No. 4 Mk 2

[KK556]

Hello everyone, great site you have here. I have been checking it out in the past but just registered.
I have an opportunity to purchase a nice Lee-Enfield. I have used sporterized models in the past, but now I'm looking to have an original condition rifle to add to the collection.
The rifle in question is to my knowledge an Irish contract rifle with serial # PF326***. It has the (F) after No4 Mk2, which again to my knowledge means it was made in Fazakerley. Basically I'm looking for insight pertaining to the value of the rifle. It appears to be in good shape, some bluing missing from the bolt. The seller has informed me the receiver, mag, bolt and also bayonet have matching numbers. However, the fore end is unnumbered but stamped "F54", for Fazakerley 54. Does this sound legitimate and how does it affect value? Also, is there any signs to watch out for to tell that it has been refinished? If it's not original, it won't interest me the same. I haven't seen the rifle in person, hoping to very soon. See pictures below. Thanks for all your help.

Information

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[Badger]

Welcome...

You might want to try our Google CSE custom search engine located in the top right corner below the words "Advanced Search". It only searches our site using Google techniques and can be quite efficient. For example, in your case, type in the words irish contract and see what happens ..

Regards,
Doug

[paulseamus]

From the pics it looks like a nice original late production Fazackerly No4 Mk2. I have a similar 1955 rifle that has the same stock finish and the same black paint finish to the receiver bolt and magazine. My rifle has not been refinished and it looks the same as yours.

Matching numbers indicates the the components have not been replaced in service.

My foreend is numbered to the rifle.

Prior to buying the rifle I would check headspace, which should be OK with the original bolt/bolt head and the condition of the bore.

Paul

(To be fair, I would just buy it and if it was not perfect I would just by another one. This approach works for me as I believe that if you can count them you don't have enough.)

[Detroit-1]

I got mine about a year ago. Got her for a great price of 185.00 She was made in1952. All numbers match including the forearm. I would think since there are no numbers on the forestock that it was replaced at some point? How much is he asking?

[KK556]

The asking price is $500. He seems pretty firm on that price, might be able to get it for $460-480. Local classifieds have sporterized enfields selling for $250 or so, without the matching numbers in most cases, just to give an idea of the local market.

[RobD]

I reckon $500 is a realistic price. Given the cost of ammo, you will soon forget what you paid for the rifle; and since it will shoot very well you will not be disappointed in it.
Prices go up about 10% every year, so you won't lose money on it.

[KK556]

One of my concerns is that the fore end doesn't have the same serial number as the rest of the rifle, just the "F54" marking. How much does that affect the value? Are the thee components matching more significant? Thanks