The No 4, Mk I* Lee-Enfield: Introduction
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
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/ britishmuzzleloaders
Errata -
The labelling of the "wrongly stamped" Mk III sight should be better described as "confusingly stamped".. the designation refers to the leaf...
It should be clarified that the rifle has at some point spent time in India with resultant modifications and maintenance...
Also, as of the 1937 Manual, the safety catch should be applied with the forefinger of the right hand.
For your Martini and Snider needs email Martyn at xringservices@yahoo.com
And for further reading on all British Victorian (and earlier) arms stop by the British Militaria Forum and say hello. britishmilitariaforums.yuku.com - Розваги
Never attack without a brushed moustache.
And a properly ironed uniform. Standard Mordian Iron Guard doctrine.
Dionys Rigard greetings fellow 40k enthusiast.
and a military band playing The British Grenadiers.
It IS a fine 'Tache!
That's how us brits tell our rank the bigger the moustache the higher the rank
Rob,
Something occurred to me during this video. I think we all realise you have a deep and genuine interest in your subject, which extends to an enjoyment of making the videos, however there is a less obvious point to all of this.
Interest? Hobby? Labour of love? Call it what you will, but you are creating quite possible the finest and most detailed archive of information on your subject that has ever existed in one place. Just think about that. You are doing some massively important leg work so that present and future generations can learn, information that could otherwise so easily be lost.
One more thing. Now you’ve ‘gone modern’ with the no 4, it’s only reasonable to explore the no5 ...
Unending thanks for your efforts.
You sentiments are very kind, thank you.. to be honest, I started (and continue) to make these because there was nothing out there that "I" wanted to see on these subjects... So, believing in the axiom of "don't sit there and complain about it,... do something!"... I did.... glad to hear that things appeal to you here on the Channel. Cheers.
Rob, I second that sentiment, and also want to thank you for all your hard work! I'm always impressed by the production value and quality of content you bring to your channel.
Regarding a No. 5, I left you a message on Patreon in the comments for this video regarding donating one to the channel.
Thank you Simon. I saw it in circumstances that prevented me from replying right away... will do so now.
While I wholeheartedly agree with all of the above. I do wonder if there is scope for some form of presentation format away from UA-cam, you only have to look at certain photo hosting websites to see that at the flick of a switch years of documents can disappear overnight or suddenly be held to ransom. This is certainly true of some forums I am a member of. Also it would be very nice to have it amalgamated and edited in a continuous plug and view format.
Next will be the no3 and the L1A1 SLR
Id love to see you rock the SLR because we sadly cant here in Australia
God bless the Canadians. Brave and loyal Empire / Commonwealth soldiers .
Hanne Catton indeed👍 much thanks and respect from Britain.
Which it appears the current political class will not credit all the brave men and women of their armed forces.
In Italy the Germans tracked the Canadians because they knew wherever the Canadians were the attack will take place.
Two world wars, the Canadians supported and sacrificed the Commonwealth. They had their own invasion beach on D-Day. Well done my northern brothers and sisters! May you sacrifices never be forgotten and the fact you fought 5+ years more than US Americans.
You're overlooking that most French Canadian soldiers refused to fight in the WWII as the French Vichy government had surrendered , so was officially at peace with Germany. Instead the French Canadians guarded German POWs shipped to Canada, which miffed off those Canadians that volunteered to fight as they were paid the same for a much more dirty, uncomfortable and dangerous role.
They also served who only stood and waited. As a preteen in Toronto I gave up sugar in my tea so it could be sent to the UK. I started a Victory Garden for the same reason. I waited and waited but my father never returned. He lies in a war grave in Antwerp. Had I been old enough or the war had lasted longer I would have volunteered to defend England. Would still do, though I am nearly 90.
For King and for Country!
Thanks Rob, my favourite rifle! The dear No 4 Rifle, the weapon I learnt to shoot with during my school cadet years in the 1970's. My proudest achievement was to be awarded the Markman Class1 accreditation! Who cares about school exams if you can shoot straight!
