The No 1, Mk III* Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield (SMLE): Introduction

An introduction to the history, circumstances and use of what is perhaps the most iconic rifle in British, Empire and Commonwealth military history.

[@Candrsenal]

I take one day off and you sneak this out?!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You have nothing to fear!....... I see it like this...... Here I am,.... the wee kid playing on the warm, sandy beach with my little video.... The sun is glowing majestically, low in the sky,........ the gentle breeze in the palm fronds....... everything is just great and things seem to be just rolling along...... but lo!...... little do I know that behind me, out to sea, quietly rumbling and, at first, hardly visible as a thin strip on the horizon,...... is what will soon be the deafening, towering, titanic, awe-inspiring, juggernaught of a tsunami that is the mighty C&Rsenal.... hundreds of feet high, about to crash down with their own irreproachable and unmatchable video,... on me and my little sandcastle, and wash it all away.............. OK, maybe a bit overdramatized....... but you get the point... :-)

[@Candrsenal]

I just liked it...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Oh thank God..... :-)

[@lazaglider]

C&Rsenal You two, get a room. And then spend time discussing a full on colab at some point.

[@klevee6076]

C&Rsenal ha. Funny.

[@naadhiraramlan8191]

My father is making a replica Lee Enfield SMLE MkIII* out of wood. It's not real, It doesn't have metal, just wood *ONLY.* Thank you for giving us a better look into the design of the rifle! - A Commonwealth Malay person

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice!

[@DeathToTyrants24]

Alright there sport, calm down there. Acting like the ATF gonna come out the kitchen sink and molest your dog.

[@RyanRyzzo]

Always brings a SMLE to my face. Fantastic video!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

He who puns.....

[@chidlechopes]

RyanRyzzo has

[@joeyphaahla]

@@wernervoss6357 shut up

[@Crash-To-Desktop]

20:45 Soon as he says reliable and serviceable, he gets the bolt caught up on something. Excellent! :D

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It happens...

[@capandball]

Quality stuff! Cool!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Balazs!

[@dennispinon115]

can't believe I saw both of you in this commentary both of make great content keep up the good work

[@javiermoreno3573]

capandball I

[@literallydarheel3234]

It's like all of you fellows know eachother

[@leavemealoneyoutube1707]

You, C&Rsenal and the team of The Great War are the greatest things ever to happen on KZbin. Thank you. You guys are living my dream.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very kind words. Thank you.

[@fatefulcoma]

Proud to be British. this is the Best battle rifle we have ever had in service. it is sad that there is not many comprehensive videos about the SMLE so I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds

[@Procket12]

Fatefulcoma Go check out C&Rsenals feature length episode on this bad boy.

[@fatefulcoma]

Paul already syncing it up so i can its 1hr 40 mins then there is a new episode here on the smle lol

[@Procket12]

I was talking about that one but yeah there's also the feature length one on the Long Lees as well.

[@martinrobillard1]

yeap my inbreed friend , the only thing who is worth talking about coming of this country

[@nathansmith4460]

martin robillard Britain is a country?

[@rmesser]

Superb presentation on this iconic rifle of the Great War. Timing is perfect during the 100th celebration to educate those who have no knowledge of Tommy's best friend in the trenches. Incredibly well done content in this video. I'm on the hunt for a MkIII for myself now! Thank you for this labor of love.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Randall. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@karlaiken6152]

Brilliant stuff. What a lovely piece on the history and development of these classic British rifles. Thank you for sharing this. Well done.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Karl!

[@Badwolf75]

The quality of the videos on your channel just keep getting better and better. Please keep up the good work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! Glad you approve.

[@mithrawnudo2152]

I recently received a SMLE Mk. III* as a gift, and I'm loving learning about the history of the rifle. Great video, and I can't wait to see more of your channel.

[@AbbasAli-gs2fm]

Lucky you!

[@davestein4162]

I’m very grateful for this video. A WW2 101st Airborne DDAY veteran became a close family friend later in his life. He was wounded on DDay and evacuated but prior to leaving Normandy picked up an SMLE from a deceased British soldier. He brought it home to the US and it was given to me prior to his passing. Your video has given me the information to identify it as a MkIIII*. Manufactured in 1916 makes it possible this magnificent rifle was used in two world wars. I am incredibly humbled to hold, let alone own this weapon. Thank you

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome! Much more SMLE content here on the Channel if you are interested.

