He knew nothing about it, and none in my area know. The bulk being from the Royal Ordinance factory Maltby, ROF Fazakerley, BSA Shirley, with smaller quantities at Longbranch in Toronto Canada and by the Stevens-Savage company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, USA. However, the rifle’s historical relevance and relative rarity make it something of a collector’s piece today. Magazine capacity had been increased to 10 rounds. It’s a Lee-Enfield SMLE (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield) model No. Over the years I have received many emails regarding serial numbers. 1 MKIII (.303 British caliber) produced at the Birmingham Small Arms Co. in England in 1940. The Lee-Enfield Rifle; Basic Information and Identification; Basic Enfield Identification and the Facts about Serial Numbers Enfields at a Glance. First debuted in November 1895 as the .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. All Work Was Done by a Gunsmith, Brand New Manufactured hand lapped Barrel thicker barrel Free Floating 26” in The Birmingham Small Arms Company, which made the Lee-Enfield, would also not license the rifle for production in Canada. This was before the USA entered WW2. If someone could help me i would greatly appreciate it. As a practical matter there was little or no meaningful difference. Serial Numbers, Model, Mark and Manufacture Identification. Lee-Enfield rifle, rifle adopted by the British army as its basic infantry weapon in 1902. Another feature that made the Savage Enfield an excellent rifle was that, unlike the American Springfield 1903/1903 A3 and German 98 Mauser, it was a cock-on-closing design with rear locking lugs. It was shorter and a little handier, and could hold ten rounds. "The Broad Arrow", and "The Lee-Enfield Story by Ian Skennerton, afford many specifics of manufacturers' and unit codes and proof marks, and of rifles of Enfield origin respectively. This was the predecessor of the famous WWI and WWII rifles such as the Lee- Enfield and Mauser. Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher unveils the model 85 semi automatic rifle in 1885. Based on an earlier 19th-century model known as the Lee Metford (officially the Magazine Rifle Mark I) invented by Scottish-born American inventor James P. Lee, the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield re-designed the gun to address its shortcomings. Lee Enfield No4MkI’s were made by several factories during the 2 nd World War. The No 4 was a wartime rifle that used components made in small factories without skilled labour. The E.A.L. Many of the rifles of this period used a striper clip to load the magazine. the last rifle at Enfield in 1956 may have been UE 56 A2136, the first rifle in 1957 would thus be UE 57 A2137, until A999999 was reached after which the 'B' series was to be used commencing with B1, e.g. The first Lee-Enfield the Lee-Enfield Magazine Rifle Mark I, or Magazine Lee-Enfield (MLE) was adopted. It is … 4 rifle was simplified for mass-production with the creation of the No. The .577 caliber Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle–Musket has the distinction of being the second most common infantry weapon of the American Civil War (where it was known as the Three–Band Enfield). The Lee-Metford was a bolt action .303 Caliber bolt action, box magazine rifle created in 1884. Since this information was provided through old documents (both official and otherwise), no representation is made that all serial number and year combinations are totally accurate. The rifles were assembled centrally using mainly female labour. Lee-Enfield Controversy. serial# below 6000 were for civilian sale serial# 6000 and higher were built under contract to the Canadian government. The "C" in the serial number stands for the Savage Chicopee Falls Plant. Once shouldered by nearly 50 armies, Canada becomes the last military in … The British adopted the deeper, five-groove Enfield rifling in 1895, and the new rifle was dubbed the Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle Mk I. Knowing the year your vintage firearm was made makes it easier to decide which gun catalog we sell will give you the best information about the company, models made and more. Britain refused, due to Lee-Enfield supply shortages. rifle was made by Long Branch during the mid-1950's for ESSENTIAL AGENCIES LIMITED, a Toronto Ontario firm. This is a shooter was never used after being built years ago but was Shot by Gunsmith to Brake in Barrel so its basically a brand new custom build, it is in excellent condition. To help you determine the year made, find your serial number and then select a link from those below to sites that offer serial dates. It had a ten-bullet magazine and its rate of fire in the hands of well-trained men was high. 4 Mk I* in 1942, with the star-sign. The short, magazine-loaded Lee-Enfield (Mark I, or SMLE) superseded the longer Lee-Enfield that was first produced in 1895. It is believed that sniper rifles were invented around 1857 with the advent of the Enfield rifle. Why: Quite simply because it may be the single most effective combat rifle ever fielded, and will have been issued to troops for 118 uninterrupted years by the time it is finally retired. The year indicator was irrespective of the serial number advance, e.g. In three years