*British, 1946, Enfield No 5 Mk1 Bolt Action .303 cal Jungle Carbine, Dated April 1946, Made at Royal Ordnance Fazackerly, Deactivated*
Serial Number: V6728 (Marked on receiver, barrel band with a war arrow)
Approximate measurements: 100.5cm
Barrel Length: 20″
Calibre: .303″
Marked on LHS receiver in electro-pencil: No 5. MK 1 ROF (F). 4/46 V6728
Rear sight marked: F War Arrow, increments 2-8. On the underside F.8 war arrow.
Forward sight marked: War Arrow F
Marked on bolt: F. 5
Magazine marked: war arrow, Z3006
Stock hand marked: Ana Peaz 1951, 23 and other markings
(Deactivation Certificate names this as a MK 4)
This is a rare and good quality Enfield No. 5. Mark 1, made at Royal Ordnance Fazackerly and dated 4/46, April 1946. Marked liberally F (Fazackerly) with a war arrow. It has the correct hollowed and lightened bolt handle and the Lightening cut in the receiver. The No5’s butt stock is uniquely shaped, it is heavily hollowed and lightened from the inside, has a sloping wedge cut recess in the right hand side and is fitted with a unique rubber shoulder pad. The butt cap with D shaped sling keep integral is located on the right hand side. The No5 has a unique conical flash eliminator at the muzzle end with bayonet lug beneath. It allso has a unique waisted trigger guard.
The Enfield No. 5 Mk 1, nicknamed the “Jungle Carbine,” was a shorter, lighter version of the No. 4 Enfield rifle. Designed in 1944 for close-quarters fighting in the jungles of Southeast Asia, it offered improved mobility with a reduced weight of 8 pounds and an overall length of 39.5 inches. Despite its compact and balanced design, the No. 5 struggled with accuracy issues, particularly a “wandering zero,” which was attributed to its lightened receiver and barrel. This flaw, combined with the rise of semi-automatic rifles and ample No. 4 rifles in service, led to the Jungle Carbine being retired in 1947 after around 260,000 units were produced. The Jungle Carbine was manufactured at two factories: ROF, Fazakerley, near Liverpool and BSA, Shirley, Birmingham.
The No. 5 retained the No. 4’s 10-round magazine, loaded via five-round chargers, ensuring reliable operation in harsh conditions. Troops appreciated its practicality, although its short range limited its effectiveness outside jungle environments. The rifle’s unique features included a flash hider, a slimmer buttstock with a rubber pad, and a distinctive sling system.
Collectors and shooters value the No. 5 for its historical significance and utility. While its flaws kept it from widespread adoption, the No. 5 Mk 1 remains a testament to British innovation during World War II, embodying a balance of power, portability, and functionality.
*Condition*
This deactivated 1946 Enfield is a rare find in good condition with fully moving bolt. Trigger moves but does not dry-fire. It has a lovely patina and the commensurate knocks and dings. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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