The No1, Mk III*, Short, Magazine, Lee Enfield (SMLE): Musketry of 1914 -PART THREE "A"

If you would like to support the Channel you can do so through our Patreon Page.
/ britishmuzzleloaders
In this video, we'll discuss some of the details of the Annual Qualification and shoot Part I, The Qualifying Practices
For your Martini and Snider needs email Martyn at [e-mail]
And for further reading on all British Victorian (and earlier) arms stop by the British Militaria Forum and say hello. britishmilitari...

[@grozaAC]

This is the best channel on KZbin.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@survivalcomms]

The attention to detail and the work you put into your videos make them such a pleasure to watch. The entertainment factor, the educational aspects , and the rubber meeting the road theory into practice are the equal of or surpass any commercial production IMHO. Thank you for sharing !

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

That is a fine compliment and I am humbled... Thank you.

[@MatthewRHardwick]

Truly incredible. This series could be on TV

[@mikeryan9479]

This is starting out to be a great day! No work, baby slept through the night, a trip to the range later and a new video ! Thank you Rob and muzzle loading gods.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

So, at the right time then?

[@KarlEller]

"It would be so long as to be unwatchable." I think you might underestimate the length of video that us weirdos who are into random obscure history are prepared to watch. If I can watch an hour and a half video by C&Rsenal on one rifle, I can watch a long video on musketry :P

[@MrLulzbot]

KarlEller Agreed, heck I might just watch the Enfield videos back to back tomorrow.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you for the kind sentiment. I am right there with you... I can easily spend the time and watch something that I enjoy. Some can't though. This way, you can always watch them back to back (the preceding parts that is)... :-) For some, 20 mins is about the limit.

[@matthewspeller]

While I'm happy to park myself to watch a feature length video by you, the shorter ones provide easier references & ease of search later on.

[@sosteve9113]

awesome video imho

[@Khanclansith]

While most of Ian's Forgotten Weapons videos are under a half hour, I could imagine him going an hour and half easy if he got a firearm loaned to him for a while to go over an entire history in detail.

[@CheshireTomcat68]

I look forward to Part 7, section 6, subpart i (b*) indent 4 (type alpha 3) . Glad I subscribed :-)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes, I know,...... I know,....... convoluted, yes... but organized.

[@p03saucez]

It's been epic watching your production value improve so dramatically as it has. Love your videos man. Nearly as much as I love my SMLEs.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers! Glad you are enjoying things!

[@steamengineshooray]

Of course we'd always forgive man your dedication and effort to this is amazing. I personally would not even think of going out in a kilt and khakis in cold, snowing, damp weather but yet here you were making videos for our education, enlightenment and entertainment. Massive kudos to you and solid shooting there :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you! Yes, it was cold and wet at times... :-)

[@timmorrison4117]

I don't know what you do for a living, but these are of professional quality in all respects. The stories and reenactment aspect is very, very good! The effort put in is so obvious.

[@hamm6033]

I love the level of detail maintained the entire video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear that. Thanks.

[@johnfisk811]

Rob. I am humbled by the level of commitment and work to achieve this series. Bravo. Now I have a feel for what my grandfather was doing at the time.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it John!

[@youmaus]

Speaking as a competitive target rifle shooter who has an aspiration to shoot at Bisley on his bucket list....I found this most enlightening.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

May you get there one day! Cheers.

[@jonathanderosa8608]

Just like Lee Enfield's, these videos are coming in with multiple latitudes of designations. Huzzah to another great video by Rob!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yeah, things got a bit longer than anticipated... Had to break it up a bit.... Cheers.

[@DagaYute]

Very cool! I often find that learning about how rifles were employed is as interesting as the rifles themselves.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@lordDenis16]

I love it when the twins are back in action in the intro loool

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@MrRedbeard762]

Cleverly produced and informative as always, thank you for all the hard work you put into these videos.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@blueband8114]

A good cup of tea, a good chicken sandwich, accompanied by a Excellent vid to watch, what more could i want at lunch time.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Enjoy!

[@rimedrihen6054]

What a fantastic series. I live in Dover, England. Very close to Hythe. Now those shooting premises have become a brewery and a car park for a supermarket... Great to see this series, amongst the best if not the best.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you kindly!

[@Ashfielder]

I have to say, Belgium is looking very forested and mountainous these days. I suppose back in 1914, it hadn’t been levelled and deforested by artillery of course.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha, yes, the perils of living in a forest in the mountains, I guess. :-) In all fairness, the subject is the "Musketry of 1914", and as such isn't particularily about the "fighting" of 1914... Peacetime ranges and all that... Cheers! When I do the video on the Battle of Le Cateau, I'll have to put that disclaimer in there... :-)

[@webtoedman]

Well, they do have the Ardennes.

[@danpos1971]

Very interesting video and it looks like a lot of fun to qualify.I'm going to get my 1917 BSA No MKIII back out to the range and see how I do. Please keep the videos coming :) Awesome job!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The practices only get more interesting from here!

[@danpos1971]

Cool! looking forward to it. In the meantime I'm going to build some targets. That looks like to much fun not to participate :)

[@PaletoB]

This brings back memories, lying on the firingline picking up spent case's and waiting for your score. Then you had to loudly report if you passed or not with all your buddies around. :D

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Lots more shooting yet! Wait till the Classification Practices and I see whether or not I pass!... :-)

[@joeturner1597]

The Ox and Bucks was my local TA regiment.The Army Cadets still train in their old drill hall.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cool!

[@Strelnikov10]

I do hope this series ends up in a museum or two. Well done, sir.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@roadpanzir]

Thanks Rob, your program just keeps getting better! And yes you are forgiven for any and all discrepancies.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@EldarKinSlayer]

As always Informative AND Entertaining. Production levels are continually improving. GREAT JOB, THANK YOU!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@T8Hants]

An excellent video once again Rob, for those of us who live on a tiny Island, the IoW, (Look at the bottom of the UK), this is shooting by proxy. Advanced warning, you must continue the instruction into the No4 era, so you now have time to get the BD, Bundook, and practice, and we will look forward to it immensely

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Maybe one day, it takes a lot to amass all the bits, you know.. :-)

[@T8Hants]

I'm 63 and still collecting bits, I've got a nice full wood No 4 in .22LR, I've tried scaling down the military targets to suit the caliber and the 100yard range we have.

[@undeadblackjack]

You are amazing.

[@thehoff1793]

You too brothers? You look as much alike... Another amazing video Sir ... Turn that Enfield up to 11... Will go that high... Go full spinal tap... You are brilliance...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

So you enjoyed it then....

[@Jarod-te2bi]

The true definition of quality over quantity is this channel

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you.

[@petoncovet8476]

Excellent job as always Rob! It seems we have a lot in common as I too "never seem to underestimate how bad a shot I am" when I am really trying! Keep em coming. Cheers.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it. Oh, the shooting gods...

[@1337penguinman]

Damn, I thought getting all my guys through annual qualification when I was a Navy instructor was a pain in the ass...

[@AmerigoMagellan]

"It seems the colonel fancy himself a bit of a hard ass" LOL!

[@danieltorrens8788]

That is some damn fine shooting there Rob, considering the distances with open sights. Well done.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@Thorsaxe777]

I appreciate your dedication and authentic recreations of what was expected of being a rifleman in the day. I enjoy your videos and how they reflect on what match shooting has become in NRA high power. In nostalgia shoots, we shoot out to 500 yards at the 5-V target, anything outside the Three-ring is a miss. V's have a value of 5pts and are tiebreakers. This was the standard shooting target up too mid 1960's, the numerical target took over after that because it heightened the bar also Prone slow fire was pushed out to 600-yards instead of 500, scoring rings grew smaller and scores became more competitive. Dave.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing, Dave!

[@Project1312]

Jolly good show Rob. Well done and thank you for the riveting video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are most welcome! Cheers.

[@dermotrooney9584]

Lovely. Thanks again.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome!

[@SafetyProMalta]

As usual, excellent Rob.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you!

[@wjsnow2195]

Yet another excellent video. I just bought an No 1 mark III* yesterday and can’t wait to reach out to see what the old girl can do. Not sure how to adjust the windage if needed but I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Now to select some ammo that is close to the wartime load....

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear! You'll have a great time, for sure. There is a windage tool.. If you google "Lee Enfield front sight adjustment tool"...

[@wjsnow2195]

britishmuzzleloaders thank you! Unfortunately in my ignorance I bought a rifle that had hidden damage to the fore stock. Namely a crack where it looks like someone tightened the butt stock with the forestock on and what im being told are “worn draws” so I have to find a replacement stock before I can shoot. Live and learn!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes the draws are integral to the accuracy of the rifle...

[@tinfoilhat3268]

You're in my top 5 favorite leafs thank you

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@wrxs1781]

Well done, as always.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@Mike_Hoffmann]

Well done Rob!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thank you. Cheers.

[@Interp66]

Outstanding Sir!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@Interp66]

britishmuzzleloaders your very welcome keep up the great work!

[@JenniferinIllinois]

Did the Colonel approve of this splitting up of the annual qualification videos? Off to the cookhouse with you!!!!!! ;)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha!

[@torturedtale49]

Rivetting. Thanks.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

You are welcome.

[@Targetpopper]

I need to make me one of them figure targets. That looks like a good bit of fun. Also you could have released a feature length presentation and I would have watched it in one sitting. Amazing content, your work should be the definition of living history.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Nice to hear that you'd be OK with a longer version. Cheers.

[@MrMcWeaksauce1]

Very informative video as always, however, i did notice something that peaked my attention. I noticed the brass keepers on your sling are face up, toward the wood of the rifle. I have always put mine facing down, as to not scratch the rifle. Is there a “proper” way to have the brass keepers mounted according to the British ? Little nerd question for you :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Generally scratching isn't something that one worries about on a service rifle.... canadaatwarblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/highlander-cleaning-his-short-lee-enfield-rifle-royal-highlanders-of-canada-june-1916-iiiijpg.jpg wargaming.com/media/ckeditor_uploads/2016/05/19/Brit_1.jpg

[@deepbludreams]

Anybody ever tell you that you sound vaguely like one of the narrators of the old History Channel series "Modern Marvels" ?

[@vaselivitch]

i would say more similar in cadence then sound really.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

No they haven't. You are the first.

[@michaelflynn3970]

These videos are amazing! As a lover of history, I am just eating this up. As a shooter myself, this is giving me fun ideas on things to practice to improve my own marksmanship. With the shooters I practice with, I get alot of gruff for using 'old, outdated' rifles without optics. Yet I feel these practices show that with a capable shooter Iron sights, while needing more practice, are still plenty capable. I do have a question though, were these trainings used for only the British troops in the UK proper? OR would they have gone through the same training in the Dominion of Canada with the Ross? I figure if anyone were to have a idea it would be you. Love your stuff!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed the video! This was the "regular Army course of fire.... The Militia in Canada would have had a similar, though less complex series of practices, or indeed, depending on where the unit was stationed, next to no practice at all...

[@michaelflynn3970]

@@britishmuzzleloaders That is very interesting! It makes sense though, that in a empire that vast, in that time period, would have variations of training. I wonder, in your opinion, do you think if the Dominion had the same level of training set for them, they might have found and addressed the issues with the Ross before they hit the trenches? Just fun to think on.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@michaelflynn3970 Make no mistake, the men of the Canadian Division were no supermen... Although the system of training in the Militia was entirely based on Empire-wide doctrine and organization, it was not at all as would have been expected in the Regular British Army. The Ross Rifle that was taken to War was the Mk III... This was issued for the most part, in 1914 at Valcartier, upon the arrival of all the volunteers from across the country... It simply wasn't available before then... The problems with the Ross were ones of quality and design.. Training would have played every little in preventing the issues that were experienced.

[@michaelflynn3970]

@@britishmuzzleloaders Makes perfect sense to me! My time line was off, I was mixing up the Mark II and the Mark III's date. I had it in my head that they had the rifle longer than they did. Clears it up nicely! Thank you for sharing as always!

[@Aetherling]

Superb!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers!

[@bruceperkins6844]

Outstanding video. As a retired US Army Logistics NCO, logistically speaking this must have been a great undertaking during this time frame to support qualification. We had know where near this amount of range time or amount of ammunition need to zero, practice then qualify. Given the circumstances of transportation during that time frame of troops, food, water and ammunition that had to be planned in great deal even at the company level. Not to mention the suck factor of rain, snow and heat. Did they have specific months this was planned or sort of your time was your time? Also the added stress of losing pay not to qualify. Another fascinating part to me would be what part did the .22 trainers play in all of this? Perhaps an idea for another video?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Hi Bruce. Yes the program was rather extensive. It was planned, typically, in months with better weather. This is mentioned specifically in the manual. Cheers, Rob

[@vandabo]

This is absolutely fascinating stuff. It's so interesting seeing what the professional British army soldiers were expected to be able to do. Did this standard of training survive long into WW1?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks! No it didn't.. I don't have the exact reference, but I seem to recall a modification from 1915.... "an abridged" wartime version...

[@MOOEYSMITH]

Brilliant!!!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks!

[@charlesthepaperman]

Part 3A... Shouldnt this have been "Part III*"?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Well played, sir,.... well played..

[@ellistonwebsite]

Great video! I have enjoyed your WWI videos.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad to hear! Cheers.

[@sosteve9113]

awesomme video,great history,thanks for sharing atb steve

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Thanks Steve!

[@mddagati]

Your videos are litterly the only reason I want a large bore black power breach loading gun much funner then my ar15, plus if u can have a mustaches that nice so. Can I

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@DNchap1417]

I hear stories about No 4 magazines and chargers not being compatible with previous Enfield models... Can you clarify these rumours?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Mags no, chargers yes...

[@geezerp1982]

i love my enfield

[@galbas78]

very interesting. I always wondered what the Brits qualification standards were.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Stick around, there are three more clips on the way.

[@galbas78]

I fully intend on it good sir. wish I had the time and talent I would put together something similar for German qualifications for the same time period.

[@Strelnikov10]

"Obviously, scoring was intimately tied to performance..." Ahhhh, better times.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Haha!

[@tobykenneally3169]

Do you know which round your throwing the ‘flyer’ on? Might be something your subconsciously doing, could train it out if it’s always first, third or last shot, if you know what I mean. Great video.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I don't. To be honest, I haven't even worked this rifle up yet... I just tried the same rounds as I use with the Metford and they seemed to do OK... Could be a slipping gas check, a bad cast round,.... or of course, me... :-)

[@dukesofdevon]

Any ideas what seemed to be causing the empties to stick rather than eject cleanly?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Extraction could be a dirty chamber, ejection was all me in not cycling the bolt in a manly enough manner.

[@mpetersen6]

Ah, the mystery of musketry. I am assuming you shot this a while ago as you are prbably up to your perverbial posterior in the white stuff now. I keep waiting for Sgt Preston of the RCMP to drop in

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

This project has taken almost a year.... so yes, the practices were shot in all seasons... :-)

[@kaiserrollschicken5895]

lol, cool intro.

[@notarokescientist3003]

Another winner

[@rogerhudson9732]

Did the pre-1914 volunteers such as my old 'Artists Rifles' do the full infantry qualification.?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The TF had their own Musketry Program... HIGHLY abridged.. Two parts, 30 rounds in Part 1 (The Instructional Practices 1-6) and 23 rounds in Part Two (The Standard Test, Practices 7-10). Both featured Slow, Rapid and Snap Shooting from 100 to 500yds... all 5 round practices, except Practice 9 which was an 8 round rapid at 200.

[@engineer6250]

TF. Territorial Forces? Hello Roger from a member of the Artists Rifles Clubhouse and (sometime) member of the MMSC.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes, Territorial Force, as it was known at the time.

[@TheTrainMan19]

You seem like the guy to ask. I have a Mk 4 303 from 1945. It is a longbranch. Should it have the funky ridged top for-end wood or are those just the british ones.

[@MrMcWeaksauce1]

TheTrainMan19 yours being a late war production i would say it would have the smooth wood. A lot of little details like the reeds in the wood were deleted throughout the war to speed up production and cut costs

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

My No4 has ribs... Like anything, older parts were used up before the newer patterns... so, not incomprehensible...

[@musicsetsfre1]

hey just curious where your from in Canada, looks like were in similar BC terrain with similar interests.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I am from BC.

[@musicsetsfre1]

britishmuzzleloaders Awesome man me too, I’m in Kelowna. Curious if you had any parts available for the MKlll*, having a very hard time tracking some down to restore from a sporterized to a original set up. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I don't know other than by googling, I'm afraid...

[@zman1508]

I would pay good money to see someone in your period uniform hunting kangaroos in the nulla

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I am sure it's been done.

[@zman1508]

britishmuzzleloaders We did it once in period Victorian police garb and that was rather exciting but a kilt in the sand a dust would be rather interesting

[@zman1508]

britishmuzzleloaders By the way have you ever seen images of the sawn off Snider's used by Ned Kelly and other bush rangers. Curious what you think about them

[@skeletons7280]

Yeah canada!!!

[@richardgarren723]

I like to think that Rob is the individual that the character, Ron Swanson is based upon.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

I don't eat as much meat though...

[@robshannon7829]

Great Channel, what mould do you use for your cast projectiles?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

There is a video on 303 cartridge I use on the Channel if you are interested.

[@minutemanqvs]

Amazing video, really :)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Cheers.

[@keithplymale2374]

I have a 1940/41 Lithgow SMLE. Be fun to do that with it.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes it would!

[@davidprice9520]

Where is a good place to find the musketry manuals referenced ? 🙂

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

The Vickers Machinegun Collection and Research Association website.... vickersmg.blog

[@davidprice9520]

@@britishmuzzleloaders thank you very much. I’m having a browse now 🙂

[@amandahammond2691]

How do you make the variety of targets that you use to shoot? I would be quite curious to know.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

They are made from a wooden frame with cardboard, faced with the appropriate paper.

[@amandahammond2691]

britishmuzzleloaders I will have to give them a try! Is it hard to move the frames?

[@pikeywyatt]

Bugger have just got my Baker,and now i must get a SMLE,

[@pikeywyatt]

Nothing you do is unwatchable .But i will run out of ££,soon , but at 71 what do i care.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Sorry to be such a burden to your pocketbook!.... :-) Still, in the name of a rewarding pastime, though.

[@Alcochaser]

0:23 Never a bren gun when you need one. LOL

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

:-) They'd be useful...

[@ACorey6910]

Did the Scotts wear bloody kilts in the winter too!? Anyways, talk about bashed up knees in rocky terrain. But when there's bullets flying, I suppose that's the least of your problems.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Yes they did. The last unit action wearing them was in 1940...

[@exploatores]

how long did they call the standard infantery weapon a musket ?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Until the introduction of the P53. Then it was called a "Rifle-Musket".

[@exploatores]

so when did the Musket of the name part dissapearad completly

[@Apalaceboy1905]

the photograph at 4:15 is that bisley ?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

No, I don't think so... don't know where it is, sorry.

[@peteslinn482]

I am pretty sure that the video at 14:29 is Century range at Bisley, looks much the same now, though the train track is gone :)

[@lhbh2o]

Were soldiers allowed to shoot left-handed?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Not typically.

[@davidbriggs264]

There is one very BIG difference between those soldiers who shot this back in 1914 and earlier, and you. If push came to shave (and it did in 1914), THEY were going to war, whereas you are simply showing us how they did it 100 years ago. So I for one have NO problem if the occasional modern element such as a plastic table or an unauthorized piece of long underwear shows up. Good job, and GOOD SHOOTING. Congratulations.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Glad you enjoyed it David.

[@wierdalien1]

Do you know why it was still called the musketry drills? As opposed to marksmanship. My hang up here is that it isnt a musket? (You really like using punchinello (12:05 ish onwards) you know its a brass band piece and not strictly a military band piece? (I know the recording you are using is a military band goddamn flutes)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

It's just a term that is from long ago... ball ammunition is still ball ammunition event thought the last weapons to use round ball went out 150 years ago (+/-)

[@wierdalien1]

britishmuzzleloaders british army following tradition again.

[@minuteman4199]

I think they still call it musketry now. At least they did thirty years ago. And although the practices have changed slightly we still did basically the same thing for our "annual qualification" shoots when I was a young squaddie. To bad there was no proficiency pay on the line though because I was a pretty good shot.

[@M80Ball]

britishmuzzleloaders I don’t like this guys attitude.

[@wierdalien1]

Saarn1823 who mine?

[@thebelfastvikingmartinbrow3603]

In 1982_1983 using a SMLE M4 at 14-15 years old in the army cadets I got 2nd class shot . I was kinda never a good rifle Shot with the SMLE or the SLR in my full and part time army days .I was a better pistol or SMG shot.

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Quite the small arms gamut there!

[@louiscifer5438]

I like yours movies, are you Scottish?

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Scottish?..... No, Canadian.

[@louiscifer5438]

Sorry for my mistake and hi in Canada. I own the Lee enfield MK1 No. 4, 1944 Canadian long branch, a very good weapon.