In good condition, shipping and insurance by purchaser valid pal verification required. [13] Lee–Enfield rifles are used by reserve forces and police forces in many Commonwealth countries, including Malawi. Most bolts were copper plated for identification. Rifles so marked were assembled using parts from various other manufacturers, as part of a scheme during the First World War to boost rifle production in the UK. ITAR. 2s Modified to Mk. 4 rifles to 7.62×51mm NATO as part of a programme to retain the Lee–Enfield as a reserve weapon. [31], The SMLE Mk III* (renamed Rifle No.1 Mk III* in 1926) saw extensive service throughout the Second World War, especially in the North African, Italian, Pacific and Burmese theatres in the hands of British and Commonwealth forces. Despite this, the British learned from the results of the L8 test program and used them in successfully converting their stocks of No. Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III rifle was fast to operate and up to the wretched conditions of the trenches. James Purdey and Sons fitted special buttstocks later in the war. Many Mk. The L59A1 was a conversion of the No4 Rifle (all Marks) to a Drill Purpose Rifle that was incapable of being restored to a firing configuration. Muzzle energy was 1640 fp. Ishapore 2A and Ishapore 2A1 receivers are made with improved (EN) steel (to handle the increased pressures of the 7.62×51mm round)[82] and the extractor is redesigned to suit the rimless cartridge. These unusual rifles have something of a mysterious service history, but represent a missing link in SMLE development. 4 Mk 2 rifle, the British refurbished many of their No. We specialize in all military surplus weapons from AK-47s, AR-15s, Mausers, CETME, Enfields, UZIs, and much more! Original sight as used from meters and very accurate. [9], The Lee–Enfield rifle was introduced in November 1895 as the .303 calibre, Rifle, Magazine, Lee–Enfield,[9] or more commonly Magazine Lee–Enfield, or MLE (sometimes spoken as "emily" instead of M, L, E). The main difference between the two was in the rifling, which was a new type of rifling done exclusively at the factory in Enfield. Generally inferior workmanship, including weak/soft metal, poorly finished wood, and badly struck markings. These rifles were designated as the No. [61] They were generally single-shot affairs, originally using Morris tubes chambered for cheap .22L cartridge and some larger types, circa 1907. I rifles at RSAF Enfield and a few others including Stevens-Savage No. The Ekins Automatic Rifle was one of the numerous attempts to convert a Lee–Enfield SMLE to an automatic rifle. 37 – The Deadly .303 British", "Rhineland .45 ACP Carbine: fun conversions for surplus Enfields and Mausers", "Lee-Enfield (Series) Bolt-Action, Magazine-Fed, Repeating Service Rifle - United Kingdom", "Lee Enfield cavalry .303 in Mk I magazine carbine, 1896 - Online Collection - National Army Museum, London", "Guns of the Tatmadaw: Burmese/Myanmar Small Arms Development", "Afghan War Rugs: A Sub-group with Iranian Influence", "Les Ailes françaises au Tchad : Retournons le sablier…", "Ethiopian military rifle cartridges: Part 2: from Mauser to Kalashnikov", "Small arms of the Deutscher Volkssturm part I", "The military rifle cartridges of Ghana from Ashanti to AR", "Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia", "The military situation in the Baltic States", "The military rifle cartridges of Burma/Myanmar", "France at War – Portugal in the Great War", "War Continued... Vietnam Veterans in the Rhodesian Bush War", "Weapons of the 107th: Lee–Enfield Mk.III", "Doughboy's Rifle: (It wasn't necessarily a Springfield)", "Living with Weapons: Small Arms in Yemen", "Yugoslav Part II: World War II small arms: an assortment of small arms from friends and foe alike", https://www.calibreobscura.com/covert-operations-the-arms-of-isis-insurgents-in-syria-2019/, UK-NRA – Historic Arms Resource Centre – Enfield and Lee–Enfield Training Rifles Reference Pages, SMLE No.1 Mk III* & Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I, Starstreak SAM (shoulder launched or 3-shot multiple launcher), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lee–Enfield&oldid=1005887614, Victorian-era weapons of the United Kingdom, World War II infantry weapons of the United Kingdom, Articles with dead external links from February 2012, Articles lacking reliable references from September 2018, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2020, Articles needing additional references from January 2018, All articles needing additional references, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2018, Articles needing additional references from January 2017, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2012, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2018, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2010, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 