The Short-Lived No1 Mk6 SMLE Lee Enfield

Published on March 30, 2017
Duration: 14:35

This video provides an expert-level deep dive into the short-lived SMLE No1 Mk6 Lee Enfield, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It details the rifle's place as the final evolution of the No1 series, highlighting its design changes intended to improve accuracy and handling based on WWI feedback, such as the adoption of aperture sights and a heavier barrel. The presentation showcases key prototypes and production models, illustrating the incremental steps leading to the No. 4 rifle.

Quick Summary

Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons details the SMLE No1 Mk6 Lee Enfield, the final iteration of the No1 series. It incorporated WWI-driven improvements like aperture sights and a heavier barrel for accuracy. Prototypes showcased unique features like fluted barrels and special bolts, illustrating the evolutionary path towards the No. 4 rifle.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the No1 Mk6 SMLE
  2. 02:22The Four Examples Shown
  3. 03:42First Prototype Features
  4. 05:32Unique Design Elements
  5. 07:17Second Prototype and Production
  6. 11:23Transition to No. 4 Mk1

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the SMLE No1 Mk6 Lee Enfield significant?

The SMLE No1 Mk6 is significant as the final evolution of the No1 rifle series, incorporating key design improvements like aperture sights and a heavier barrel based on WWI feedback, bridging the gap to the No. 4 rifle.

What were some unique features of the early SMLE No1 Mk6 prototypes?

Early prototypes featured a unique bolt without a manually cocking piece, large rear sight wings, a cartridge cutoff, and notably, a heavily fluted barrel under the handguard to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity.

How did the SMLE No1 Mk6 differ from the later No. 4 Mk1?

The Mk6 featured deep checkering on the handguard and retained rear sight wings and a cartridge cutoff, which were removed or refined in the No. 4 Mk1 trials rifles to simplify manufacturing and improve ergonomics for mass production.

What is the production history of the SMLE No1 Mk6?

Approximately 1000 SMLE No1 Mk6 rifles were produced in 1929. Many of these were later retrofitted, often identified by an 'A' serial number suffix, indicating non-standard parts usage.

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