The Lee-Enfield rifle is one of the most battle-hardened weapons in history, yet it rarely gets the recognition it deserves. Overshadowed by the Mauser 98, many collectors and historians focus on the German icon while treating the Lee-Enfield like a supporting character. But in truth, the Lee-Enfield fought in every climate on earth, from the Arctic’s ice to the jungles of Southeast Asia, and it didn’t flinch.
The End of an Era Brings Perfection
After World War II, Britain developed what would become the final and most refined version of the Lee-Enfield: the No.4 Mk2. With enhanced sights, a crisper trigger, and better craftsmanship all around, the Mk2 was a true step forward. This wasn’t a rushed war gun; this was a peacetime product built to perfection. And it’s this very model that became the focus of a quiet, mysterious military contract with Ireland.
The Irish Contract Begins
In the 1950s, the British Royal Ordnance Factory at Fazakerley produced 50,000 No.4 Mk2 rifles for Ireland. These rifles would later be known as the “Irish Contract” rifles – a term that, for decades, sparked more questions than answers. Some collectors even believed they were never delivered, assuming they sat in British warehouses until the 1990s. The truth, as it turns out, is far more interesting.
A Tale Wrapped in Mystery and Cosmoline
For nearly 25 years, speculation ran wild. People thought the rifles had unique Irish markings or special features. In reality, the only identifying factor was the serial number – and a matching bayonet, if you’re lucky. These rifles weren’t adorned with clovers or Celtic crosses. They were ordinary in appearance but extraordinary in condition and quality.
The Rumor Mill Gets Crushed
Only in the past few years did actual records and first-hand accounts settle the debate. The rifles were delivered to Ireland. And not only were they issued, but some even saw combat. Specifically, a number of these rifles were used by Irish soldiers during the Congo Crisis in 1960, just before the military switched to the FN FAL the following year.
One of JFK’s Final Connections
In 1963, President John F. Kennedy visited Ireland and was reportedly so taken with one of these rifles that he took one home. That same rifle played a role in a unique piece of history – it appeared at JFK’s funeral, fired during the ceremony by Irish troops in Arlington National Cemetery. To this day, that rifle sits on display in Wexford, Ireland, encased in glass.
Storage, Sale, and Sudden Fame
By 1990, the Lee-Enfield was finally retired from service in the Irish Army Reserves, also known as the FCA. These rifles, many still in mint, unissued condition, were sold off in waves. The earliest rifles sold in the early ‘90s showed signs of use. But by the mid- and late-1990s, the rifles hitting the market were pristine. Collectors who opened crates of them often found themselves stunned. They were like time capsules from the 1950s, preserved in cosmoline.
Crates Full of Time Machines
Collectors who got to unbox these rifles speak of the experience almost like a religious moment. Cutting through the waxed wrapping, smelling the decades-old preservatives, and seeing perfectly blued steel and rich wood grain underneath – it was like opening a sealed vault. Everything matched: serial numbers, bayonets, stock fit. Some rifles were so pristine, they had clearly never been fired since leaving the factory.
The Gun That Shoots Like a Dream
What truly sets the Irish Contract rifles apart is their performance. These weren’t just beautiful – they were accurate. Word got around quickly in the gun community: if you want the best Lee-Enfield shooter out there, you needed to get your hands on an Irish Contract Mk2. Collectors who had previously dismissed Enfields as loose or clunky changed their minds after trying one of these. The triggers were tighter, the bolts smoother, and the barrels spot-on.
A Rifle That Feels Alive
It’s easy to understand why someone would buy one of these and never fire it. They’re that pristine. But even if you do shoot them, they’re incredibly satisfying. The No.4 Mk2 is a rifle built with love, precision, and no small amount of post-war pride. In a time when military contracts were no longer guaranteed, factories had to prove themselves, and these rifles were proof.
The Combat Rifle That Turned Collectible
In the end, the Irish Contract rifles started as tools of war and became treasured heirlooms. They were born from a time when the bolt-action rifle was fading, replaced by the faster, semi-automatic battle rifles like the FAL and later the Steyr AUG. But the Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk2 didn’t go out quietly. It left behind a legacy of quality that few surplus rifles can match.
Why the Mystery Matters
What makes the Irish Contract rifle special isn’t just its build – it’s the legend. The years of misinformation, the long debates in forums, the stories that collectors passed around like campfire tales – all of it added to the mystique. And when the facts finally came out, it didn’t ruin the legend. It made the rifle even more interesting. This wasn’t just an old bolt gun – it was a story in steel and wood.
A Rifle Worth Remembering
It’s always fascinating when a rifle’s history almost overshadows its mechanics – but not quite. In the case of the Irish Contract Lee-Enfields, both are equally powerful. These rifles don’t just represent fine craftsmanship; they carry a cross-continental story of politics, warfare, and cultural pride. You’re not just holding a gun -you’re holding a chapter of post-war military history.
Not Just Another Surplus Gun
A lot of military surplus rifles are cool, but not all of them are great. Some are beat up, worn out, and treated like cheap collectibles. The Irish Contract Mk2 is different. It’s a reminder that even in a time when bolt-actions were dying out, someone still cared enough to make something excellent. That alone makes them worth celebrating.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.