10-round magazine, loaded with 5-round charger clips, Sliding ramp rear sights, fixed-post front sights, "dial" long-range volley; telescopic sights on sniper models. Like the No. These were similar to the No. No Reserve. However, the Lee–Enfield was mainly replaced in main-line service in the Pakistani Police in the mid-1980s by the AK 47, in response to increasing proliferation of the Kalashnikov in the black market and civilian use. [65][66], In Britain, a .22RF version of the No.5 Rifle was prototyped by BSA and trialled with a view to it becoming the British Service training rifle when the .303"CF No.5 was initially mooted as being a potential replacement for the No.4 Rifle. [100] Lee–Enfield rifles have also been seen in the hands of both the Naxalites and the Indian police in the ongoing Maoist insurgency in rural India. In the late 1960s, RSAF Enfield entered the commercial market by producing No.4-based 7.62×51mm rifles for sale. Lee Enfield Number 4 Mk2 .303 1953. I* (T) sniper rifles. 4 rifles, except for the new barrel (which still retained the original No.4 rifle bayonet lugs) and magazine. 5 rifles served in Korean War (as did the No.1 Mk III* SMLE and sniper 'T' variants, mostly with Australian troops). From 1965 to 1975 (when production is believed to have been discontinued), the sight ranging graduations were changed from 2000 to 800, and the rifle re-designated Rifle 7.62 mm 2A1. It fires quickly and accurately (relatively speaking), and overall it is a rifle you can rely on. [91], A number of British Service Rifles, predominantly the Martini–Henry and Martini–Enfield, but also the various Lee–Enfield rifles, have been produced by small manufacturers in the Khyber Pass region of the Pakistani/Afghan border. [39] Unlike the SMLE, that had a nose cap, the No 4 Lee–Enfield barrel protruded from the end of the forestock. Therefore, if you are going to select a Lee-Enfield in 303 British as your survival rifle in the United States, you will need to stock up on ammunition in advance. • Brief history of the Lee Enfield • Points to teach 1 – parts of the rifle • Points to teach 2 – safety procedures Brief history The .303” Lee Enfield rifle was the issued rifle of the British and Commonwealth armed forces during the First and Second World Wars. Truth be known about Enfield serial numbers is simply, the serial number was used more for production counting than any other reason. Indian police officers carrying SMLE Mk III* and Ishapore 2A1 rifles were a familiar sight throughout railway stations in India after Mumbai train bombings of 2006 and the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. II in 1943 which offered side adjustments in finer 1 MOA increments, and finally the Mk. IV rifles are externally identical to a .303 calibre SMLE Mk III* rifle, the only difference being the .22 calibre barrel, empty magazine case, bolthead and extractor which have been modified to fire .22 calibre rimfire cartridges. £950.00. For official references, usually the finished and issued rifle was tracked by its rack number and of course these records have long since been destroyed or lost forever. High(Bid) Time(Left) 17129961. This model was replaced by the Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) which was a compromise in length between a long rifle and carbine. Australia and India retained and manufactured the SMLE Mk III* as their standard rifle during the conflict, and the rifle remained in Australian military service through the Korean War, until it was replaced by the L1A1 SLR in the late 1950s. The results of the trials that were conducted on the L8 series rifles were mixed and the British Government and the Ministry of Defence decided not to convert their existing stocks of Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk IV, sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFWilson2007 (, sfn error: multiple targets (2×): CITEREFSkennerton2001 (, Modern Warfare, Published by Mark Dartford, Marshall Cavendish (London) 1985. The L59A1 arose from British government concerns over the vulnerability of Army Cadet Force and school Combined Cadet Forces' (CCF) stocks of small arms to theft by terrorists, in particular the Irish Republican Army following raids on CCF armouries in the 1950s and 1960s. Initially, rifles were converted from obsolete Magazine Lee–Metford and Magazine Lee–Enfield rifles[57][58] but from the First World War onwards SMLE rifles were used instead. Clear (Enfield Wikipedia Page) (.303 British … 32 Mk. Magazine Lee-Enfield, MLE, held two columns of 5 cartridges each. In British service, the No. Only SMLE Mk III* rifles are known to have been assembled under this program. [29], The inability of the principal manufacturers (RSAF Enfield, The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited and London Small Arms Co. Ltd) to meet military production demands led to the development of the "peddled scheme", which contracted out the production of whole rifles and rifle components to several shell companies. 