Origins of the Lee Enfield Rifle: Lee Metford Updates

Published on September 20, 2020
Duration: 15:38

This video details the evolution of early British magazine rifles, specifically the Lee Metford and Lee Enfield Mk I series. It highlights the incremental changes in design, including the sighting system, magazine capacity, cleaning rod, and rifling type, from the Mk I to the Mk I*. The transition from Metford's polygonal rifling to Enfield's square-cut rifling due to cordite ammunition is a key development.

Quick Summary

The Lee Metford Mk II introduced a 10-round double-feed magazine, replacing the 8-round single-feed version. Later, the Lee Enfield Mk I adopted Enfield's square-cut rifling in 1895 to better handle cordite ammunition, marking a significant shift from Metford's polygonal rifling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Early British Magazine Rifles
  2. 01:23Lee Metford Mk I vs Mk I* Changes
  3. 02:08Sighting System Updates & Range Markings
  4. 03:50Lee Metford Mk II Magazine Evolution
  5. 05:27Rod and Sling Swivel Modifications
  6. 07:01Lee Metford Mk II* Safety Feature
  7. 08:17Transition to Lee Enfield Mk I: Rifling Change
  8. 10:48Lee Enfield Mk I* and Final Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main differences between the Lee Metford Mk I and Mk I* rifles?

The Lee Metford Mk I* (1892-1894) removed the manual safety, considered redundant due to the magazine cutoff, and featured a completely redesigned sighting system with a traditional barleycorn front post and V-notch rear sight.

How did the magazine capacity change in the Lee Metford Mk II?

The Lee Metford Mk II introduced a 10-round double-feed magazine designed by James Paris Lee, an upgrade from the earlier 8-round single-feed version. This required modifications to the magazine well.

Why did the British military switch from Metford rifling to Enfield rifling?

The switch occurred in late 1895 due to the erosive effects of the new cordite propellant ammunition. Enfield's square-cut rifling proved more durable and effective with cordite compared to Metford's polygonal rifling.

What safety feature was reintroduced on the Lee Metford Mk II*?

The Lee Metford Mk II* (1895) reintroduced a manual safety. Unlike earlier versions, this safety was located on the cocking piece, a design borrowed from Lee Metford carbines.

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