SMLE No.1 Mk III
Lithgow Small Arms Factory · Rifle · Discontinued · 1907
Also known as: Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, SMLE, Rifle No.1 Mk III, Three-Oh-Three, .303
Overview
The SMLE No.1 Mk III is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .303 British, produced by Lithgow Small Arms Factory since 1907. Featuring a 10-round magazine capacity, this rifle offers adequate firepower for defensive carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1130 mm (44.49") |
| Barrel Length | 640 mm (25.20") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 744 m/s (2441 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3120 J (2301 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 550 m (601 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2743 m (3000 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 20 rpm |
| 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: Manual Safety, Bolt Locking
- Features: Charger Clip Loading, Detachable Magazine, Rear Aperture Sight, Bayonet Lug, Sling Swivels, Cock On Closing
Variants
- SMLE No.1 Mk III* — Simplified
- SMLE No.1 Mk III* (HT) — Sniper
- Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I — Successor
Service history
Operators
- Australian Army · adopted 1908
- British Army · adopted 1907
- Canadian Armed Forces · adopted 1907
- New Zealand Army · adopted 1907
- Indian Army · adopted 1907
- South African Armed Forces · adopted 1907
Conflicts
- World War I (1914-1918)
- World War II (1939-1945)
- Korean War (1950-1953)
- Malayan Emergency (1948-1960)
Production
Estimated total produced: 17,000,000 · Production years: 1907-1956
Approximately 17 million across all manufacturing locations. Lithgow Small Arms Factory peak production was 30,500 rifles in the 1915-16 financial year. Lithgow ceased SMLE production in 1953, with a final token run of 1,000 rifles in 1956.
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: James Paris Lee
Discontinued: 1953
Notes
The Mk III was adopted in 1907 as an improvement over the earlier Mk I, featuring a simplified rear sight, fixed charger guides, and a lighter nose cap. The Mk III* variant introduced in 1916 further simplified production by eliminating the magazine cut-off, windage adjustment on the rear sight, and the long-range volley sights. Lithgow Small Arms Factory in New South Wales was the primary Australian manufacturer, achieving peak production of 30,500 rifles in the 1915-16 financial year. Other major manufacturers included the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield, BSA in Birmingham, and the Ishapore Rifle Factory in India. Lithgow ceased SMLE production in 1953, with a final commemorative run of 1,000 rifles in 1956. The stock material is walnut.
Background
During the 'Mad Minute' test at Hythe in 1914, Sergeant Instructor Snoxall set the record of hitting a 12-inch target at 300 yards 38 times in one minute using the SMLE's lightning-fast bolt action-a rate of fire so rapid it led German soldiers at Mons to believe they were facing machine guns rather than riflemen.