4 Mk I/2, while No. 4 Mk I/3. Both were located at Long Branch, Ontario. III, largely due to its heavier barrel. Rather, they are newly manufactured firearms and are not technically chambered for commercial .308 Winchester ammunition. This is one reason the bolt closure feels smooth. The lightweight tip material filled almost the entire ogive of the FMJ bullet in order to enhance instability on impact. The well-known Lee-Enfield rifle began its service with the British Army in 1895 and ran into some 27 different models before being replaced by a self-loader in 1957. Lee-Enfield 303 … The Lee–Enfield rifle is a popular gun for historic rifle enthusiasts and those who find the 10-round magazine, loading by charger clips, and the rapid bolt-action useful for Practical Rifle events. III* rifles by adding a heavy target barrel, cheek-piece, and a World War I era Pattern 1918 telescope, creating the SMLE No. [45] With a cut-down stock, a prominent flash hider, and a "lightening-cut" receiver machined to remove all unnecessary metal, reduced barrel length of 18.8 in (478 mm) the No. The Lee-Enfield had its origins in the late 19th century, when repeating rifles firing full-powered cartridges were coming to the fore. [68] Production of this model was 1944–1946 and a few in 1950 to 1953.[69]. (The Pattern 1914 became the Rifle No. I (T) sniper rifles in 1941–1942 at RSAF Enfield. A further likely consideration was the difficulty of obtaining replacement ammunition in the event of the rifle's theft or the carrier's desertion. The No. [51], During the Second World War, standard No. 4 rifles, selected for their accuracy during factory tests, were modified by the addition of a wooden cheek rising-piece, and telescopic sight mounts designed to accept a No. By shifting the center of gravity to the rear, the projectile was more inclined to (but did not always) tumble on impact while still keeping within the definitions of the Hague convention. The resulting weapon, designed by Godfray de Lisle, was effectively an SMLE Mk III* receiver redesigned to take a .45 ACP cartridge and associated magazine, with a barrel from a Thompson submachine gun and an integrated suppressor. Lee Enfield rifles are used by the Jamaica Constabulary force for training recruits during field-craft exercises and drills. [11] Although officially replaced in the UK with the L1A1 SLR in 1957, it remained in widespread British service until the early/mid-1960s and the 7.62 mm L42A1 sniper variant remained in service until the 1990s. Bids. 1 Mk III or III*, with the original MLE and LEC becoming obsolete along with the earlier SMLE models. By far the Lee-Enfield No.4 in varied marks has killed more moose, deer and probably black bear than any other caliber rifle - probably all other calibers put together. Work on a long-range replacement cartridge began in 1910 and resulted in the .276 Enfield in 1912. Canada converted about 1,588 rifles at Small Arms Limited (to the end of 1945) and, in 1946, at Canadian Arsenals Limited. The Lee–Speed Sporter was a higher quality British made version of the Lee–Enfield. Roughly 1,400 of these were converted to No. Conversion of rifles to smoothbored guns was carried out in several locations, at various times, for varying reasons. 4 Mk IV was designed with the modern shooter in mind, and has the ability to mount a telescopic sight without drilling and tapping the receiver. It was unsuitable for general issue and production ceased in 1947, due to an "inherent fault in the design", often claimed to be a "wandering zero" and accuracy problems.[46]. The Lee-Enfield Ballistics In 1892, the .303 British cartridge was loaded with 70 grains ofblack powder and had a 215 grain round nose bullet with a muzzlevelocity of 1850 fps. 32 Mk. The stock and fore end was marked with broad white painted bands and the letters "DP" for easy identification. [14] Total production of all Lee–Enfields is estimated at over 17 million rifles.[7]. 32 telescope sight to the left side of the receiver. III (Mk. These design features facilitate rapid cycling and fire compared to other bolt-action designs like the Mauser. The action features helical locking surfaces (the technical term is interrupted threading). [16] Some straight-pull bolt-action rifles were thought faster, but lacked the simplicity, reliability, and generous magazine capacity of the Lee–Enfield. $19.16. 5 was shorter and 2 lb (0.9 kg) lighter. The rifles were manufactured by parts outsourcing and were assembled and finished in Australia, chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO and fed from modified M14 magazines. 