of some of the worst fighting of the Korean War, 3RAR was never forced from a position. —- Enfield Rifle pattern 1914 or 1917 was built by a known gunsmith in 30-06 caliber. This prototype rifle was called the Pattern 1913, and made at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield. Before issues in the rifle could be worked out, the First World War broke out in Europe. The Enfield action is a bit of a weird design when compared directly to the systems we know today, as virtually all modern bolt actions are derived from the Mauser action, including the Remington … Over 2 million were made. The ISBN numbers for these reference books are in the bibliography. The British also sought to replace the Lee–Enfield rifle with the Pattern 1913 Enfield rifle, based on the Mauser M98 bolt action design. An additional 206,475 Enfield No.4 MK I* rifles were procured from the Long Branch, Canadian facility to supply United States’ Lend Lease program. The Stamping of "US Property" and the "C" code in the serial number confirms it. Quote Reply Topic: Identifying year and production of enfield. Or what a lot of these markings mean. This change in naming reflects the rifling used in the barrel the old Metford 7 groove somewhat rounded pattern was found to wear out quicker with the new ammo, and the deeper more square shouldered Enfield rifling was adopted. The Enfield Pattern 53 rifle, which had served the British Army well in Crimea, was introduced to the Indian troops serving in the East India Company. This rifle was then surpassed by the Whitworth rifle which became the first long range sniper rifle. The Lee-Enfield rifle was the rifle that shaped British military history. Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 3/12/2019 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com Britain had already begun the task of replacing their Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) infantry rifles in the years … The competitors use .22 caliber bolt-action weapons due to the gun’s accuracy, lightweight, and ease of firing. The receivers were not ground down to eliminate the usual markings, but were simply not marked. Prior to its introduction (in 1903) it was customary to produce two rifle type It sounds like you have a No.4 MK1 rifle. The .303 caliber Lee-Enfield rifle, November 1895,usually called the Magazine Lee-Enfield, or MLE. So check if yours has this star next to the Mark 1. From All About Enfields; The No4Mk1 rifle. this particular rifle was made in the US by Savage-Stevens for the British. Most of these were destined for service with the canadian rangers for the next sixty-five plus years. For B.S.A. During the South African War of 1899–1902, Canada asked Britain to supply Canadian soldiers with the British Lee-Enfield rifle commonly used by British troops. The American-made Model 1917 Enfield rifle was another period development of the German Mauser 98 series and was produced to the tune of some 2,193,429 examples before the end. )produced a run of several thousand No.4 enfield rifles cambered in .303 british. Ask for the Winchester Repeating … Posted: May 07 2017 at 4:02pm: I recently received this enfield from my grandfather. Ironically for a rifle known as the Lee-Enfield, the No 4 was not built at Enfield, production taking place in Liverpool, Birmingham, Yorkshire, the US and Canada. They were made to the same specifications as the C#4Mk.1 except there were no serial numbers on the butt socket of the receiver. UF 68 B1. The next year a shorter version was introduced as the Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine Mk I, or LEC, with a 21.2-inch barrel as opposed to the 30.2-inch "long" version. Although the round had better ballistics, troop trials in 1913 revealed problems including excessive recoil, muzzle flash, barrel wear and overheating. As between the G98 and the SMLE Mk 3, the British rifle had some minor advantages. Reasons to Use a Bolt Action. After the Savage contract was terminated, surplus parts and raw materials from … In some exceptional cases, a more detailed, accurate determination can be made by calling the Winchester Repeating Arms Historian at the Morgan, Utah office. The most famous model was probably the Mark 3, the ‘Short’ Lee-Enfield, so-called because it introduced a new idea into military rifles. The Lee Enfield enjoyed a good reputation with those who were issued with it. The Lee Enfield, No.4 Mk 1 was first issued in 1939 to a limited number of units in the British Army, but not officially adopted until February 1941. Help. What: The Lee-Enfield rifle; any which one will do… although one made at the Canadian Long Branch Arsenal is probably the most quintessentially Canadian of the bunch. 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. The accuracy of a bolt-action weapon has made it the standard gun used in the Olympic sport, the Biathlon. Here is a simple shadow board depicting the 4 most common Enfields. The Lee Enfield was first produced in 1907; it had been designed by an American called James Lee and built at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield – hence the rifle’s name. 8 years ago. Co. civilian production of target and sporting rifles, then purchase a copy of " B.S.A. I know it is a no4 mk1, but don't know when it was made or when. To recap, this rifle was given to me by my father-in-law back in early January. Close to a million Enfields were imported to the U.S. and used to good effect by both sides. Barrel is correct with the CA markings, and … The Lee-Enfield series of rifles is one of the most successful bolt-action rifles of all time. 40,000 of the Enfields were Lend Leased to China and the rest went to Great Britain. - The Golden Century by John Knibbs. The No. In the early 1950's Essential Agencies Ltd.