Nailcreek,

The Indian Ordnance Factories paint their guns instead of bluing them, one of many "shortcuts" that contribute to their products being as bad as they are. The 315 IOF rifles offer 15" groups at 100 yards and stocks that literally fall to pieces with use. The Lee Enfield action is virtually unjammable in use - again, unless it is made by the IOF. If you don't believe me, please ask about these rifles on any Indian shooting forum - there are a few of these. Or, look at some of the Ischapore 303 SMLEs which come up on sale every now and then for $ 75 or 80 in the US. There is a reason why they sell as cheap as that.

The reason why the IOF continued making the Enfields (they still do) is that they have never been able to produce anything better. They still use Cordite as a propellant in their cartridges and have a plant in the Nilgiris at Aruvankadu manufacturing this. Don't you think that they should have modernized at least the propellants that they use in their ammunition? According to them, they now have ISO 9001-2000 certification for their cordite manufacturing process.

Not being hostile at all but I do think that the shoddiness that has become a part of Indian Ordnance Factory gunmaking is a danger to shooters and that is why I personally believe that their products are no good for any use other than as wallhangers. I hope you understand my point.

Best wishes and good hunting!