Royal Irish Constabulary Rifle

[Aragorn243]

I never knew I needed to have one of these until Tuesday when I saw this for the first time. Didn't know what it was, didn't know they existed. Bore looks like it hasn't been fired much, no rust or pitting, crisp and shiny. Exterior where you can see it looks fine. There is some pitting on the barrel under the handguard. Bolt does not match barrel. I'm still learning about the history of the RIC and these carbines. I believe this is a Lee-Enfield. Where might I find a proper sling for it? Black I read.

Information

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[Aragorn243]

Found the bayonet for it this morning, knew I had one, just didn't know exactly where. Perfect fit. Does make me curious as to why a police force would need bayonets however, intimidation factor perhaps?

[browningautorifle]

intimidation factor

For sure. I wondered which bayonet, maybe the 1888 pattern?

[Strangely Brown]

Does make me curious as to why a police force would need bayonets however, intimidation factor perhaps?

Ireland under British rule has a long history of civil disobedience which continues to this day, the fixed bayonet does however have a calming factor when shown to an unruly crowd!

When troops were first called into Northern Ireland in 1969 one of the first complaints was that the troops had bayonets which were then quickly withdrawn and returned to the regimental armouries.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Beautiful rifle!

[Aragorn243]

Yes, pattern 1888.

---------- Post added at 02:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:06 PM ----------

Beautiful rifle!

Not my first thought. First thought was what the heck, then interesting Bubba, then a realization of the base rifle which I don’t have. Learning what it was, reading the history and checking pricing made it a no brainer for me. Just had to wait a full day because he was closed Wednesday.

[mr.e moose]

Nice rifle and enjoy it. It is a bit of history. If you don't mind, what did it set you back?

[Aragorn243]

Here's the bayonet:



I paid $1300 out the door, which seems a fair price based on all the sales I could find.