R.I.C. Irish Lee-Enfield LEC Mk. 1 Carbine Bolt Action Rifle In .303 Brit

SOLD FOR: $2,075.00

WOA#: WY240725TK002

Make: Enfield, England. Converted By The Royal Irish Constabulary.

Model: Lee-Enfield Mk. I Carbine

Serial Number: 2804A (#12804)

Year of Manufacture: 1903 to 1904

Caliber: .303 British

Action Type: Bolt action, detachable 5 round magazine

Markings: The right side of the receiver is marked, “2804A”. The left side of the receiver has a Birmingham Nitro Proof. The stock collar is marked, “ENGLAND L.E.C. I”. (L.E.C. Stands for Lee-Enfield Carbine). The top of the barrel is marked, “E / 2804” with pressure test and cartridge proofs. The rear sight is marked, “2804” The stock disk is marked 4.04 / R.I.C. / 2320”.

Barrel Length: 20 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post on a raised base. The rear sight is a flip up V-notch ladder sight marked out to 20.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & sling loop, stock collar, straight wrist w/ a hand stop, straight comb w/ a sling loop in the belly, stock disk, and a brass buttplate. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There is a repair near the wrist and by the forend cap. There is a crack under the forend but there are no chips. The stock has been refinished. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 5 round detachable magazine in Good Condition.

Type of Finish: Oil Dipped Finish

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is defined. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10.

Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the leading edges. Much of the finish has turned to patina. The magazine has light wear. The screw heads show light to moderate use. The markings are worn and blurry. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one 5 round magazine.

Our Assessment: The R.I.C. (Royal Irish Constabulary) Irish Lee-Enfield LEC Mk. 1 Carbine is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .303 British, designed as a compact, lightweight firearm for British colonial forces, including the RIC, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The LEC, or “Lee-Enfield Carbine,” was a variation of the standard Lee-Enfield rifle, specifically tailored for mounted units, police forces, and other personnel who required a shorter and more maneuverable weapon compared to the full-length infantry rifle. Chambered in smokeless .303 British, the Lee-Enfield LEC Mk. 1 Carbine offered substantial firepower in a smaller package. The .303 British cartridge was well-regarded for its power and range, having become the standard British military round after the adoption of smokeless powder. This allowed the carbine to maintain effective stopping power and accuracy at moderate ranges, making it suitable for the operational needs of mounted police and cavalry units who might engage in closer quarters but still required a reliable long-range weapon when necessary. One of the key features of the LEC Mk. 1 Carbine was its shorter barrel and overall length, which made it easier to handle and carry, especially for mounted officers in the Royal Irish Constabulary. The carbine retained the essential bolt-action mechanism and magazine-fed design of the full-length Lee-Enfield rifles but featured a reduced magazine capacity, typically holding six rounds instead of ten. The bolt-action was known for its smooth operation, allowing for relatively rapid fire compared to other bolt-action rifles of the era. The R.I.C. Lee-Enfield LEC Mk. 1 Carbine is notable for its use during a period of significant social and political unrest in Ireland. The Royal Irish Constabulary was tasked with maintaining order in Ireland under British rule, and their use of this carbine reflects the need for a reliable, quick-handling weapon suitable for both law enforcement and military-style engagements. The LEC Mk. 1 Carbine saw use in the years leading up to and during events such as the Irish War of Independence, making it a firearm of historical significance.

Overall, the R.I.C. Irish Lee-Enfield LEC Mk. 1 Carbine in .303 British was a practical, compact version of the standard Lee-Enfield rifle, designed for mounted and police forces. Its shorter length, lighter weight, and reliable action made it a favored weapon for colonial forces like the RIC, especially during times of civil unrest. The carbine represents an important chapter in the evolution of British military and law enforcement firearms, combining the power of the .303 British round with the mobility required for mounted operations. This rifle is in fantastic condition for its age as the bore is in good shape and the metal in in Fine condition. The stock has been refinished, but is still in its original configuration. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.

R.I.C. Irish Lee-Enfield LEC Mk. 1 Carbine Bolt Action Rifle In .303 Brit
R.I.C. Irish Lee-Enfield LEC Mk. 1 Carbine Bolt Action Rifle In .303 Brit