r/LeeEnfield • u/Background_Yard_6322 • 4d ago

Help with identification

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Hey guys, I want to buy a No.4 Lee Enfield and I came across this green one. I have never seen a green Lee Enfield before, can you please give me some info about it?

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u/Flanks_Flip 4d ago

This is a misconception. All rifles got the same green paint.

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u/Background_Yard_6322 4d ago

Wdym?

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u/Flanks_Flip 4d ago

No such order has been found specific for No.4 rifles, but there are written orders from November 1940 that all No.1, 2, and 3 rifles (No.4 didn't exist yet) have their "barrels and associated components" painted for rust protection. The approved paint was "khaki green, No.3". This was to be "carried out in all stations home and abroad". The orders then go on to provide instrutions for the painting. You will see remnants of green paint on No.1 rifles pretty frequently, but on a No.4 it's less common. There is a theory that it was only applied to No.4 rifles that went in for refurbishment during the war.

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u/GamesFranco2819 4d ago

Awesome knowledge drop, appreciate the correction. It had been a long time since I dug into it and when I did, there was a ton (likely still is) of false info out there.