[@davestein4162]

@@britishmuzzleloadersYes sir, I subscribed! Many thanks!

[@yossilazerson]

thank you! your channel is a breath of fresh air! deep in knowledge and excellent in presentation.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Saracenkiller]

People like you are precious. The world doesn't know it, but it needs real histories of the men and the gear that made this post 1945 world possible. Keep it up!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very kind of you to say so... Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SurplusArchives]

Love gaining knowledge from the master himself. Enfields are examples of pure beauty. Thank you for all the videos good sir! Can't wait for more to come.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There is more coming... It might be in a while though... :-)

[@davidseale716]

My favourite rifle and as normal a fantastic and informative video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@Rumpole1000]

I really REALLY appreciate the effort you put into these videos. The period costume, the firing drills, even the Lord Kitchener mustache. Very professional and informative. The best part is that I've learnt more from this vid than I did in months of talking to staff members at various gunshops.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you for your kind words! Glad it was of help to you.

[@cptnemo20kl]

The Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk. III and the No. 4 Mk I are truly two of my favorite rifles. Their history, their design and engineering, and their quintessential British-ness are unparalleled. I have frequently searched for suitable documentaries about the Lee-Enfields but was often found wanting, as they were usually part of a larger showcase of British firearms, WWI/WWII firearms, or small footnotes in the grander scheme of the wars in which they served so gallantly. I have watched most - if not all - of your videos and several of them repeatedly. I especially enjoy the ones where you run field drills, as it is far more fitting to see these storied weapons among the uniform, kit, and pace of their original intent. To see that you are presenting the Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk. III means that it will truly have its wonderful historical firearm legend presented in the best manner possible. Your videos may finally convince me to locate a good one for purchase! Great videos. Wonderful content. Cheers.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I do my best... :-)

[@cattledog901]

That slo mo charge and drone shots at the end were straight up epic dude. This channel just keeps getting better!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed that bit. Just learning to work with the drone.

[@RastaRocket99]

It's good to finally find a youtuber that knows how to properly cock a SMLE, people often complain about how slow they are as a bolt action but you can see their speed when someone that knows what they're doing handles it

[@Gungeek]

who are these people lol?

[@joshuapaisie8183]

sir, just wanted to say Thank you your vids have helped me thru my 2nd deployment to Afghanistan my year in Korea and my 2nd divorce you go out of your way to insure that your historically accurate and you truly enjoy what you do thanks again

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is perhaps the most gratifying compliment anyone has paid the Channel... Thank you for your service, Joshua.

[@stevenwinnen9104]

I love my SMLE. A toss up between it and my M-1 Garand. But the Lee proved to be the actual workhorse of Military Rifles with modest changes throughout it's history. Also thanks for showing how to fire the SMLE Rapid fire. A technique I forgot about and which I used at a NRA timed Shoot event to qualify for my M-1.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@muddyboots1881]

Rockin' that outfit dude! Nicely in-character - was transported to the plains of Natal early 1900's for a minute there... Zulu's massing on the horizon, Boers sniping from the hilltops, African sun beating down... Lock and load, and remember to strip the clip - not round by round... Thumbs up for me...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! If it's Zulus and Boers that sparked an interest, there are plenty more clips with the weapons used against those worthy foes on the Channel!... :-)

[@hoplophobia7014]

I have been going through your older videos, for the third time, and I love them, thank you

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Most kind!

[@ldwithrow08]

Of all the shoulder fired small arms used on D-day, the Enfields suffered the least sand fouling. Possibly the most dependable military rifle ever built.

[@Tyler-xr5po]

What about the rim lock and feeding problems? They are known for being unreliable.

[@paddy2019]

@@Tyler-xr5po A certain Brit in Switzerland would beg to differ kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4C8hZelhtB5qK8

[@AndrewLindamood]

I have a Lee-Enfield .303 1918 SMLE MkIII. Your video has provided me a lot of information that I never knew before and had no knowledge of prior to obtaining this rifle. Thank you !👍

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear! There is a whole series on this and later versions of the rifle on the Channel if you are interested.

[@jaredkennedy2555]

just had to beat c&rsenal to the punch. haha.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Not at all.... When Othias put up the Long Lee clip, I was actually thinking that he beat me....!... :-)... when it rains it pours, eh? Awash in Enfield minutia.

[@jaredkennedy2555]

well I guess we are just in a golden era of British military arms then. I do love the channel as well.

[@cdavidlake2]

Wonderful video, wonderful channel. I feel under the spell of the .303 British and Lee-Enfield as a child. It was one of the first rifles I ever actually owned, and even at a young age I could tell there was something magical about them. As an adult, those feelings have only matured and deepened. You certainly do justice to this fine weapon. Thank you.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@Sentenza1138]

Top quality I love it!!!! P.S: will you make videos about the Adams or Webley revolvers?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I would like to but don't own any...

[@DougieMClark]

The internet goes years without much by the way of decent Lee Metford / Lee Enfield content then both you and C&R come along within days of each other. Whoopee!!! Thanks for your excellent efforts (on both programmes.)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks. It's been fun the last week. I take it that you were not impressed with the Lee-Metford content here on the Channel?.. :-)

[@DougieMClark]

Watched the Lee Metford content and "liked" same. Have also graduated to watching (and liking) the Martini Henry episodes. I am presently working my way through the rest of the channel content. As a general rule I do not watch re-enactment content, however in this case I am delighted to break with this norm. I note in particular that you wear the kilt in the correct manner. Are you of Scottish descent? Also, the scenery could easily be in the Scottish Highland, however you most certainly cannot shoot outside designated ranges or very large private estates in the UK. This is due to the oppressive laws effectively making ownership of any worthwhile firearms impossible in the UK.

[@Mrmz44]

Beautiful moustache

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Awww....

[@Jarod-vg9wq]

Sir your video historical accuracy and attention to detail never disappoint.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Many thanks. Kind of you to say so.

[@geoff1311]

Best gun channel on youtube!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Oh, come on now.... I appreciate the sentiment, but there are lots of great channels... :-)

[@geoff1311]

I feel like yours is the only channel that goes in depth on how these firearms were used within their time period and really demonstrates that to the viewer. I guess it is hard to put into words, but to me what makes your videos so interesting is that the firearm in each video isn't just an object, it was a product of a period of time that was used by the soldiers of its time. The period dress and gear, the exercises, the reenactments, etc all give a very vivid background to how these firearms saw action in their day which is something I have yet to see any other other channel on YT. Keep up the great work!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is a great compliment. I am humbled... Thank you.

[@mrbikehunter]

The work and research that goes into one of your videos must be immense . I think the gun trolls are just waiting for one little mistake to pounce but as yet from what I've seen you deny them any of the ammunition. Especially enjoyed this one I now have quit a few SMLEs and counting. (bloody addictive)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@xreaper_9029]

keep up the vids, love the stache !

[@brendonthomas2555]

Quality content! Enjoying your appropriate style of delivering military content and appropriate costuming

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@BrokenArrow951]

Hoping to see something about the mad minute in the next one :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Don't get me started..... It's going to be an opus too.

[@foowashere]

Oh, did you make it? IIRC you did 29 in your last one.

[@TwentythreePER]

I was hoping you'd do a series on the SMLE, even though I already appreciate the rifles you've already covered and the fact that your focus is more on Victorian age equipment. I look forward to what you come out with next because you cover many aspects of these historical arms that other channels don't cover, such as the specific drills used and equipment worn. I like the drone footage toward the end too. Bravo and well done, sir. By the way, the cartridges you reload are extremely interesting and well made. I would like to try something similar albeit with a different caliber.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! if you are interested, there is a 303 reloading video in the "Ammunition" playlist.

[@randcoudray138]

I have a no. 1 Mark III made at the Lithgow armoury marked 1942.

[@kromoism]

As do I

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice!

[@ConfederceyCSA]

An excellent history on the Lee Enfield No.1 MkIII.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@blueband8114]

Bl**dy Brilliant wish i could give more than 1 thumbs up. Was that a bit of drone footage whilst you ran at the end? Hurrah and Hazzah..

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, a bit of drone footage.... just learning.... Hey,.... what's wrong with your other thumb?.... hahahaha.....

[@blueband8114]

britishmuzzleloaders thought i had! damn senior moment, my thumb has now done its duty.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

And we laughed......

[@tsmgguy]

During WWI, there was enormous US popular interest in the standard American infantry rifle of the day, the Springfield M1903, as well as its enemy and allied counterparts. It was often said that while the Germans had the best hunting rifle and the Americans had the best target rifle, the British had the best battle rifle.

[@deepsouthredneck1]

Trying to beat C&Rsenal to SMLE now are we :)

[@lazaglider]

dreyrugr He didn't try. He succeeded :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Now, now,.... not at all.... It is by complete coincidence.... as much as it may not look that way.... I've been plugging away at this one for a couple of months... :-)

[@lazaglider]

britishmuzzleloaders I don't think anyone is seriously suggesting it Rob, it's all just good fun.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Oh, I agree!... :-).... It has made me laugh though.. "Hey look, my favourite Channel is doing the same rifle as I am!..."

[@brucebergstresser3973]

Excellent presentation. You demonstrate an inborn pride in your topic. Jolly good show.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Bruce.

[@docholliday1993]

He sounds like the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons.

[@fatmonk1]

Amazing Video always makes my day when I see you post

[@towarzyszbeagle6866]

The SMLE is an absolute classic without a doubt. However I think the No.4 is the pinnacle of the family with its stronger barrel and excellent aperture sights.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Agreed... .as discussed in the No 4 videos, here on the Channel... :-)

[@notarokescientist3003]

Arguably the best bolt action main battle rifle ever issued and used by any army.

[@rman126]

quality work! I love all my enfields but my 1917 no1mk3* is my favourite

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! There was a reason it was my first full bore rifle...

[@rman126]

britishmuzzleloaders funny it has taken you this long to get to the enfield then ... are you planning to video with a Ross?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I don't have one... On the look out always though.

[@tommygun6028]

Excellent episode

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@Blair635]

My friend, outstanding again. I did my first full bore shooting as a cadet in 1983 with a .303 Lee Enfield no 4 in the Scotland

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! It certainly was the first experience for a lot of people.. and a better one, you couldn't ask for, if you ask me... :-)

[@Blair635]

you certainly learned all the principles of marksmanship, sight picture, and the importance of shooting position and dealing with recoil as a 13 year old cadet. Moved on to use the L1A1 SLR, then the arse dropped out of it all and we got landed with the abomination that is the SA80, where did it all go wrong, should have kept the .303 and the bren gun, looks like we're heading that way. Afghanistan again, Persia again, and again, at least the rifle would have been on familiar ground lol. Take care ma man, mark yer targets when they come..

[@BryanCoombes]

cool video! I was a 2812 Seaforth Highlander Army Cadet back in the late 80's. We used this rifle and the FN-C1A1 for drill and the range.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice!

[@savannafc]

Great video, really enjoyed the re-enactment footage, thanks from Canada.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alanbrooke144]

Mate, stumbled across your channel today. Its easily far and away the best weapons channel out there - well done!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you Alan.. Glad you have found it to your liking!

[@Robmartin26]

Simply outstanding work, thank you for what must have been an incredible amount of work in putting this video together.Exceedingly well done Sir!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@motor19425]

Thank you for all the hard work you do good sir. As a fellow Canuck I'm always interested in what tools our predecessors used to do the empire's work. Thanks for everything you do good sir.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are quite welcome!

[@CaptainBogroll]

Blimey the quality just keeps going up and up! Lovely work Rob

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.... I'm a slow learner but I will eventually get there... :-)

[@KMac329]

Very well made, well documented, very informative video series. It increases my admiration for this lineage of Enfield rifles.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you are enjoying things! Cheers!

[@BennettIsAmazing]

Drone footage! Excellent stuff Rob as always. I am an enormous fan of your channel, encompassing as is does my primary interest in firearms - shoulder fired British small arms - with clear passion and superb execution. Might I ask though if there is a video series in the works on, to my eyes, the 'other' iconic small arm of the British Empire? The one with an enormous service life that like a counterpoint to the SMLE/No4, bookends the period of the start of the Empire? The Brown Bess? I realise that it is probably significantly less fun to shoot, with a more frustrating working up, but nevertheless count me up as one of those interested in it's history and use, and it's full capabilities at the range. Anyway - excellent stuff with the SMLE, looking forward to more!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hey-ho! Thanks very much!... Yes, i have a repro Indian Pattern Bess and it will be seeing the light of day at some point. It is just a repro and therefore only really good for general presentation but it will get one at some point. Lots to cover there, for sure.

[@Bloo0969]

Again, another superb video that brought back memories of when I used to collect Lee-Enfields. Still have my No2 Mk4 Lithgow in .22.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

A bit cheaper on the ammo with that one, eh?.. :-)

[@Bloo0969]

Yes, especially when a brick of .22s went from $20 to $70. Disgusting.

[@bigglesflysagain1749]

A fine presentation ! I could even "smell" the oil.....TYVM !!!!!!!!! By the time I joined the Army in OZ, such a weapon had been replaced by the FN. However, as a lad , our school cadets used the 303....and later in life I owned a sporterized version and later still (recently) I used one on a nearby range, along with a M1......sore shoulder at the end of THAT shoot !!...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers! Thanks very much!

[@spartan1701]

Well worth the wait. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@TheLoxxxton]

came to your channel via forgotten weapons and I'm sure I'm going to enjoy watching your whole back catalogue of stuff!!! love this stuff

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!.. Hope there is something that appeals to you here.

[@Joselbasurto]

Very informative indeed. I'm a proud owner of a SMLE rifle and this video helped me understand the origins of this very historic rifle. Thanks!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome!

[@garysimpson3900]

Thanks you for this article from a UK Firearms Certificate Holder with MK 111*.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@eariamjh71]

Forgotten Weapons brought me here. How did I not know about this channel? Great stuff!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you decide to stay for a while!

[@grumpybastard5744]

Thanks, a wonderful video. My Grandfather carried one in WWI, Dad mostly carried a Bren. I have a re-barreled 1918 Lithgow in the gunsafe. I don't think it has had a round down it yet--something you have inspired me to change. I agree with you that C&Rsenel have done an excellent presentation on the history. Keep up the good work.

[@jasonb1776]

Brilliant video Rob, Lots of research and beautifully but together. The camera angles were superb. Clearly a rifle you have a great affection for...and it shows!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! It was my first full bore rifle, way back when...

[@shoesoul4016]

Wonderful video as always. Your channel is truly one of a kind.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you very much!

[@graemebdh2172]

When I was a school cadet aged 15 and 16 at a grammar school in Melbourne, Australia, all cadets were issued with SMLE .303 rifles manufactured from WWI on. Day boys had to take them home on the train or bus or however and bring them back for parade again the next Wednesday afternoon. I was a boarder and we stored ours in a gun room. They were perfectly fireable. I took one home on a boarders’ weekend and talked my dad into buying some ammo at the sports store. We then took it up the bush to shoot off some rounds until my mum who was with us became quite horrified at the noise a .303 makes. This was in the mid 60s. How times have changed.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks for sharing!

[@medic9544]

I have it on good authority (from Keith Payne, Victoria Cross recipient and Vietnam veteran) Australians actually used the No1 mk3* in the very early stages of Vietnam. Not by combat teams but by the early trading and mentoring teams

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The first 30 men of the "Australian Army Training Team Vietnam" deployed in 1962. It would be nice for a bit of context. Rifles sent as support for local militia?.... Sniping perhaps?

[@AbbasAli-gs2fm]

I am from India; in my college days in the NCC (National Cadet Corps) - Army Wing, we used to learn shooting with these same Lee Enfield Mk IIIs with 5 rounds in the magazine. (During the 1970s).

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice!

[@liamclarke1196]

Another brilliant video loved the bayonet charge bit

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hahaha... Cheers.

[@dunxy]

Great video, blown away! So much history condensed into one video!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@Peter_Box]

Thank you for the great videos. I've been finding that your and the other historical weapons channels to be very high quality and enjoyable to watch.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you find things here to your liking. Cheers.

[@karsonbranham3900]

Excellent video! I have a no 1 mkIII*that has been rebarreled by Gibbs and rebranded by Navy Arms as a”Frontier” rifle chambered in 45/70 government. It packs a wallop!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I'll say!

[@mrleechapman7615]

Iam really impressed with your Victorian style mustache, great videos

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you. Or in this case, my Edwardian mustache.

[@kevinpaulson2659]

Outstanding video. I really liked the quick firing with your middle finger on the trigger. Thank you for such high quality productions. Love your channel!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It's not in any manual but "commonly accepted"..... Thanks!

[@madgeordie4469]

There is something very workmanlike and efficient looking about the SMLE. It looks like what it is, a rifle designed for soldiers to deal with their enemies. No fripperies and as tough as old boots, accurate and powerful, with a ten round magazine, these served for over half a century and were as effective at the end of their military careers as they were at the beginning. That is one hell of a testimony for any military weapon.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Their longevity certainly speaks to their serviceability, for sure.

[@T8Hants]

Another excellent video Rob, a nice touch having the tongue of the 08 belt out for active service and not tucked under for parade. I hope you will also look at the almost unloved orphan the P14, as well as the No 4 in due season. You keep making 'em and we'll keep watching.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! I will. The P08 is just a crap set from India.... the fittings are rubbish but it holds 15 rounds a pouch and "generally" fits the bill for 1914. Thankfully, I'm into historical shooting and as long as it gets the point across and gives the experience of using the real thing, I'm happy. I don't have a P14, and to be honest, I am not a "collector" as such, so I am not on the look-out for one, sorry... now, if one were to fall into my lap? Sure thing, 100%... My No 4 left me a nasty note the other day, lamenting all the attention his mother is getting though...

[@T8Hants]

I have always liked the No 4 and the sights suit my elderly eyes better than Mum. I do have a No 4 in .22" that was built from bits found during the Enfield factory close down raises the odd eyebrow when I take it to our 25yard indoor range

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There was a reason that they went to those sights!... :-) Personally, I tend to go for older women.. as you may have noticed... haha..

[@robertspeicher5047]

When I was a young teen. My mother, who worked in hospital brought home two enfields. The man was a friend and wanted to sell them. One was sporterizespd, SO LIGHT I could hold it like a hand gun. The other was a , still, full stock No. 4.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice!

[@Dutchie1973]

What an excellent video. Thank you taking the time and research to assemble all this knowledge into a place available to all of us. Love the Lee Enfield rifle.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks. Glad you found it interesting.

[@bundook303]

A comprehensive video. Thank you; and congratulations Rob, you do excellent work. Keep 'em coming Sah!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Will do. Thanks!

[@brucebartup6161]

Very neat. Love the entry of 'Atholl Highlanders' at the right moment on the soundtrack. Superb video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@professorpewpuew]

Makes me miss my old 1918 produced rifle. A great rifle for the ages.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I can't imagine that you had any liking for the SMLE.... :-)

[@mikecawood]

We used the SMLE/Rifle No.1 for drilling in the Combined Cadet Force at school although for actual shooting they had a few Rifles No.4.

[@Sheerwater909]

Takes me back to Bisley in the 1970s where I could sometimes be found shooting off at 500 and 1000 yards with (Parker Hale target modified) iron sights. Thanks Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Very nice! Was that a No 5 or a No 9 sight? I can't remember the designation...

[@Sheerwater909]

Too long ago to remember unfortunately. Still got one of the two silver spoons I won there though.

[@DarkKnight-dk3nf]

Respect to scotland. Long live 93rd Gordon Highlanders, Scots Grays & Black Watch. Splendid for your work.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@corporalpunishment1133]

Great production. A thanks.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@stuartclark4699]

Great video on a great rifle. Your uniform and regalia adds a feeling of historic authenticity, and respect for the men who lived and died holding the SMLE. Interesting quick firing technique, Sir, with thumb and forefinger on the bolt, leaving the middle finger on the trigger!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Not official by any means, but a commonly accepted "cheat"..

[@Robert.72]

Just awesome, and so informative. Always top quality.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank You!

[@Pirate1718]

Love the vid. Proud piece of British history is this rifle. Also loved you're "mad minute" shooting. New subscriber here

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you kindly. Hope there is something that appeals here on the Channel!

[@lptomtom]

Damn, that drone shot at the end... Production quality's getting better and better, great job!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you... it's a bit of a learning curve, especially when you're by yourself.... :-)

[@Robert.72]

Great doco! Wonderful.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@mattarmstrong9205]

Great video! I've been waiting for this one and you certainly didn't disappoint. Look forward to your next one.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it Matt. Thanks.

[@macanix8072]

Another excellent video!!! Thanks...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome! Cheers.

[@stefannegler2314]

Another great Vid! Be proud Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers! But not too proud... :-)

[@105alatorre]

Great video! Thank you for your work. You made me appreciate my SMLE even more!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! Glad it "helped"...:-)

[@soapyork9356]

Great video, thank you for being the only channel like this on youtube! Keep it up!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks very much! Keep on, keeping on...

[@paladin56]

Another fascinating and informative film. Good production values as well. Very nice drone shot towards the end.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Tim. Glad you found it to your liking.