Lee-Speed Military Model Commercial Enfield

Published on January 27, 2017
Duration: 15:34

The Lee-Speed rifle is a commercial variant of the British military Lee-Enfield/Metford, named after James Paris Lee and Joseph Speed. It features improvements like a detachable box magazine and a safety on the cocking piece. Commercial models were made by BSA and LSA for affluent buyers and officers, offering high-quality sidearms.

Quick Summary

The Lee-Speed rifle is a commercial version of the British military Lee-Enfield/Metford, named after James Paris Lee and Joseph Speed. It features a detachable box magazine and improvements patented by Speed, offering a high-quality firearm for affluent buyers and officers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Lee-Speed Rifle
  2. 00:38The Names Behind the Rifle: Lee & Enfield/Metford
  3. 02:42Joseph Speed's Contributions
  4. 03:52Commercial Patterns and Markets
  5. 07:05Technical Features: Safety and Cutoff
  6. 09:22Sighting Systems: Ladder and Volley Sights
  7. 11:52Magazine and Markings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lee-Speed rifle?

The Lee-Speed rifle is a commercial variant of the British military Lee-Enfield or Lee-Metford rifle. It was named after James Paris Lee, inventor of the detachable box magazine, and Joseph Speed, a manager at RSAF Enfield who patented improvements.

Who was Joseph Speed and why is he associated with the rifle?

Joseph Speed was a senior manager at RSAF Enfield who held patents for improvements to the rifle's safety, bolt, and magazine. His name was placed on commercial rifles that utilized his patented features.

What were the main differences between Metford and Enfield rifling?

Metford rifling, with rounded grooves, was designed for black powder to reduce fouling. Enfield rifling, with sharper edges, was better suited for the hotter-burning Cordite smokeless powder used later.

What kind of sights did the Lee-Speed rifle feature?

The Lee-Speed rifle typically featured standard military ladder sights graduated from 200 to 1800 yards. It also included 'volley sights' on the side for long-range indirect fire, adjustable from 1600 to 2800 yards.

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