Lee Enfield PDF
Lee Enfield PDF
Lee Enfield PDF
RIFLE MANUAL
No.1 - - No.3 - - No.4 - - No.5
MK III MK I MK I MK I
PAMPHLET 1
Preface
Here-in we have a guide for the civilian owner of a British 303 Lee-Enfield Rifle. The
subject matter of this text deals with the loading, firing, field striping and cleaning of these
rifles. The 303 British is the most popular chambering for the Enfield, but the information
applies to all calibers.
The history of the Lee-Enfield Rifle is not the purpose of this manual, information can be
found elsewhere that covers the subject in detail. However, a chart has been included to help
in determining when improvements have been made. Also, excluded from this book are
discussions of forestocks and buttplates. There are many varieties of each. Since these parts
of the rifle are not critical to loading, firing and cleaning, they have been omitted in order to
keep the costs of publication down.
Care should always be used to make certain the rifle is unloaded and always pointed in a safe
direction before field striping and cleaning.
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1
The Lee-Enfield History...................................................................................... 2, 3, 4, 5
Technical Specifications ............................................................................... 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Headspace ............................................................................................................. 6
Barrel Gaging ........................................................................................................ 6
Firing Pin Protrusion .............................................................................................. 6
Trigger Pull ........................................................................................................... 6
Buttstock Lengths .................................................................................................. 6
Sights .................................................................................................................... 7
Loading and Firing ................................................................................................ 7
Field Stripping ....................................................................................................... 6
Special Instructions for the No. 4 Mark 1 Rifle ....................................................... 6
Disassembly of the Bolt for Cleaning and Inspection ...........................................8, 9
Removal of the Extractor Spring ............................................................................ 9
Replacing the Bolt ................................................................................................. 9
Bayonets.............................................................................................................. 10
Ballistics ...................................................................................................................... 11
Rifle Loads for the 303 British ....................................................................... 12, 13
Care and Cleaning........................................................................................................ 14
Corrosive Ammunition ........................................................................................ 14
Regular Ammunition ...................................................................................... 14, 15
General Cleaning ................................................................................................. 15
Final Bore Cleaning ............................................................................................. 16
Lee-Enfield Parts List .......................................................................... Inside Back Cover
Introduction
The Lee-Enfield Rifle
Lee-Enfield rifles introduced in 1886 were in use through-out the British Empire from then
until 1951, when they were gradually phased out.
By 1957, Great Britain had switched to the 308 or NATO caliber. In the constantly changing
world of military arms, 63 years is a very long lime for one rifle to remain the number one
battle rifle. As a comparison, the ubiquitous Mauser 98 was introduced in 1888, but did not
come on the scene as the 98 until 1898. The secret of the Lee-Enfield's staying power was the
sound design and the many modifications made during the rifles tenure.
A good many of the Lee-Enfield military rifles have been sold to the United States civilian
market by the British and Canadian governments. Witness the current stocks of these fine
rifles at gun shows and on the shelves of gun dealers. Some of the appeal of the Lee-Enfield
rifles is the fact that many of these rifles were made by American companies such as
Remington and Winchester, to tide the British over until they could produce their own
weapons during World War II. American shooters and collectors have another excellent rifle
to shoot collect, customize and hunt with at very reasonable prices.
British rifles have undergone a rigorous inspection and proofing system to insure that the
weapon is safe to shoot. American commercial ammunition for the 303 British is normally
loaded to comparable military velocities and current import rifles should be safe.
Handloaders should adhere to the loading manual recommendations. If there is doubt about
the safety of a rifle, it should be checked by a reliable gunsmith.
The Lee-Enfield rifles were first produced in the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield,
England, It is also known as the SMLE (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield]. The No. 1 rifles were
also produced in large quantities by the BSA Co. in England, Australia and in India.
Although the unconventional lines of the Enfield did not appeal to the eye as a typical fine
British firearm. It survived due to its durability, accuracy, smooth working action and rapid
rate of fire. It was used in both World Wars. Before World War I, it was criticized because of
certain design features, but these criticisms were unfounded when the Enfield proved to be an
excellent battle rifle and was well liked by British troops.
The No. 3 Mk. 1 rifle, known as the Pattern 14, was adopted in 1914. Shortly before World
War I, it was changed from a 276 caliber Mauser type to the standard 303 British. The
magazine had the typical staggered cartridges of the Mauser and the one piece bolt found in
the German rifles. In addition to the regular sights, it has long range auxiliary sights
consisting of an aperture on the left side of the receiver and a bead front sight on an arm
pivoted to the left side of the fore-end.
During World War I, this rifle was produced in small quantities by Winchester, Remington in
Ilion, New York, and a Remington-owned plant at Eddystone, Pennsylvania. The British
Army used the rifle with a telescopic sight as a sniper rifle in that war. It was also used by the
Royal Navy.
