Lithgow Lee Enfield Rifle

Lee Enfield Historical Overview

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The Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield (S.M.L.E) was introduced in 1903 as an improvement over the Long Lee Enfield, which in turn had had replaced the Lee Metford (Enfield and Metford describe the rifling used in the barrel, while Lee describes the action). Problems had been encountered with the Long Lee Enfield during the Boer war. Simply put, the Enfield was outclassed by the Mauser rifles employed by the Boers. The Mauser was more accurate, and could be reloaded using a "clip" (A series of bullets stacked together allowing the entire group to be pushed into the rifles magazine in one go). The solution to the shortcomings of the Lee Enfield was the development of the Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield. Shorter than the Long Lee Enfield, the SMLE immediately faced harsh criticism, it was too short for the infantry, and too long for the cavalry. The design featured a removable 10 round magazine (the magazine was designed to be removed merely to facilitate cleaning, and were never meant as a means of reloading) which was a significantly higher capacity that other infantry rifles of the time. Several versions of the rifle were produced, and the Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield served as the personal weapon for British and Commonwealth infantry for over 60 years. Millions were in dozens of countries, and they can still be had for $100 or so in reasonable condition. Nomenclature: Manufacturer: Calibre: Length: Weight: Magazine Capacity: Effective Range: S.M.L.E., Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield (Number 1, Mark III) Lithgow (Australia) .303 British 44.5 Inches 9 Lbs 10 Rounds, Removable Magazine 550 Yards

Lithgow Lee Enfield Pictures

A picture of the entire rifle, the big selling point for me was that this rifle was "full-furniture", that is that it had not been "sporterized" (A process by which the military wood lining the barrel is removed or cut back so the rifle looks more like a sporting / civilian rifle than a military one).

A close-up of the bolt, trigger group and magazine. This picture shows the solid finish of both the metal and the furniture.

Same as above, only with the bolt open.

A picture of the handguard, bayonet lug and muzzle. Apologies for the picture quality, lighting is always a problem.

Picture of the Butt Stock, the acceptance and arsenal markings are only just visible, but are really part of the history of this rifle.