SMLE Mk III* Sniper
Birmingham Small Arms Company · Sniper Rifle · Out Of Production · 1915
Also known as: SMLE Sniper, Lee-Enfield Sniper, SMLE Mk III* (T), Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Sniper
Overview
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 Enfield, the SMLE's famously fast bolt action and 10-round magazine gave snipers the ability to engage multiple targets rapidly.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3960 g (139.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1132 mm (44.57") |
| Barrel Length | 640 mm (25.20") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 744 m/s (2441 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3126 J (2306 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Left Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| 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: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Thumb Safety
- Features: Aldis 2-5x Telescopic Sight, Side Mounted Scope, Ten Round Magazine, Rapid Bolt Action, Cheek Rest
Variants
- SMLE No.1 Mk III (Standard) — Standard Infantry
- SMLE Mk III* with PPCo Scope — Alternate Scope
Base model
Service history
Operators
- British Army · adopted 1915 · as SMLE Mk III* (Telescopic)
- Australian Imperial Force · adopted 1915
- Canadian Expeditionary Force
Conflicts
- World War I (Western Front) (1915-1918)
- World War I (Gallipoli) (1915-1916)
- World War I (Middle East) (1916-1918)
Production
Estimated total produced: 9,788 · Production years: 1915-1918
By the end of WWI, 9,788 SMLE sniper rifles were supplied and passed inspection by Enfield's Chief Inspector of Small Arms. Approximately 700+ received the premium Aldis/Holland & Holland scope configuration. Total SMLE Mk III/III* production exceeded 2 million rifles.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: James Paris Lee / Royal Small Arms Factory
Discontinued: 1918
Notes
The SMLE's rear-locking action, while enabling the fastest bolt manipulation of any military rifle of the era, produced slightly less consistent accuracy than front-locking designs like the P14 or Mauser 98. This led to the P14 being preferred for dedicated sniping, while the SMLE sniper served in a more versatile sharpshooter role. The Aldis scopes were all 1-inch (25.4mm) diameter and were manufactured exclusively in 1915 and 1916. Approximately 700+ SMLE sniper rifles received the Aldis/Holland & Holland configuration, considered the highest quality setup. The SMLE sniper was largely replaced by the P14 (T) and later the No.4 Mk I (T) for dedicated sniping, though it remained in service throughout the war.
Background
Australian snipers at Gallipoli, armed with scoped SMLE rifles, engaged in a deadly duel with Turkish marksmen across the narrow no-man's land. Billy Sing, an Australian of Chinese and English descent, became the most famous Gallipoli sniper with an estimated 150-200 confirmed kills using his SMLE. The British counter-sniping effort was formalized under Major Hesketh Prichard, who established sniping schools that transformed the ad-hoc use of scoped rifles into a disciplined military skill.