No4Mk2

The "Irish Contract" rifles were built as part of an order from the Republic of Ireland, but was never delivered for various reasons. They were mostly unissued. Most of these rifles arrived in North America still "in the wrap", and included a matching bayonet and scabbard. They are still available "in the wrap" at ridiculous prices.
"GI's" is an American term used by and for their soldiers. "GI" was never used by British and Commonwealth armies.
 
Six Star said:
The "Irish Contract" rifles were built as part of an order from the Republic of Ireland, but was never delivered for various reasons. They were mostly unissued. Most of these rifles arrived in North America still "in the wrap", and included a matching bayonet and scabbard. They are still available "in the wrap" at ridiculous prices.
"GI's" is an American term used by and for their soldiers. "GI" was never used by British and Commonwealth armies.
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Thanks again,

my rifle was used.
Barrel is fine, but stock was scratched.
I would love to buy one "in the wrap",
do you have an idea where can I find one?

Thanks
 
They come up on internet auction sites and gunshows from time to time. Best bet would be to advertise for one. Be prepared to pay a hefty price, though.
don't worry too much about the scratches on the wood on your No4Mk2...that's just "character". ;)
 
I, too, have an "Irish Contract" No.4 Mk.2. Mine is dated 1/54 and the serial number starts at 31###X as well. I enjoy shooting this rifle and plan to use it for my first time out deer hunting this coming season. I can tell anyone interested that it's definitely accurate. Mine also came with a matching (same serial number on the rifle and bayonet) No.9 bayonet. My recommendation to anyone who wants one of these rifles is to make the effort to find and purchase one. Sorry, mine's not for sale.
 
The Irish are a small country neighbouring a much much bigger UK. When they got their independance, their weapons vaults had all sorts of mixed makes and models. They standardized on the No.1 and then after WWII on the No.4, and within a few years on the FN FAL. As has been mentioned their contract was overridden by events almost as soon as the rifles were delivered. As for cancelled deliveries, there is the theory that the UK stopped shipment. More thoughtful research suggests that the Irish bought more rifles than they would need. Something like 50,000 when they only needed, say, 10,000. The balance were for their reserves, and were never unwrapped. As for storage location, they may have stayed in UK as a matter of convenience due to insufficient storage space or conditions on the island. That part is not quite clear.
 
Oh by the way, that forester no go gage is NOT the same one used by the Government. The government no go is .074 while the forester gage has a tighter tolerance. You could fail a rifle that was serviceable by government standards.
 
It is not a good idea to "restore" your rifle in any way, other than cleaning it. If the stock is ratty, a rub down with BLO would be ok, but don't do any more.

I have a rifle similar to yours and it shoots very, very well. It is my only #4 that can take advantage of ammo loaded with the Sierra match bullet. About 2" at 100 yards.

If you want to hunt with it, the big peep (sight folded down) would be perfect, but you may find that the rifle shoots too high. See if you can get a taller front sight than the one now installed so it is closer to a 100 yard zero. (Keep the old sight.)
 
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