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​Navigating this section:-

​To return to the main 'SMLE - Short Magazine Lee-Enfield' section page... click once upon the medal ribbon link provided at the top-right of this page.

​SMLE  Mk.3*

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Characteristics:-
​Calibre............................................................................................................... .303 inch.
​Cartridge........................................................................................................... Rimmed.
​Muzzle velocity (Mk.VII ammunition - pointed)............................................... 2,440 fps.
​Approximate weight of rifle with empty magazine (no bayonet attached)..... 8lbs 14.1/2 ozs.
​Approximate weight of sword bayonet (no scabbard)..................................... 1lb 1/2 oz.
​Length of rifle with normal size butt (without bayonet attached)................... 3ft 8.1/2 inches.
​Length of rifle with normal size butt (sword bayonet attached)...................... 5ft 2 inches.
Rifling system.................................................................................................... Enfield.
Twist of rifling................................................................................................... Left hand - 1 turn in 10 inches.
​Number of grooves............................................................................................ 5
Method of loading............................................................................................. Charger, holding 5 cartridges.
​Sighting system................................................................................................. Adjustable barleycorn foresight, radial backsight,
​                                                                                                                                           with vertical adjustment.
​Rear-Sight ranging marks................................................................................ Yards.

War production modifications.

The latter part of 1915 saw the introduction of the SMLE Mk3*,  a streamlined version of the Mk.3. With the ever growing need to produce the then current mark of SMLE in greater numbers in a shorter time, several economy measures were decided upon with a view to easing the manufacturing process without compromising quality.

​Several of the unique features of the Mk3 which were deemed as unnecessary due to prevailing battlefield conditions were deleted.
Those deleted features are:-
​1) The Cocking Piece was simplified, with the distinctive rounded rear plate being deleted.
​2) The Magazine Cut-off Plate. This also meant that there was no requirement to cut the corresponding slot in the receiver.
​3) The Windage Adjust feature to the Rear-Sight. By deleting this feature, there was no requirement for the winding
     mechanism which moved the Rear-Sight Cap from side to side. Time spent in milling the windage scale on the
     Rear-Sight Bar was also saved.
​4) The Sling-Swivel facility forward of the Magazine. Due to the now ever present muddy condition of the battlefield, this
​     Sling-Swivel facility was replaced by a wire loop
​5) Long Range Volley Sight. This feature was deleted due to the more efficient and frequent use (especially at distances over
     1,000 yards
) of the Machine Gun, which overnight made the Long Range Volley Sight obsolete.

​Standard production features.

The SMLE Mk.3* was in service alongside the Mk.3 from late 1915 to well beyond the Armistice of 1918.
Unique features of the Mk.3* are:-

a). Cocking Piece.

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​​The Cocking Piece for the Mk3* is a much simplified design than that of its predecessor, with the once distinctive roundel from the rear having been deleted completely. As can be seen, the modified design was a more functional item.

​To aid in gripping the Cocking Piece, three vertical grooves are present in each side.

b). Modified Rear-Sight Bar and Rear-Sight Cap.

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The Rear-Sight is now a more functional item than that of the Mk.3.

​The vertical distance scale is in yards... being shown as 25-yard increments on the left, and 100-yard increments on the right.

​The Rear-Sight Cap remains the same basic design, except for the deletion of the graticule mark. Instead of being attached to the Rear-Sight Bar by means of a sliding mechanism, it is now securely attached by a single screw. 

​c). Wire-Loop forward of the Magazine.

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'The Wire-Loop (illustrated above) which replaced the deleted Sling-Swivel facility, was devised in view of the ever present and worsening muddy ground conditions of the Western Front. The Wire-Loops singular purpose was as a point of attachment for the now much needed 'SMLE Canvas Action Cover' (illustrated above right).

d). Rear-Sight Protector.

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Right side.
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Left side.
The Rear-Sight Protector remains the same basic design, and keeps the step on the right side, once occupied by the now deleted 'Windage Adjustment Wheel. The design is now a simple stamping process.


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