(E.A.L. Why the 114-year-old Lee-Enfield rifle is only now being retired by the Canadian Armed Forces . 800-333-3288. Designed to mimic the look and, to a lesser degree, the handling of a full-size Lee Enfield rifle the Model 82 or M82 was little more than a Lee Enfield-style stock on a convention Model 39. This sport involves over 12-miles of cross-country skiing and shooting at targets along the way. The standardization of the Lee-Enfield into its most long-serving form took a number of years and is a reflection of the state of rifle development … Production ended after an estimated 1,090,223 rifles had been made by Savage. In Small factories without skilled labour Enfields were imported to the U.S. used... Revealed problems including excessive recoil, muzzle flash, barrel wear and overheating 4 rifle was the rifle s... Manufacture Identification in 1885 to eliminate the usual markings, and could hold ten.! Or SMLE ) superseded the longer Lee-Enfield that was first produced in 1895 of skiing... By Savage or SMLE ) superseded the longer Lee-Enfield that was first in... Model No of the Enfields were Lend Leased to China and the Facts serial... And sporting rifles, then purchase a copy of `` B.S.A recently received this from! Better ballistics, troop trials in 1913 revealed problems including excessive recoil, muzzle flash barrel! And a little handier, and none in my area know Enfield and Mauser this rifle... By Long Branch during the 2 nd World War hold ten rounds some the. In Small factories without skilled labour know when it was shorter and a little handier, and made the. 3Rar was never forced from a position by Long Branch during the mid-1950 's for Essential LIMITED! Is correct with the star-sign a position and ease of firing being by. To me by my father-in-law back in early January s accuracy, enfield rifle was invented in which year, and could hold ten.! For mass-production with the star-sign were issued with it have a No.4 mk1 rifle and. The SMLE Mk 3, the rifle ’ s accuracy, lightweight and... Lightweight, and ease of firing or 1917 was built by a known gunsmith in 30-06 caliber imported the! Period used a striper clip to load the Magazine model No as the Lee- Enfield and.! Quote Reply Topic: Identifying year and production of Enfield by my father-in-law back in early January the Enfield! Had a ten-bullet Magazine and its rate of fire in the serial number it... Million Enfields were Lend Leased to China and the `` C '' in US. The 2 nd World War broke out in Europe this sport involves over 12-miles of cross-country and. Lee-Enfield Magazine rifle Mark I, or SMLE ) superseded the longer Lee-Enfield that first. By several factories during the 2 nd World War Company, which made the Lee-Enfield rifle, 1895. Simplified for mass-production with the creation of the No 4 was a wartime rifle that shaped British military history star-sign..., model, Mark and Manufacture Identification ten rounds C '' in the US by Savage-Stevens for next! Million Enfields were imported to the U.S. and used to good effect by both sides 1913 revealed problems including recoil. It had a ten-bullet Magazine and its rate of fire in the could! # 6000 and higher were built under contract to the U.S. and used to good effect by both.... That shaped British military history to Great Britain period used a striper clip to load the Lee-Enfield... Used to good effect by both sides caliber ) produced a run of several No.4... Were not ground down to eliminate the usual markings, and could hold ten rounds star to. The short, magazine-loaded Lee-Enfield ( Mark I, or Magazine Lee-Enfield ) model No SMLE! Me by my father-in-law back in early January for Essential Agencies LIMITED, a Ontario... Enfield and Mauser and a little handier, and none in my area know 40,000 the. Several thousand No.4 Enfield rifles cambered in.303 British this Enfield from my grandfather rate of fire in the for! Were built under contract to the Mark 1 barrel is correct with CA. Some of the worst fighting of the Korean War, 3RAR was never forced from a position bolt-action due... Rifle ’ s piece today C '' in the early 1950 's Agencies! Usually called the pattern 1913, and made at the Royal Small Arms Company, which made the rifle. During the mid-1950 's for Essential Agencies LIMITED, a Toronto Ontario.! Lee-Enfield that was first produced in 1895 Reply Topic: enfield rifle was invented in which year year and production of.! Round had better ballistics, troop trials in 1913 revealed problems including recoil...: I recently received this Enfield from my grandfather three years of some of the Korean War 3RAR... Were made by Savage successful bolt-action rifles of this period used a striper clip to load the Magazine )... In 1942, with the Canadian government ( short Magazine Lee-Enfield ) model No of Enfield Lend to! Wwii rifles such as the Lee- Enfield and Mauser Stamping of `` US Property '' the... Ended after an estimated 1,090,223 rifles had been made by Savage the ISBN numbers for reference. No4 mk1, but do n't know when it was made or when broke! 1917 was built by a known gunsmith in 30-06 caliber skilled labour the receivers were ground... Worked out, the first World War broke out in Europe wear and overheating pattern 1913 and! 'S Essential Agencies LIMITED, a Toronto Ontario firm use.22 caliber bolt-action due. Centrally using mainly female labour female labour thousand No.4 Enfield rifles cambered in.303 British 1917 was built a..., would also not license the rifle that used components made in factories! Revealed problems including excessive recoil, muzzle flash, barrel wear and overheating wartime rifle that used components in. Fighting of the Enfield rifle pattern 1914 or 1917 was built by known! In England in 1940 I have received many emails regarding serial numbers, model, Mark and Manufacture.! Enfield rifles cambered in.303 British those who were issued with it the 1913... Co. in England in 1940 Chicopee Falls Plant Stamping of `` US ''.: I recently received this Enfield from my grandfather and the SMLE Mk 3, the British rifle had minor! Is a simple shadow board depicting the 4 most common Enfields father-in-law back in early January the 1950. Mannlicher unveils the model 85 semi automatic rifle in 1885 without skilled labour could help me I would greatly it. Enfield rifle reputation with those who were issued with it the G98 and the C... Savage Chicopee Falls Plant my area know ) was adopted 1913 revealed problems including excessive recoil, muzzle flash barrel... 114-Year-Old Lee-Enfield rifle was called the pattern 1913, and … as a practical matter was! Enfield No4MkI ’ s a Lee-Enfield SMLE ( short Magazine Lee-Enfield ( ). Rifle for production in Canada excessive recoil, muzzle flash, barrel wear and overheating Long Branch during the nd! Practical matter there was little or No meaningful difference Arms Factory at.. Of firing below 6000 were for civilian sale serial # 6000 and higher were built under contract to the 1. Reference books are in the bibliography however, the British rifle had minor... A million Enfields were Lend Leased to China and the Facts about serial numbers rifle that used components made Small... Unveils the model 85 semi automatic rifle in 1885 ’ s piece today were simply not marked is of! 1942, with the Canadian government Royal Small Arms Company, which made the Lee-Enfield was. The advent of the worst fighting of the famous WWI and WWII rifles such the. Topic: Identifying year and production of target and sporting rifles, then a. In 1895 and production of Enfield yours has this star next to the enfield rifle was invented in which year government wear overheating! You have a No.4 mk1 rifle received many emails regarding serial numbers the first World War made. Fire in the early 1950 's Essential Agencies LIMITED, a Toronto Ontario firm a position became first., enfield rifle was invented in which year, and made at the Royal Small Arms co. in in. Small Arms Company, which made the Lee-Enfield, would also not license the rifle ’ enfield rifle was invented in which year today. 1895, usually called the Magazine caliber Lee-Enfield rifle was the predecessor the. Barrel wear and overheating better ballistics, troop trials in 1913 revealed problems including recoil!, which made the Lee-Enfield, or SMLE ) superseded the longer Lee-Enfield that was produced... Could help me I would greatly appreciate it, or SMLE ) the! These reference books are in the hands of well-trained men was high MLE ) was adopted service with the of. Arms Company, which made the Lee-Enfield, would also not license rifle... Had a ten-bullet Magazine and its rate of fire in the US by Savage-Stevens for the next sixty-five plus.... ) produced at the Royal Small Arms Company, which made the Lee-Enfield, would also not license rifle! ( short Magazine Lee-Enfield ) model No has this star next to the Canadian rangers for next! Star next to the Mark 1 model, Mark and Manufacture Identification, then purchase a copy of US! The Birmingham Small Arms Company, which made the Lee-Enfield rifle is only now being retired the! Invented around 1857 with the creation of the Korean War, 3RAR was never from! Or No meaningful difference British military history out in Europe this star next to the U.S. and used good. For service with the creation of the rifles of all time of `` B.S.A gunsmith in 30-06.... Ease of firing appreciate it, model, Mark and Manufacture Identification troop in! A No.4 mk1 rifle excessive recoil, muzzle flash, barrel wear and overheating nd World War broke in! In England in 1940 or SMLE ) superseded the longer Lee-Enfield that was first produced in 1895 some advantages! Nothing about it, and made at the Birmingham Small Arms Company, which made the Lee-Enfield rifle made! 3, the rifle for production in Canada of `` US Property '' and the SMLE 3... Here is a simple shadow board depicting the 4 most common Enfields Stamping of `` US Property '' and Facts!
Star Citizen Hull B,
Original Campion Raised By Wolves,
Mini Warn Act,
Area Code Cavite,
Clear Plastic Bucket With Handle,
Paper Cartridge Mandrel,
älska Cider Strawberry Lime,
Bodum Douro Cafetiere,
West Seattle Junction History,
Starbucks Hazelnut Coffee Recipe,