A Rare Navy Stopgap: the CLLE MkI Naval Enfield

Published on September 6, 2021
Duration: 5:24

This guide details the visual and technical aspects of the Charger Loading Lee-Enfield (CLLE) MkI Naval conversion, a rare modification performed on older Long Lee rifles for British naval service. It highlights key changes like the addition of a charger bridge, removal of the dust cover, and rear sight recalibration for high-velocity ammunition. The conversion aimed to modernize existing rifles for new service requirements just prior to WWI.

Quick Summary

The CLLE MkI Naval Enfield was a rare British Navy conversion of the Long Lee rifle, performed in 1911-1912. It featured a charger bridge for stripper clips and recalibrated sights for Mark VII High Velocity .303 British ammunition, modernizing older rifles for service before WWI.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to CLLE MkI Naval
  2. 00:23Historical Context of Conversion
  3. 01:06Purpose: Modernizing for Mark VII Ammo & Stripper Clips
  4. 02:06Markings and Manufacture Details
  5. 02:34Technical Modifications: Charger Bridge & Dust Cover
  6. 03:24Sight Adjustments for High Velocity Ammo
  7. 04:32Conclusion: A Rare Naval Stopgap

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the CLLE MkI Naval Enfield conversion?

The CLLE MkI Naval Enfield conversion modernized older Long Lee rifles for the British Navy in 1911-1912. Key goals were to adapt them for Mark VII High Velocity ammunition and enable faster reloading using stripper clips via an added charger bridge.

What are the key visual differences of a CLLE MkI Naval Enfield compared to a standard Long Lee?

The most noticeable differences are the addition of a charger bridge on the receiver to accept stripper clips and the removal of the original bolt dust cover. Rear sights are also recalibrated for high-velocity ammunition.

What ammunition was the CLLE MkI Naval Enfield designed to use?

The CLLE MkI Naval Enfield was specifically converted to utilize the newer Mark VII High Velocity .303 British ammunition, which had a flatter trajectory and higher velocity than previous loads.

Who performed the CLLE MkI Naval Enfield conversions?

The conversions were performed by LSA (London Small Arms) in 1910 for the British Navy, modernizing rifles that were originally manufactured by companies like BSA (Birmingham Small Arms).

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