The No. 4 Mk, 1 rifle was developed from the No. 1 SMLE between the World Wars. It
retained the basic Lee action design of the No. 1 rifle, but was extensively modified to
Improve performance and made easier to manufacture.
Important modifications included a heavier barrel, heavier receiver, aperture rear sight and
simplified bedding of the barrel in the fore-end.
Before the Battle of Dunkirk, only a few No. 4 rifles were built. However, after the British
disaster, these rifles went into major production in England, Canada and the United States.
After World War II, No. 4 rifles were used by Italy, Greece and some Arab countries. The
No. 4 Mk. 2 rifles were used during the Korean War. In 1954, the No. 4 rifle was replaced in
the British, Canadian and Australian Services by the FN-FAL in 762 NATO. No. 4 rifles are
by and large in better condition that No. 1's, but for the most part, are not finished as well as
the peacetime rifles.
During World War II, the No. 1 SMLE and No. 4 rifles were found to be too long and heavy
for jungle fighting. A shorter more handy rifle was needed and the No. 5 Mk l was developed
and adapted from the earlier rifles. The new rifle became popularly known as the "jungle
carbine", as was a No. 4 with short fore-end and barrel.
It was also fitted with a flash hider and a rubber buttplate. The short fore-end makes the No. 5
look like a sporting rifle. Many of these rifles were built and used in Burma and the South
Pacific during the later part of World War II. This version of the Enfield is very popular with
shooters and hunters and will likely bring a premium price.
Introduction or
Designation
Some Features of
Adoption Date
New Pattern
Dec. 22, 1888 Magazine Rifle, Mark I
Aug. 8 1891
Lee-Metford Magazine Rifle, Mark Same rifle, renamed.
I
Jan. 19,1892
Lee-Metford Magazine Rifle, Mark Safety catch omitted, Altered
I
sighting, magazine, handguard,
mainspring.
Jan. 30, 1892 Lee-Metford Magazine Rifle. Mark New 10-round magazine. Lighter
II
barrel. Weight reduced to 9 lbs, 4
ozs.
Apr. 22. 1895 Lee-Metford Magazine Rifle, Mark New pattern safety catch fitted to
II
cocking piece.
July 1, 1907
Charger Loading Lee-Metford
Converted to charger loading.
Magazine Rifle
Nov. 11. 1895 Lee-Enfield Magazine Rifle, Mark Same as Lee-Metford, Mark II, but
I
fitted with Enfield barrel.
May 11, 1899 Lee-Enfield Magazine Rifle, Mark Cleaning rod, and provision for rod
I
in fore-end omitted.
July 1, 1907
Charger-Loading Lee-Enfield
Converted from Lee-Enfields and
Magazine Rifle, Mark I
Lee-Metfords.
Dec. 23,1902 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle, A new rifle.
Mark I
Jan. 16, 1903 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle. Converted to Mark I pattern from
Converted Mark II
Lee-Enfields and Lee-Metfords.
July 2. 1906
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle. Deeper magazine case, etc. Weight
Converted Mark I
of rifle 8 lbs 7 ozs.
July 2, 1906
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle. Deeper magazine than converted
Converted Mark II
Mark II. Pull-through
accommodated in butt.
Jan. 26, 1907 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle, Bridge charger guide fitted to body.
Mark III
Weight of rifle 8 lbs 10 ozs.
Sept. 1, 1907 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle. Converted to Mark III pattern from
Converted Mark IV
Lee-Enfields and Lee-Metfords.
Jan. 4, 1908
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Rifle. Sighing altered for Mark VII
Mark I
cartridge. Converted from Mark I
for Royal Navy.
Introduction or
Designation
Adoption Date
Jan. 4, 1908
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield
Rifle. Mark II
April 22, 1914 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield
Rifle. Mark I
Jan. 2, 1916
1922/23
[Not adopted]
1930/31
[Not adopted]
Nov. 15, 1939
1946/47
No. 7 Rifle
Sept. 7, 1950
Sept. 7, 1950
No. 8 Rifle
No. 9 Rifle
Some Features of
New Pattern
New sighting, etc. Converted from
converted Mark II rifles
Sighting altered for Mark VII cartridge.
Converted from Mark I rifles for Royal
Navy.
Long range sights, cut off omitted.
Aperture backsight. One piece
handguard, etc.
Heavier barrel. Two-piece handguard.
Similar to later No. 4 rifle.
Development of No. 1 Rifle. Mark VI,
but with strengthened body.
Alternative method of manufacture to
Mark I. Differs in body ribway,
bolt-head catch, and bridge piece.
Technical Specifications
Headspace
The 303 is a rimmed cartridge and headspace is measured from the barrel race to the face of
the bolt. Headspace should not exceed 074 inch, but a maximum of 008 inch was allotted
during wartime. Minimum headspace is 064 inch.