Great story! Cheers.
Same here!
Got my marksman class 1 by a grouping in the Bull!
Which a old two bob fitted over
Yes, brought back fond memories of school cadet days and my first experience of shooting.
I, like many others, went on to the FN L1A1 in the 70s: the old "black bitch" which was not, imho, as good as our officers said it was.
Me too 303 Shoeburyness ranges,early 70's.Blanco too.
@@laurenceseale Guisborough ranges, mid to late 60's then Army Apprentice 1971.
Undone pockets today, submarine hatches tomorrow.
Lose lips, loose pocket flaps, sink ships!
Dropping the Atomic Bomb on "Hagasaki".....
One of the favourites of RN cement heads is still “BPD!” Back pocket today, safety catch tomorrow.
First it's a pocket, then it's a magazine pouch, then it's a safety catch.
During the Battle of France in 1940, Officers were distracted by British Infantry with unhappy pockets (undone pockets but in british slang) instead of battling the under equipped Germans which allowed the Germans to bypass many Allied strongholds without any opposition. After the events of Dunkirk, British Infantry were retrained to avoid this problem for the North African campaign, the Invasion of Sicily and Normandy.
Through all eras and all the incarnations of the empire you always stand there as the quintessential commonwealth soldier, making the history lesson fun to watch and compelling.
It´s no mean feat to tell a story as long and complicated as that of british service rifles, but I really think you do the job in a grand way!
Thank you very much Anders.
Canada doesn't receive enough credit for punching well above its weight in both wars.
Canada's role was certainly important, albeit in different ways from war to war...
Canada is as underrated as their biggest contribution: tens of thousands of trucks.
Splendid work Rifleman. Do carry on. CFGB
I don't think that's true, well not in the UK and especially among those who know.
For much of WWII, the escort forces in the Battle of the Atlantic were 50% British, 1% US, >1% Free French etc & 48% Canadian
Post like these are the reason I’ve now moved away from main stream television, professionally done, educational and thoroughly entertaining. Carry on that man.
Thank you!
I remember firing both the .22 version for weekly practice and the .303 in competition in Cadet competitions in the late 70's! Trip down memory lane.
Great memories!
Yeah me too. Target and snap. Breathing and triggering the 1st and 2nd pressures, and grouping. Then off to Bisley to get my Marksman's badge. A plain 303 in white cotton on a kaki background worn horizontally on your Battle Dress jacket fore arm.
Happy days army cadets using 303 and 22 . And a SLR 22 conversion 😊
This channel and this good man is 100% quality. Always love the accurate attire and shooting positions with history before and after...solid!
Very kind of you to say. Thank you very much.
you forgot to mention: indian army used Lee-enfield rifles very much. even 1990s indian police were using the same models and variants made in ishapore..
Maybe a follow up mention of all the post war uses (and there a ton of them) in another video.
britishmuzzleloaders I'd love to see. 😍😍👍👍you're amazing
Chetan Gondalia
And they still make the best rounds for it.
Chetan Gondalia - I have an Ishapore manufactured Jungle Carbine. It’s a great shooting rifle. A lot of muzzle blast because of the shorter barrel !
I *had* one of the Indian "Jungle Carbines" in 7.62 - recoil was horrible with it...
Be careful who you trust to work on your guns... 😡
Bloody good show sir! Immensely enjoyable. I think a subscription is in order. I'm off to get a glass off single malt, sit down on the couch and cuddle my 1955 No4 Mk2.
Thank you! Glad to have you along.
Your production value and knowledge is second-to-none. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch your channel grow.
That is very kind of you to say. Thank you.
The Army taught me to never put my hands in my pockets and never walk on the grass - I still cant do it 2 years after leaving.....
You'll grow out of it, I'm sure.
