Why does my gun exist?

[happydude]

I recently purchased an 'Irish Contract' rifle knowing full well that it wasn't part of the Irish Contract series of rifles (says the interweb anyway). It's a Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk. II, marked as UF 55 A 5679, all matching, in a lovely set of blonde beech with a white canvas sling.

My question to those with more knowledge and/or the right resource book, why was my rifle ever made? By 55 Enfields were dated and I can imagine there were more then enough floating around from war stocks. I'm assuming my rifle was destined for another country but never sent or something to that effect.

Just noticed at the end of the barrel by the bayonet lug, it says "CAI ST ALB VT 303 UK"

Information

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[Thunderbox]

The UF 55 rifles were all apparently intended for the RAF.

Not unusual situation: at that time the UK services all had different budgets and methods of procurement, so its quite believable that the RAF would order new rifles rather than try to tap into the vast stocks held by the Army.

[Alan de Enfield]

Just noticed at the end of the barrel by the bayonet lug, it says "CAI ST ALB VT 303 UK"

US Legislation -
Name of importer and state (CAI was the importer)
Calibre = 303
Country of Origin = England / UK

[Lee Enfield]

I recently purchased an 'Irish Contract' rifle knowing full well that it wasn't part of the Irish Contract series of rifles (says the interweb anyway). It's a Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk. II, marked as UF 55 A 5679, all matching, in a lovely set of blonde beech with a white canvas sling.

My question to those with more knowledge and/or the right resource book, why was my rifle ever made? By 55 Enfields were dated and I can imagine there were more then enough floating around from war stocks. I'm assuming my rifle was destined for another country but never sent or something to that effect.

SNIP...

In 1954-1956 the Belgian FN-FAL (as the X8E1 thru E8) were in trials to replace the No4 rifle.

The L1 rifle went into production in 1957, so obviously the official issue service rifle was still the No4 series until @1958.

Second line units were issued No4 rifles well into the 1960s.

[happydude]

Good stuff, thanks for the info. Still surprising my rifle may have been destined for the RAF though. I'd think they'd be more interested in Stens, Sterlings, and Brens.

[harry mac]

Good stuff, thanks for the info. Still surprising my rifle may have been destined for the RAF though. I'd think they'd be more interested in Stens, Sterlings, and Brens.

If you've ever seen the state of weapon handling in the RAF you'd be truly frightened at the prospect of Airmen armed with SMGs! The rifle is a much safer bet for RAF personnel.

[rhodders]

Why oh why can't I find such a rare beast as that in the UK ? it just aint right.

Just had a look at a rather tired No4 Mk 2 ( obviously used to bash tent or fence poles in ) not matching and asking £650.

rhodders

[happydude]

Why oh why can't I find such a rare beast as that in the UK ? it just aint right.

Just had a look at a rather tired No4 Mk 2 ( obviously used to bash tent or fence poles in ) not matching and asking £650.

rhodders

I paid $650 for it which isn't exactly cheap. Seems like any blonde Enfields are marketed as Irish Contract rifles and thus people assume if it's blonde it's rare and therefore demand a higher premium.

I just wanted it because it was pretty,

[bradtx]

happydude, The MoD accepted rifle contracts for many nations, the Irish contract being the largest. Through the magic of marketing, all Mk.2s are often referred to as Irish, whether they are or not.

While Fazakerley faithfully compleated all of the contracts, they also made rifles for British storage. The RAF aspect is new to me.

In '55 the post war s/n prefixs changed from PF or PB to UF or UB.

Brad

[Laufer]

I know very little about old rifles (or new ones), but Century Arms is often described on gun forums regarding imports.
Some of the stamps state "Georgia, VT".

They imported both of my MN 44s and maybe the Norinco SKS.

Some ludicrous US law-to benefit local companies-requires that parts of a receiver must be replaced with US-made parts in rifles such as "AK clones etc",
but I have no idea if this rule applied to other types of foreign-built semi-auto rifles, or just certain milsurp semi-autos.
I'm fairly new with guns, despite my age.