A lot of the Ishapore imports were very well worn when they came into the country. They had all been refurbished to "Indian" standards. Although India kept all of the tolerances and design to British specs on 303 British rifles, they did make a few changes, such as the (dreaded) forestock reinforceing screw. Not a bad thing at all, actually the "dreaded Ishy screw" was just good common sense as cracked forestocks were a recurring problem on Lee Enfield rifles.
India bought Lee Enfields and parts from anyone that had surplus rifles for sale. It was their issue standard in all models available and was extremely robust and reliable. The Indians demanded the rifles to have accuracy standards and when the world supply of No4 and No5 rifles and parts ran out, started to make many of their own parts, both factory and what appears to be by hand. Many of the patches and repairs are quite ingenious.
Many of the rifles are in excellent condition as received from their previous owners, some were so good that the Canadian government, supposedly, just purchased a quantity for the Rangers. Like all milsurps, many times the first rifles released are the dregs from the warehouses, then, the better stuff is released on to the new stuff still in wrap. There are always new, small batches that crop up but are unusual and if they can be afforded, scooped up and squirreled away.
Then of course there are the No1 rifles, a hodgepodge of manufacturers, includeing the Indian made rifles, even 7.62x51 models that had to be made from tougher steels to accept the higher pressures.
The Indian imports can be very good or very bad, you have to be careful as with all milsurps, if you don't like them for whatever reason, don't buy one. If you're looking for a shooter, they can be real jewels at very good prices. As with all rifles, you take your own chances, but you can even out the odds of finding a good one by checking the rifle over carefully for damage and wear. bearhunter