After 40 years still have to think about it before doing either lol
Now that you mention your reason for not walking on grass, that must be the reason I walk on grass, with malice aforethought!
I still take my hat off when I enter a building,,out of uniform for 20 years now.
I remember the command, "No American Gloves " !
Each time you upload, you convince me it's the best work you've done and I think you couldn't possibly best your last video but time and time again you've proven me wrong and keep making fantastic content! UA-cam wouldn't be the same without you! Thanks for all you do!
That is very kind. Thank you. Very happy you enjoy things on the Channel.
You deserve it! I'm sure I'll be blown away by my two favourite gun fellas when the collab video comes out with yourself and Bloke!
@@britishmuzzleloaders remind me never to annoy you in any way shape or form.
I must say, i admire how evenly the shoulder straps on your 37 patten equipment are, seems no matter how much i labor over them they never quite come out evenly...
A bit finicky, they are...
@Alexander Challis In the UK those same DP types were used with our Army Cadets - we only had a few we could actually shoot on the real ranges but mid to late 60's those were the ones most cadet units had (UK Cadets 12/13 - 18 then became adult instructors if they didn't join up like me).
@Zip Zenac I agree, I wore B.D.'s as an Army Cadet from 1966-71 - Then, I joined the real army as an Apprentice where I was presented with some wonderful WW2 denim's (working dress) and, my wonderful B.D. trousers to be used for drill purposes only (what a bugger they were). So all of my dad's instructions on how to get the perfect creases etc.. with hairy stuff removal etc.. was used to great extent for about a year when we stopped wearing them and went some plasticky things called Barrack Dress (smarter but just as shitty). I didn't mention the K.F. shirts as well which were still being used by us lowly apprentices - we did get to use the SLR and had No 2 dress. Still used the Bren but new bore as 7.62mm it was then classsed as the L.M.G.
Wonderful job as always. I'm a BoTR fan too so I look forward to the future of the #4 series. I particularly enjoyed the music selections. Thanks!
Thank you Richard!
Well done! I own a No. 4 Mk 1* manufactured by Savage in 1943. I used it for deer hunting for years in it’s full military pattern (not sporterized) and original iron sights. That rifle put a lot of meat on the table. Now that I’m older, that rifle seemed somehow to get a whole lot heavier. I now use a Tikka T3 with a Bushnell scope. Mind you, every now and then I take out the Enfield for old time sakes. Incidentally, it has a two grooved barrel, but as you mentioned earlier, it certainly didn’t effect the accuracy any.
So many examples out there!
I used to own a Savage-made No. 4, it had a blond-coloured stock and forestock. It was a great gun and I could regularly get 2 MOA accuracy with just iron sights alone at 100 metres.
Cheers from a french military, love the video, the landscape, the humour and the very detailled presentation. Definitely one of the best military chaines I have seen.
Thank you very much. Very kind.
BOI here we go!
He even has a Brodie. Yes! Dream come true wahoo!
Haha! Cheers.
The dismount system of breech is super clever ! Awesome design there !
You've outdone yourself again. Great video!
Thank you.
Great high quality video. Great subject! Combining re-enacting and teaching is a fabulous job!. Love your dedication, discipline, and spirit! More to come! Tally Ho!
Glad you enjoyed it! Very kind....
An excellent video by all accounts. Narration, sound, camera work, editing, composition, and certainly content.
Thank you very much.
God bless the Canadians 🇨🇦🇬🇧👍
Why thank you kindly, Sir. We "aim" to please ;)
Yes in deed🍁
Thank you!
lol the pockets comment was great!
We used to say that the RCR RSM had proof that unbloused boots caused stoppages in the field.
Haha!....
My grandfather [who raised me] was an RCR RSM and you should have seen my school clothes. I would have passed inspection with the Irish Guards :)
Thank you kindly for this wonderful introductory presentation on one of my favourite rifles!
Welcome!
