The SMLE Mk III rifle excelled in its role though wartime demands forced a revision of the system. Lee-Enfield rifles were the standard infantry rifle of the British in World War 1. This model became the standard for previous Lee-Enfield offerings including the MLM, MLE and SMLE rifle lines. The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk III (SMLE Mk III) appeared three years later on January 26th, firing the new Mk VII High Velocity Spitzer. It was essentially a revised version of the MLE rifle though designed to a much lighter operating weight and a shorter barrel o f 640mm length. The Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk I (SMLE) appeared on January 1st, 1904. It is estimated that some 17 million rifles of this type have been produced in all its various marks. The rifle has been produced by a variety of manufacturers around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia and India. 303 calibre, Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Enfield, the rifle has still found use today in military, sporting and ceremonial roles - over one hundred years since its inception in its original form. The Lee-Enfield series of rifles is one of the most successful bolt-action rifles of all time.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |