This rifle passed some improvements during the following pre-WW1 years, finalizing in the 1907 as a SMLE Mk.III. This “one size fits all” rifle was called “.303 caliber, Rifle, Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield, Mark 1”, or, in short SMLE Mk.I, where “short” referred to the length of the rifle. The Brits decided to replace this variety of sizes with one, “intermediate” size, that will fit all niches. The common thinking of the period was to issue the long rifle for infantry and the carbine for cavalry, artillery and other such troops. The main improvements was the introduction of the “universal” rifle idea. In 1903, they introduced a new design, which improved over the older Lee-Metfords and Lee-Enfields in some important respects. And, unlike some other Empires, Brits were quick lo learn. Early Lee-Enfield rifles, officially known as a “.303 caliber, Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Enfield”, were carried by the British army through the Boer war (South Africa) of 1899-1902, and Boers, armed with their Mausers, taught to the Brits some hard lessons. Introduction of the smokeless powders in the form of the Cordite showed that the Metford rifling was very short-living, so it was soon replaced with Enfield rifling, with 5 traditional land and grooves and left hand pitch. Originally known as Lee-Metford, this design was adopted by British army in 1888 and used a Metford pattern rifling with shallow groves, intended to be used with ammunition loaded with black powder. Lee, and the new pattern of barrel rifling, designed at the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) at Enfield.
#Pattern 14 enfield sling series
The Lee-Enfield series of rifles was born in 1895 as a marriage between the magazine and bolt action, designed by the J. 303 British cartridge with Mk.VII bullet in charger clip and alone. “Volley” rear sight in folded-down position. Magazine cut-off on the early SMLE rifle. Safety switch on the SMLE Mk.III* (note the absence of the “volley” rear sight) image by Alan Blank. At right – the diopter rear “volley” sight, mounted alongside the safety on the receiver) left image by Alan Blank. Pre-1916 Lee-Enfield volley sight (at left the “volley” front sight, mounted on the left side of the stock, just ahead of the traditional rear sight. SMLE No.4 Mk.1(T) – sniper version with scope, mount and cheek rest on buttstock (shown with magazine removed). III* (latter known as SMLE No.1 Mk.3) this one was made in 1919. Same rifle, other side (volley sights also omitted). III*, made in 1916 (cutoff already omitted from design).
Image by Kristopher Gasior of the SMLE mk. Note the dust cover on the bolt, magazine cut-off and lack of the rear receiver bridge with its charger clip guides. Lee-Enfield Mk.1 rifle – the original “Long” Lee-Enfield, made in 1900.
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