Just got a No 4 Mk 2 "RAF Contract"

[cprher]

Serial number UF 55 A17XX, my research here and other places tells me this is one of the last Lee Enfields to come out of FAZ, and was supposedly a "make work" effort to keep the factory humming at full capacity. Supposedly never issued but immediately put into mummy wrap, I got this gun at the Nation's Gunshow at Dulles Convention Center (northern Virginia, USA) this past weekend. While completely clean of all cosmoline it was also dry as a bone as if the entire rifle had been cleaned with gasoline or some similar solvent. Upon disassembly, I found the best fit stock on any Lee Enfield that I've ever owned. The bedding marks look like they'd been used in the Enfield handbook for properly fitting the forearm to the gun. Can't wait to shoot it.

In the meantime I'm using some linseed oil to rehydrate the stock and to make sure it stays in first class shape.

Oh, I paid an even $800 for the gun out the door. Didn't steal it but was not robbed either.
Keith

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[ssj]

"make work", I think so, Ive seen some writings to taht effect. Into storage, yes, I have some records indicating mk2s made in late 55 were shipped (Dec) and sold on in early 56 (Jan/Feb) to the likes of Parkerhale etc. A2xxxx's I think are later than the A1s, doesnt yours have a month on it? $800 for a first class example sounds Ok to me, I'd be happy. Here in NZ it would be around $1700NZ, or about $1400US. Some pics documenting it and especially the bedding would be great!

[303tom]

Picture`s !..................