Lee Metford MkI*: Britain's First Repeating Rifle (Almost)

Published on February 26, 2018
Duration: 13:27

This guide details the identification and key features of the Lee Metford MkI* rifle, drawing on expert analysis from Forgotten Weapons. It covers identifying markings, understanding the action's dust cover, the function of volley sights, and differences in magazine design compared to later models. The information emphasizes the rifle's transitional role in British military small arms development.

Quick Summary

The Lee Metford MkI* was Britain's early repeating bolt-action rifle, featuring the 'Lee' action and 'Metford' rifling. It was a transitional model, notable for its 8-round detachable magazine, sliding dust cover, and volley sights. Metford rifling's rounded lands, effective with black powder, suffered erosion with Cordite smokeless powder, leading to its replacement.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Lee Metford MkI*
  2. 00:30Design Origins: Lee and Metford
  3. 01:30Rifling and the Transition to Smokeless Powder
  4. 03:41Identifying Markings and Model Variations
  5. 04:22Action Features: Dust Cover and Cut-off
  6. 05:16Volley Sights for Long-Range Fire
  7. 06:51Magazine Design and Evolution
  8. 07:54MkI vs. MkI* Differences
  9. 11:16Historical Scarcity

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the Lee Metford MkI* rifle from earlier British military rifles?

The Lee Metford MkI* was Britain's first repeating bolt-action rifle, featuring the 'Lee' action (cock-on-close) and 'Metford' rifling. It served as a crucial transitional piece between the Martini-Henry and the later Lee-Enfield series, incorporating features like a detachable magazine and volley sights.

Why was Metford rifling eventually replaced in British service rifles?

Metford rifling, with its rounded lands and grooves, was effective for black powder but suffered from rapid throat erosion when the British military transitioned to Cordite smokeless powder. This led to the development of Enfield rifling with sharper edges.

What are the key identifying features of a Lee Metford MkI* rifle?

Key features include the 'Lee' bolt action (cock-on-close), Metford rifling, an 8-round detachable magazine chained to the rifle, a sliding dust cover, and potentially volley sights. Markings like 'V.R', 'B.S.A. & M. Co.', '1891', and 'I*' are crucial for identification.

What is the significance of the MkI* designation on a Lee Metford rifle?

The MkI* designation indicates an updated version of the original MkI. The primary changes included the omission of the side-mounted safety lever and updates to the sighting system, moving towards the barleycorn style front sight.

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