Despite its role in developing the design, the Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield did not produce any of the 2 million-plus No. Shirley in Birmingham to turn out the No. Birmingham Small Arms (B.S.A.) Gun, a private company, also established B.S.A. 4 were Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) Fazakerley in Lancashire and ROF Maltby in Yorkshire. New government ordnance factories set up to produce the No. The Mks III and IV were also made from stampings, but, like the Mk I, had provisions for sighting from 300 to 1,300 yds. The Mk II had a simple, stamped, two-setting aperture sight. The Mk I micrometer backsight was made of milled steel with a battle sight set for 300 yds., which when flipped up was adjustable for elevation out to 1,300 yds. 4s had four types of aperture backsights. 4 also had a heavier free-floating barrel, which protruded from the fore-end and eliminated the need for precision full-length bedding. The SMLE's complex-to-manufacture nosecap was discarded in favor of a milled, and later stamped, front reinforcing band and a simplified sight guard. A simple one-piece charger bridge to accept five-round stripper clips was fitted into grooves on the top of the receiver, as opposed to the No. 4's receiver was strengthened and squared off requiring less milling and simplifying manufacture. While being similar in appearance and features, very few parts were completely interchangeable between the No. 1 rifle), but changes were made to the receiver, bolt, stock, sights, barrel, nose cap and bayonet. 303 British cartridge as the SMLE, retained the better features of the SMLE (in 1926, the SMLE was renamed the No. Thanks to inter-war development, an improved and simplified design was waiting in the wings, and the No. With Hitler's war machine on the move, the British needed an accurate, mass-production rifle. The Short, Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) delivered sterling service from the mud of Flanders to the farthest reaches of the Empire. In 1939, the British soldier was still armed with the same rifle his father, or perhaps even his grandfather, carried. To subscribe to the magazine, visit the NRA membership page here and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

4 Rifle,' appeared originally in the April 2004 issue of American Rifleman.

This article, 'Exploded View: Lee-Enfield No.

Lee enfield bolt head