The Lee Enfield rifle is easily distinguished by it's blunt nose.


Comparison calibers left to right: .223 used with many AR's, 7.62x39 used with SKSs, AK-47s and a few hunting rifles, 303 British from the Lee Enfield No.4 Mk I SMLE, and 8mm Mauser.

Lee Enfield
By Jenny Teague

If you know me, you know how much I love bolt action rifles. I love the precision and accuracy bolt action rifles offer. We have a nice historical collection of bolt action rifles spanning various decades which we love to shoot. This month, I journeyed across the pond to test the waters of the Lee Enfield No.4 Mk. I SMLE.

A Different Kind of Bolt
The Lee Enfield was developed in the United Kingdom in the later half of the 1880's. It's name was a combination of the bolt designer James Paris Lee and the town of Enfield, where the production factory of the rifle was located. It served as the official rifle of the British Army from 1895 to 1957. Over the course of time, modifications and changes were developed resulting in variant models of the original rifle. Ours is the No. 4 Mk. I SMLE, pronounced "smelly", which is the Short Magazine Lee Enfield.

The interesting thing about the Enfield is that while it is a bolt action rifle, it does not function completely the same as other bolt action rifles. In most Mauser based bolts, the action cocks the striker on the opening of the bolt, requiring more effort. The Enfield did the opposite and cocked the striker on the closing of the bolt, allowing the user to be able to shoot more rounds quicker. The detachable 10 round magazine also allowed for quicker reloading. It was at one point the fastest firing military rifle.


Prounounced "Smelly", the SMLE rifle did not stink.
The Specs
Caliber: 303 British with a 10 round detachable magazine.
Recoil: Medium. It's what you would expect from a gun of its size, weight, and caliber.
Ease of use: Accurate, especially with the assistance of the peep-hole sight.
Cost: When my husband got his, he paid $125, however, with time they have gone up in price. Fortunately they're not one of the more in-demand surplus rifles like US made M1 Garands, so they could range depending on which model you get and the quality of the rifle starting around $150 and up.

Even on a windy day, the Enfied is still capable of producing acceptable results from 125 yards away.

How Does The Gunslinging Housewife Rate It?
Pro: There are two different views on the sights, one a traditional view from an iron sight and another that is more a peep-hole pin size, which allows for more accuracy. I am a big fan of that option.

Cons: It's a big ol' heavy gun. The fact a good portion of the stock goes so close to the muzzle really makes it top heavy, and when shooting it for a few hours, it gets to be quite a burdon.

As with many larger caliber rifles, the Enfield is deffinitely an acquired taste. If you're into big guns that make a big boom, you'll love it. If you more prefer a smaller gun with less recoil, this isn't the gun for you. In terms of fit, it is definitely big for my size, but what can I say? I love big ol' bolt action rifles!
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