Lee-Enfield cal. 303 rifles
Variations of the Lee-Enfield rifle were used by British forces from the 1890's through both World Wars and into the 1950's. Pictured here is a new acquisition--a No. 5 Mk. I "Jungle Carbine" made in 1945.
SMLE No1 MkIII*
The No1 MkIII* is in the process of a complete cleaning and resotration. I don't have any complete "before" pictures, but I will post "after" pictures when I'm done. For now, here are three "in process" photos. This is an Enfield-manufactured rifle from 1917.
Here she is just about ready for reassembly!
SMLE No5 MkI "Jungle Carbine"
The Jungle Carbine was made in response to complaints that the standard No4 service rifle was unwielding in the close quarters typical to jungle combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The barrel was shortened to 18" and a conical flash-supressor was fitted. The receiver, barrel and stock were also lightened to make carrying easier. Even though a rubber butt pad was added, the light weight made for heavy recoil from the service cartridge. As a bonus, the very short barrel made for a fearsome muzzle blast as well!
The "M/47" code on the buttsocket is a wartime code indicating that this carbine was made by the BSA Co. Cleanup of this carbine will begin after I am satisfied that the No1 MkIII* is complete.
Enfield P14 (or No3 Mk 1)
While not a Lee-Enfield, the Pattern 14 rifle (later designated the No3 rifle) was intended to be a replacement for the Lee-Enfield. Originally planned with a very modern .276 inch cartridge, the demands of World War I forced the British military to change its plans. The design was changed to use the standard 303 service round and manufacturing commenced inin the US. Rifles were made by Remington, Winchester and Remington's Eddystone affiliate. When the US entered the war, the design was changed again to use the US 30-06 round and redesignated the Model 1917.
This Eddystone P14 was the first centerfire rifle I owned. It's not much on looks, but it sure shoots great! It may well be next on the list for a complete cleaning and restoration.
If you have any questions, comments or information to add, please send me a message to let me know! Thanks!
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Last update 3/12/01