Barrel Gaging
A new barrel should have a bore diameter from 301 to 304 inches. For a used barrel, plug
gages from 303 to 310 should be used. The 303 gage should run through the barrel. The
307 should not The 308 gauge should not enter the muzzle more than 25 inch. The 310
gage should not enter the breach more than 25 inch.
Trigger Pull
The first pull or slack should be 3 or 4 pounds. The second pull should be from 5 to 6 pounds.
To increase or decrease the trigger pull weight alter the angle of the cocking piece sear notch.
Buttstock Lengths
Stocks for the No, 1 rifles were made in long and short lengths. During World War I, a special
short butt called the Bantam was made. These butts were marked "L", "S" or "B" on the top of
the stock about one inch from the buttplate tang. Stocks for the No. 4 and No. 5 rifles come in
long, short and normal lengths.
Sights
The front sights for the Enfield were originally a barley com sight with a small V for the rear
As improvements were made to the rifle, a front blade was used and a u-shaped rear sight
replaced the old V. Later a long range adjustable stand-up sight with a peep was used. They
were fixed to the barrel. As the rifles were further refined, the rear sights were set over the
tang to increase sight radius. These sights have adjustments out to 1,600 yards and some can
be fine tuned with a worm wheel to more precise increments.
The purpose of the long range sights was not for accuracy. The British like to fire in volleys
and were able to use this strategy to terrorize the enemy with a hail of bullets from long range
while the hapless enemy could not return fire.
During World War II, sniper scopes were introduced along with mounts and boxes to carry
them when the scopes were not attached to the rifle.
Field Stripping
First, make sure mere is no cartridge in the chamber. Second, remove the magazine.
The magazine catch is located in the forward end of the trigger guard. Push it in or pull it up
as your rifle requires. This will release the heavy sheet steel box and it may be withdrawn
from the bottom of the receiver. Turn the rifle upside down and push the rear of the magazine
follower and spring down past the chamber. You can turn the rifle right side up and pull the
forward end of the follower and spring out the top of the receiver.
To remove the bolt, you will find me safety catch above the left rear of the trigger guard.
Rock the safety catch above the left rear of the trigger guard. Rock the safety forward, then
turn the bolt handle up, pull it up and rearward as far as it will go. Hold the rifle steady with
the left hand and place the right forefinger under the bolt head. Now pull the bolt up until it is
free of its spring catch. Then hold the bolt handle and withdraw the bolt to the rear until it is
clear.
Insert the t-shaped tool into the notches and turn the cocking piece until the lower two
notches are reached. The firing pin spring should be virtually decompressed. Remove the
firing pin locking screw round in the rear of the cocking piece. Now we may finish removing
the firing pin with the special tool. Unscrewing the firing pin with a makeshift rig may cause
damage and should be left to a qualified gunsmith.
Bayonets
The bayonets for the Lee-Enfield No. 1 rifles look like a short sword as did other bayonets of
the time. One had a quillion similar to a knife or sword to parry an enemy thrust. Later
bayonets for the Mark 4 rifle were known as the cruciform bayonet because it looks like a
cross in cross section. These look like a spike and were easier to fight with than the blade type
bayonet.
The British went back to a blade type bayonet with composite hand grips for the No. 7 Mk. I
after World War II. Another bayonet that appeared after the war was the No. 9 Mk, I for the
No. 4 rifle. This one has no grips and is a bit less than eight inches in length and is lighter in
weight than its predecessors.
