Lee Enfield - SMLE No. 4 Mk 1*

The SMLE No. 4 Mk 1* was a variant of the primary British Commonwealth rifle of World War II, the SMLE No. 4 Mk 1.

British Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE) Number 4, Mark 1* with a World War II canvas sling.

Along with the Springfield 03, Mauser Kar98, and Mosin Nagant 1891, the SMLE was another bolt action design that served in both WWI and WWII. The No.4 Mk 1 was developed in 1941 as an improvement of the SMLE Mk III of WWI. This design and a minor mod the No.4 Mk II was manufactured well into the 1950s in India. The designation No.4 Mk I* refers to rifles manufactured for Great Britain in the U.S. and Canada during WWII.

The SMLE has a reputation for having one of the fastest bolt actions and, as with all bolt action designs dating back to WWI, it is very accurate. It even served as the basis for the best sniper rifle of WWII, the No.4 Mk I (T). Its magazine holding 10 rounds, gave twice the firepower of other bolt action rifles in common use in World War II. However, though detachable, the magazine was not designed to be swapped out with another pre-loaded magazine, as modern magazines are.

Specifications

Version - SMLE No. 4 Mk 1*

Caliber - .303”.

Receiver - Milled with several marks depending upon factory and country of manufacture and arsenal refitting.

Bolt - Blackened with a straight handle.

Barrel - 25.19”.

Overall Length - 44.5”.

Weight - 8.8 lbs.

Stocks - Wood.

Magazines - 10 rd detachable box. However, not meant to be detached, except for clearing and cleaning.

Sights - Full Adjustable Ladder with Peep Hole and Post.

Bayonet - 8” Spike