I Have This Old Gun: Long Lee-Enfields

Published on December 31, 2018
Duration: 7:27

This video delves into the history and technical evolution of the early Lee-Enfield rifles, specifically the Lee-Metford and the Long Lee-Enfield. It highlights the contributions of James Paris Lee, the impact of smokeless powder, and the distinct rifling systems that defined these iconic firearms. The discussion covers their service history, particularly during the Second Anglo-Boer War, and the transition to charger loading.

Quick Summary

The Lee-Enfield rifle evolved from the Lee-Metford due to the limitations of its shallow rifling with smokeless powder. The Lee-Enfield introduced sharper, five-groove rifling to better handle cordite, and its Long variant became a key firearm for British forces, notably in the Second Anglo-Boer War.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction: Early Lee-Enfields
  2. 00:12James Paris Lee and the Magazine Bolt-Action
  3. 00:44Medford Rifling vs. Smokeless Powder
  4. 01:36Lee-Metford vs. Lee-Enfield: Rifling Differences
  5. 02:02The Long Lee-Enfield's Service History
  6. 02:49Identifying Long Lee-Enfields
  7. 03:42Evolution to the Lee-Enfield Rifle
  8. 04:39Infantry Rifles and Cavalry Carbines
  9. 05:09Long-Range Volley Sights
  10. 05:53Conversion to Charger Loading
  11. 06:21Genesis of the SMLE
  12. 06:45Legacy and Collectibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main difference between the Lee-Metford and the Lee-Enfield rifles?

The primary difference lay in their rifling. The Lee-Metford used a shallow-groove Medford rifling system, while the Lee-Enfield featured a sharper, five-groove Enfield rifling designed to better withstand the higher pressures of smokeless powder like cordite.

Why did the British military need to change from the Lee-Metford to the Lee-Enfield?

The advent of smokeless gunpowder, particularly cordite, caused significant erosion of the Lee-Metford's shallow rifling after only a few thousand rounds. The Lee-Enfield's sharper rifling was developed to address this issue and improve durability.

What was the significance of the Long Lee-Enfield in military history?

The Long Lee-Enfield was a pivotal firearm, serving as the backbone of British forces during the Second Anglo-Boer War. Its robust design and magazine capacity made it a formidable weapon across the British Empire.

How did the Long Lee-Enfield evolve to incorporate charger loading?

In the early 20th century, many Long Lee-Enfields were retrofitted with charger loading capabilities. This was achieved by adding a distinctive 'soup-shaped' bridge to the rear of the receiver, a feature later popularized by the SMLE.

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