1 Mk V rifles were manufactured solely by R.S.A.F. [70] Commercial gunsmiths in Australia and Britain converted both MkIII and No4 rifles to .410 shotguns. 4 Mk 2. Complete Smle Enfield No1 Mklll Mk3 Bolt 303 Brit Wwl Wwll British. The Mk VII projectile regardless of where it was manufactured utilized a jacket made from either cupronickel or copper, a lead core and an aluminum or fiber tip. [44] The No. In 1904 the Short, Magazine Lee Enfield Mark I (SMLE Mk I) was introduced with a standard barrel length of 25.2” to be used by all soldiers. The Lee-Enfield and .303 British cartridge served Commonwealth forces up until 1954, being officially replaced by the Belgian FAL rifle and variants in the 7.62 NATO caliber. 4 variant, a "battle sight" was developed that allowed for two set distances of 300 yards and 600 yards to be quickly deployed and was cheaper to produce than the "ladder sight". RFI, in India, converted a large number of MkIII rifles to single shot muskets, chambered for the .410 Indian Musket cartridge. These early Lee Carbines were used extensively in the Boer War and elsewhere in the Empire and also in WWI. A plug was welded in place forward of the chamber, and a window was cut in the side of the barrel. 4 Mk 1 rifles were re-named No. IV[60] from 1921 onwards. 10 Each British Lee Enfield Smle 303 Stripper Clips With Pouch Oiler. 2 Mk. 1 Mk. The No. 2, of varying marks. [98], Khyber Pass Copies patterned after the Lee–Enfield are still manufactured in the Khyber Pass region, as bolt-action rifles remain effective weapons in desert and mountain environments where long-range accuracy is more important than rate of fire. A skilled soldier could fire the 8.8 lb rifle's deadly 174 grain bullet at from 20 to 30 aimed rounds per minute, making British Commonwealth infantry as effective as any in the Korean War. The Lee–Enfield is a bolt-action, magazine-fed repeating rifle that served as the main firearm used by the military forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth during the first half of the 20th century. [32] The Lithgow Small Arms Factory finally ceased production of the SMLE Mk III* in 1953.[26]. The model 2|A1 changed the rear sight to 800 m, and was manufactured until at least the 1980s; a sporting rifle based on the Mk III* action remained in production. .303 British Rifles (9 Products) Filter By . In total, over 16 million Lee–Enfields had been produced in several factories on different continents when production in Britain shut down in 1956, at the Royal Ordnance Factory ROF Fazakerley in Liverpool after that factory had been plagued with industrial unrest. Enfield 303 Mount All steel, no gunsmith scope mount for British Lee Enfield .303 No4 Mk1, 2 and No 5 Mk1, also known as Jungle Carbine Unlike other poorly made aluminum mounts that are held by only 2 small set screws, this steel mount is held by a strong steel wedge. Millions of these rifles were built during [45] The No. 303 British Snap Caps in Enfield Stripper Clip .303 Brit Mk.VII WWI WWII. The British military switched over to the 7.62×51mm NATO round in the 1950s; starting in 1970, over 1,000 of the No. The marking is faded and I'm unable to read it accurately. 303 British Snap Caps in Enfield Stripper Clip .303 Brit Mk.VII WWI WWII. Very Rare Lee-Enfield .303 British Cavalry Carbine. Attempts were made to find a cooler-burning propellant, but trials were halted in 1914 by the onset of the First World War. 4 marks, in the hope of increasing sales of a rifle that had little U.S. market penetration. Development. Several First World War accounts tell of British troops repelling German attackers who subsequently reported that they had encountered machine guns, when in fact it was simply a group of well-trained riflemen armed with SMLE Mk III rifles. In Canada the .303" and .22" models are being phased out [2016]. Here at Sarco Inc. we are proud to offer a wide range of original Lee Enfield parts so you can keep your rifle operating for years to come. [95] Enfields continue to be used as drill weapons by the National Ceremonial Guard of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as well as the Australian Defence Force Cadets. While British and Australian conversions were to the standard commercially available .410 shotgun cartridge (though of varying chamber lengths) the Indian conversions have been the source of considerable confusion. 3. The PC Gallery Rifle is a carbine in pistol and revolver calibres, the AL42 a 5.56 mm rifle and the AL30C, a carbine in .30 Carbine. 32 and its bracket (mount) were matched and serial numbered to a specific rifle.[53]. 7 Mk. The next year, a shorter version was introduced as the Lee–Enfield Cavalry Carbine Mk I, or LEC, with a 21.2-inch (540 mm) barrel as opposed to the 30.2-inch (770 mm) one in the "long" version.