SMLE
(Short Magazine Lee Enfield)
Rifle Nº 1, Mks III
and III*
Particulars:
| Length: |
3 ft. 8½ ins. |
| Length with bayonet: |
5 ft. 1½ ins. |
| Weight: |
8 lbs. 10½ ozs. |
| Weight with bayonet: |
9 lbs. 11½ ozs. |
| Barrel: |
2 ft. 1 in. |
| Calibre: |
.303 in. |
| Operation: |
Bolt |
| Feed: |
magazine, 10 round box |
| Range of sights: |
200 to 2,000 yds. |
The SMLE was the primary weapon of the British Army throughout WWI and the
inter-war period. It was used by the regular army in various theatres during
WWII, being superseded by the Nº4 rifle. The Nº4 was, in essence, a
refinement of the SMLE. As the Nº4 was not (under normal circumstances)
issued to the Home Guard, it is not included in this site.