10
303 British
Max. Case Length: 2222". Trim-To Length 2212". Max. Overall length: 3075". Primer
Size: Large Rifle. Bullet Diameter: 311"
11
BULLET
POWDER
VELOCITY
FPS
100
SPR
RNN
SP
440
MR
3031
2933
150
SPR
PTD
SP
310
HER
RE7
2400
150
HDY
SPP
SP
440
IMR
3031
2787
150
HDY
SPP
SP
418
HOD
BLC2
2600
150
455
ACC
2230
2620
150
SRA
PTD
SP
485
IMR
4320
2808
150
HDY
SPP
SP
458
HOD
H380
2800
150
SPR
PTD
SP
450
HER
RE12
2700
150
HDY
SPP
SP
500
WIN
760
2600
10
150
SPR
PTD
SP
500
IMR
4350
2584
11
174
HDY
RNN
SP
431
HOD
H380
2400
12
174
HDY
RNN
SP
472
WIN
760
2400
13
174
HDY
RNN
SP
465
IMR
4350
2400
14
180
SPR
RNN
SP
300
HER
RE7
2050
15
180
SRA
PTD
SP
420
IMR
3031
2533
16
180
400
ACC
2230
2300
17
180
SPR
RNN
SP
400
HER
RE12
2340
18
180
SPR
RNN
SP
470
IMR
4831
2421
19
180
460
ACC
3100
2350
Abbreviations: ACC - Accurate Arms Co.; - Canadian Industries. Ltd: HDY - Hornady
Manufacturing Co.; HER Hercules, inc.; HOD -Hodgdon Powder Co.; IMR - IMR Powder
Co.;
12
CIL
CCI - 200
25
SPR
41,200
WIN
WIN - WLR
2935
24
HER
44,900
REM
WIN - WLR
2840
26
NRA
REM
FED - 210
3035
25i
HDY
REM
CCI - 200
24
ACC
REM
WIM - WLR
2945
26
NRA
REM
FED - 210
3035
25
HDY
WIN
WIN - WLR
2935
24
HER
REM
FED - 210
3035
25
HDY
10
CIL
CCI - 200
25
SPR
11
REM
FED - 210
2975
25
HDY
12
REM
FED - 210
2975
25
HDY
13
REM
FED - 210
2975
25
HDY
43,630
7
8
42,900
14
30,000
WIN
WIN - WLR
2940
24
HER
15
44,220
REM
WIN - WLR
3075
26
NRA
REM
CCI - 200
24
ACC
WIN
WIN - WLR
24
HER
18
CIL
CCI - 200
25
SPR
19
REM
CCI - 200
24
ACC
16
17
42,600
2940
PTD - Ported; RNN - Round Nose; SP - Soft Point; SPP - Spire Point; SPR - Speer; SRA Sierra Buffets.
13
Corrosive Ammunition
Corrosive ammunition can be manufactured using less expensive chemicals such as
fulminate of mercury. Unfortunately, these chemicals will attract moisture, which in time
will cause iron to rust. When corrosive ammunition has been used, the rifle should be cleaned
within a day or two after firing. A rusty or pitted bore will destroy the accuracy of any rifle.
Regular Ammunition
To clean the bore, place a clean patch in the slot of the rod tip and saturate it with bore
cleaner. Place the rod tip into the breach or chamber area of the rifle and force the rod up the
bore until the tip with the patch comes out the muzzle. Pull the rod back through the bore until
the tip with the patch comes out the breach or chamber end. Repeat this until the patch has
gotten so dirty it will no longer remove fouling. Replace the dirty patch with a clean one,
saturate it in gun cleaning solvent and go through the cleaning process again.
14
When the patches are coming out much cleaner, you have removed the first layer of fouling.
Replace the slotted patch tip with the bore brush and run it through the bore from the breach
end. Several strokes should be done. Remove the bore brush and screw on the patch tip.
Saturate the patch with bore solvent and run it through the bore as before.
Now the patch should look dirty again and it may possibly look green. The green color comes
from the interaction of the solvent with copper jacketed ammunition that may have been
used. This is normal and means that the solvent is doing its job of removing the copper
residue that is left after the rifle has been shot.
When the patches come out clean, stop the cleaning of the bore leaving a heavy coat of
solvent In the bore overnight.
General Cleaning
Al metal surfaces including the sights, should be wiped down with a solvent dampened cloth.
Wipe the solvent from the outside surfaces of the metal with a dry cloth. This should remove
most grime and powder residue, A light coat of rust inhibitor such as WD-40 can be used to
spray the exposed surfaces of metal and then wiped with an oily cloth.
We now turn our attention to the bolt and the internal area of the receiver. The bolt can be
unscrewed and placed in a container filled with solvent to soak while you wipe down the
internal magazine using a cloth with a liberal amount of solvent. Wipe down the boltway, and
other places in the receiver with the solvent laden cloth. Be sure to clean the bolt latch and
safety knob.
Next take the toothbrush and dip it in the solvent and scrub inside the receiver and boltways.
Grime and fouling will be lifted. Follow up with a dry cloth to remove the fouling. When this
area is clean, take a cleaner and dip it in solvent. Scrub as many nooks and crannies as
possible. This done, wipe all solvent from the internal surfaces of the receiver and magazine
area with a dry cloth and pipe cleaners. A light coat of the rust inhibitor may be sprayed here,
but remember this is not a lubricant and should be lightly wiped up. A coat of oil should be
wiped over all the internal parts just cleaned. It may be necessary to use a pipe cleaner coated
with gun oil to reach hard to lubricate places.
15
Take the bolt out of the cleaning solvent and scrub the exterior with the toothbrush. Wipe it
down with a dry cloth. If it has not been soaking, apply a liberal amount of solvent to the
interior and exterior surfaces of the bolt Dip the toothbrush in solvent and scrub the bolt until
all fouling has been loosened. Pay close attention to the extractor, removing all fouling.
Wipe all internal and external parts of the bolt clean with a cloth. Coat the bolt with a light
coat of gun oil and let it sit out of the rifle overnight
16