Lee Metford (Magazine Lee Metford / MLM)

History

After nearly a decade of development and testing, the British Army adopted the Lee-Metford Bolt Action Rifle (or "MLM" for "Magazine Lee-Metford") as its standard service rifle. This model replaces the upcoming Martini-Henry series, which itself was launched in 1881. The main limitation of the Martini-Henry was the single-engine system, but it remained in service with the UK for 30 years. Relying on a manually operated bolt system, the new Lee-Metford demonstrated a more refined design by combining James Paris Lee's bolt system with a rifled barrel developed by William Ellis Metford. Guns are prepared for cartridges.

However, 303 Mk I (0.303 British) still relied on black powder propellant at this point in history. However, it was originally intended to use a new cordierite-based cartridge, but as these entered the long-term development phase, the black powder cartridge was replaced.

Production of Lee-Metfords is carried out by the Royal Small Arms Factory (RSAF) at Enfield Lock.

The Lee-Metford design is a significant improvement over the outgoing Martini-Henry, primarily through the use of a detachable box magazine containing eight ready-to-fire cartridges for everyday infantry Lots of firepower. The action is reasonably included in its general layout, which provides faster access to the bolt handle from the trigger area. Additionally, the normal 90-degree twist of competing designs has been reduced to a faster 60-degree twist in Lee-Metford. A well-trained fighter could theoretically fire higher firepowerup to 20 rounds per minute, with a muzzle velocity of about 2,040 feet per second, and a maximum range of 1,800 yards (effective range approaching 800 yards).

The sighting mechanism on the rifle changed throughout production, as did the barrel type. The overall length is 49.5 inches (longer with bayonet) and the barrel is 30 inches long.

In 1895, the Mark 2* appeared with an extended bolt set and additional safety features. Likewise, some products included barrels with Enfield rifles, giving rise to the branch designation "Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Enfield Mark I". All other qualities and features of the Mark 2 remain comparable.

In 1907, a new version of the Lee-Metford rifle appeared, called "Rifle, Charger-Loading, Magazine, Lee-Metford Mark 2". As the name suggests, this variant includes support for charger-loading/clip-loading ammunition loaded in a more manageable strip.

These rifles were rebuilt from the existing Mark 2 stock, mostly involving the addition of loading rails to the bridge and a new magazine design. The gun is now also suitable for smokeless powder cartridges, a major advancement in the rifle line.

The sights have also been revised to include a rear stepped system and a front blade. 10 rounds of magazines are retained. The rifles were 49.5 inches long, weighed 9 pounds 8 ounces, and had a muzzle velocity of 2,060 feet per second.

The Lee-Metford design did not serve in the British Empire as expected. The up-and-coming Lee-Enfield brand, which emerged in 1895, has been eclipsed relatively quickly in history. The rifles themselves served in World War II (1939-1945), with more than 17 million produced during their lifetime.

The Lee-Metford Marches saw some fighting during the Second Boer War of 1899-1902, which pitted British troops against Dutch settlers in Africa (modern South Africa/Swaziland). The Lee-Metfords actually tied the competing Lee-Enfield line and delivered generally positive results. Lee-Metfords generally suffer in range compared to the type of enemy Mauser used, but they still prove valuable.

Shares of Lee-Metfords also played a role on the way to World War I, where a shortage of small arms welcomed almost all major players.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes