This video provides an in-depth historical and technical examination of the development of the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifle, focusing on its evolution from earlier Lee-Enfield and Lee-Metford models through to the iconic Mark III. It details the design changes driven by military experience, particularly from the Second Boer War and the lead-up to World War I, highlighting improvements in accuracy, handling, and manufacturing. The narrative traces the rifle's lineage, the influence of contemporary designs like the Mauser, and the iterative process of refinement that led to the SMLE Mk III becoming a cornerstone of British military small arms.
This "Gun of the Week" episode features the Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) Mk III rifle, specifically a 1913 BSA-manufactured example for the Australian government. The presenter, Mark Keef, highlights early features like the magazine cutoff and long-range volley sights, explaining their historical context and tactical purpose during World War I. He also details the rifle's action, its lineage from James Lee's designs, and the evolution of the Lee-Enfield family.
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