brands of ammunition in it, to see if you can increase accuracy by finding a load it likes. Federal Gold Medal 168 BTHP Match is usually a good place to start in the .308. Also, shooting the rifle off the bench with sandbags at 100 yards will give you a better indication of what the rifle is capable of.

I don't think the Ishy SMLE 2A will ever have sub-MOA accuracy, but I think 5 shot groups under 2 inches at 100 yards is certainly possible.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[armoredman]

I have gotten MOA groups from my Enfield No4 MK1* with handloads, so it can be done.
A really deep cleaning is number one, then start experimenting - do you reload?

 

[Bjg0082]

Enfield accuracy

If you don't mind modifying/tinkering with your rifle I think theres several things to be done that'll make your groups tighter. I've been wondering the same things about my 2a1 lately and heres what I've found.

If you don't like the stout pull of a military trigger (mine had a little creep as well) these guys offer drop in triggers that are really easy to install. I havent tried one its just what I was looking at. They say it makes the pull lighter/crisper... mo'beta.
http://www.huberconcepts.com/Lee-Enfield_Trigger_Replacement.htm

If you want a peep sight instead of whats on there, Mojo sighting systems offers a replacement. No gunsmithing required. Ultimately go with the rear sight you're familiar with though. I rather perfer the peep.
http://www.mojosights.com/

The guys in the Lee Enfield forum at gunboards eat sleep and breath enfields. They forget more than I'll ever know about how to treat your SMLE. I've not heard it mentioned anywhere else but there is a procedure called "Bedding" for the enfield that is supposed to help. Anyway they're a great bunch of guys and will talk your ear off about what you can do if you ask nice.
http://www.gunboards.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=44
The High Roads has Enfield experts too, they'll chime in here pretty soon.

Other than that, time shooting the rifle is the best teacher for how to make it work for you. Don't give up on the Ishy! They're great guns!
But while we're on the subject, does anyone know if its possible to cryo and old milsurp? I'd throw down some money if I thought that'd work.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

Get your handloads as close to milsurp issue ammo as you can.

I am using 165 Hornady BT and a weak charge of RL-15. I don't have any 7.62 data so I download 308 data a full 2 grains. My sights are dead on.

Use issue 7.62 NATO ammo instead of 308. Your sights may be regulated for 7.62 NATO. Using ammo that the gun was setup for should help a bunch.

As far as accurizing. The other guys here are dead on.
There is a springloaded screw under the forearm you can tinker with to change pressure on the barrel.
The inside of the stock on my gun was rotten. I had to rebuild and bed the reciever. That may have helped my gun.

My 2A is pop-can accurate at 100 yards. That's good enough for me! This is my favorite milsurp and #1 trunk gun.

ZM

 

[MechAg94]

I got 4" or 5" groups the first time out with my Ishapore. That was pretty much what I expected to get for the price. I might try cleaning it better though.