Lee-Metford
Royal Small Arms Factory · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1888
Also known as: MLM, Magazine Lee-Metford, Rifle Magazine Mark I, Rifle Magazine Mark II
Overview
The Lee-Metford (Magazine Lee-Metford, MLM) was the first British service rifle to combine James Paris Lee's rear-locking bolt action and detachable box magazine with the new smokeless .303 British cartridge. Adopted in 1888, the Mark I held eight rounds and the 1892 Mark II ten. Its defining feature was William Ellis Metford's shallow, rounded segmental rifling, optimised for the original black-powder .303 loading.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1257 mm (49.49") |
| Barrel Length | 767 mm (30.20") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 620 m/s (2034 fps) |
| Effective Range | 730 m (798 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1646 m (1800 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Left Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 7 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .303 British · primary — also known as .303 Mk VII, 7.7x56mmR, .303 Enfield
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Single Round
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock, Magazine Cut Off
- Features: Detachable Box Magazine, Metford Rifling, Magazine Cut Off, Long Range Volley Sights
Variants
- Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Metford Mark I — Original
- Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Metford Mark II — Improved
- Carbine, Magazine, Lee-Metford Mark I — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 1888 · as Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Metford
- British India
- Australian colonial forces
Conflicts
- Second Boer War (1899-1902)
- World War I (1914-1918)
Production
Production years: 1888-1896
Short production life before the Lee-Enfield superseded it; made at RSAF Enfield, BSA, LSA Co and Sparkbrook
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: James Paris Lee
Discontinued: 1896
Notes
The Mark I's magazine was originally retained to the rifle by a chain. A magazine cut-off allowed the rifle to be fed single rounds while keeping the magazine in reserve. The rifle was quickly superseded once cordite smokeless propellant proved too erosive for Metford rifling.
Background
The smokeless cordite propellant the British rushed into the .303 cartridge burned so hot that it eroded Metford's gentle rounded rifling within a few thousand rounds. The rifle's own ammunition wore out its barrels, forcing a switch to deeper Enfield rifling and giving birth to the legendary Lee-Enfield.