Enfield Cyprus Police No.5 Conversion

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  • yellowsled

    Retired C&R Addict
    Jun 22, 2009
    9,348
    Palm Beach, Fl
    My newest acquisition. This Enfield rifle has a similar mysterious background like the Mosin M1891/59.

    SURPLUS SURPRISES

    (excerpt from GI94, "Surplus Surprises" article, by Charles Karwan)


    * Cyprus Police No.5 Conversion

    A good many of the surplus surprises have been well-known military models converted into interesting previously unknown variations or even new models. One of the more intriguing is a variation of the familiar British No.5 "Jungle Carbine".
    On the surface, these rifles look pretty much like a conventional No.5. However, close inspection reveals that they are actually No.4 rifles converted into the No.5 carbine configuration. On the left side of the receiver they are pantograph-engraved NO 5 CONV-CYP/NIC.
    The barrel was shortened to carbine length and fitted with a No.5 flash-hider assembly. The forend and rear handguard were shortened to approximate No.5 specifications, and the buttstock was fitted with a No.5 buttpad/sling loop assembly. In the process, the cut for the No.4 sling swivel base has been plugged with a piece of wood. The net result is a Jungle Carbine with a heavier barrel and without the lightening cuts in the action.
    No one seems to know the exact story behind these carbines. Some research has turned up pictures of Cyprus police carrying No.5 carbines. It was a logical choice due to the paramilitary-type operations they have had to conduct, and the fact that there has been dtrong British Commonwealth influence there for decades, including the U.N. peace-keeping force located there since 1964.
    Considering this and the markings on these guns, I am relatively certain that these No.5-type carbines were made by or for the Nicosia police on Cyprus. They probably tried to acquire additional No.5 carbines some time after gaining independence and found that none were available. Since parts to do conversions of readily available No.4 rifles were available, that route was taken. Regardless of the reason behind these conversions, they are an interesting and previously unknown field variation.
    Taken from:
    http://www.public.asu.edu/~roblewis/SMLE/IIID2a11a5.html
     

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    Jimbob2.0

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 20, 2008
    16,600
    Interesting. The variation of enfields and including a plethora of local conversions in the relations and ex components of the british empire amaze me.
     

    mawkie

    C&R Whisperer
    Sep 28, 2007
    4,337
    Catonsville
    When you PM'd me about this at first I thought the same; a Gibbs "special". But after seeing the photos and Chuck Karwan's article I was convinced that this was something new that I'd never seen before. Uber neat! A great acquisition. You can easily find No5s all over the place. Many in excellent condition. But I would pass on one of those for a Cyprus "special" any day. Funny, this morning on the BBC radio a Turkish diplomat was being grilled about their fight with and refusal to recognize Cyprus. Got downright militant at times. Sounded to me like the Cypriots gave up these carbines too soon!
     

    303_enfield

    Ultimate Member
    May 30, 2007
    4,647
    DelMarVa
    Been known to Enfield collectors since the early 80's in the States. Tons sold by the old, Imperial Trading Post. Some had real #5 wood. They are not #5's as everyone can see. They are not marked as such and are missing the lightening cuts. Many write ups over the years in the old British Gun and Knife forum and The Enfield Digest.

    They shot great and are worth a little more the the same condition #4.

    I miss the old days :)
     

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