SMLE Mk III* Sniper

Birmingham Small Arms Company · Sniper-Rifle · Out Of Production · 1915

Weight (empty)3960 g (139.7 oz)
Overall Length1132 mm (44.57")
Barrel Length640 mm (25.20")
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Action TypeBolt Action
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Muzzle Velocity744 m/s (2441 fps)
Muzzle Energy3126 J (2306 ft·lbf)
Effective Range600 m (656 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: .303 British

The SMLE Mk III* Sniper was the most numerous British sniper rifle of World War I, created by fitting selected Short Magazine Lee-Enfield rifles with various side-mounted telescopic sights. The most prized configuration used the Aldis Brothers 2.5x scope on a Holland & Holland mount, though Periscopic Prism Company (PPCo) and other scopes were also used. By the end of WWI, 9,788 SMLE sniper rifles had been supplied and passed inspection. While less inherently accurate than the Pattern 1914 Enfie...

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Designer: James Paris Lee / Royal Small Arms Factory