Looking forward to the rest of the series! I'm glad you've started looking at the World War 2 Enfields! It's a rabbit hole though I know you'll know this!
Another addition to the bucket list, thanks Rob, Great video...
You are welcome!
Your points about the importance of infantry goes well with The British Grenadiers in the background.
I meant to do that.... :-)
Rob, your videos are hard not to watch multiple times. Great information presented in a great manner. I think it safe to say that you, Mike of BOTR, Ian of Forgotten Weapons, Othias and Mae of C&Rsenal and Lindey Beige just knock it out of the park on presenting good, useful information on history and the firearms that made it in an entertaining and accurate format. Keep it up!
That is very kind of you to say. That's some great company to be mentioned with for sure!
Absolutely fantastic work, you never fail to impress. Very few people ( if any ), could create the amazing content you bring to youtube. Very well done and thank you.
Thank you Bob. Very kind of you to say so.
I laughed when you were on about the poor showing in the early war years being because the soldiers didn't have their buttons done up! I've heard sergeants say basically the same thing.
Happy to have had that reaction.... all in good fun.
Having done service myself, I can tell you how scary it is when a Corporal spots you have a button undone at about 10 paces away. Basically it's a moment you'll never, ever forget.
I remember long ago I bought a crate load, 20 rifles each. Me and my friends pitched in money to do it and they are all fantastic.
That is a lot of rifles.
Thank you so much for bringing back a boatload of memoeries of using the Mk4 with the Air Training Corps in the 1960s and 70s. Stay safe and keep the videos coming! ATB
Most welcome! Hope they are good memories of the rifle!
Both the information and production of your video are 10/10. Thank you very much for all your efforts friend
Thank you kindly.
Great video, thanks for the information.CHEERS.
It's videos like this that make me wish UA-cam had a 'love' button! I am incredibly critical of other soldiers musketry and the Mem' heard me shouting that you kept shooting the target in the arse on your qualification video with the No. 3 but sir your cycling of the bolt and general skills with the weapon is a joy to behold and is testament to the level of practice that was expected of us at sniper school in the 80's on the L42A1. My old CSM could fire 10 aimed rounds with the '42 before a man with the FN FAL Self Loading Rifle L1A1 could fire 20. Forgive my long winded comment,just the ramblings of an old soldier. Ahhh nostaligia, it isn't what it used to be lol. Thank you
Well, I'm no sniper... :-).... so the arse is as good as the forehead... haha... Thank you for you kind words and I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the clip. Cheers.
Brilliant video. The enthusiasm and love for this subject is evident in spades. Love the military band soundtrack.
Thank you for sharing this awesome video👍
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Lot's more No 4, here on the Channel.
Congratulations on another excellent video. Your productions are consistently among the best online. As an aside, one of my current projects is restoration of a No. 4 Mk 1/3(F)FTR originally built as a No. 4 Mk 1* at Long Branch in 1943.
Cool project!
Super video. Interesting that my British army cadet drill purpose rifles were fitted with either mk1 or mk2 sights. This was the 1980s. When I enlisted in the raf a couple of years later we had the slr followed in 1993 by the sa80. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was waiting for an ad to watch another video...
*But I refreshed and saw this*
Hope you enjoyed it.
Another excellent video. God bless you and the hard work you put into this channel to put out consistently stunning content!
Thank you!
Great video! The No. 4 is a fantastic rifle.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.
As usual, love ya work mate.
Thank you!
A well put together tutorial! I love the historical uniforms and the in the field combat reenactment they both add a lot of atmosphere
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've been looking forward to this series of videos! Love my No.4, and I'm excited to see what else you have planned to show us.
Glad to hear! Cheers.
At 18 minutes, you show a popular and dangerous action. I served in a font line infantry battalion in BAOR in1955. The no 4 was the standard issue to the British infantry up to the late 1950's Included in all training, both weapon training and drill movements (eg For Inspection Port Arms) was an absolute rule that the safety catch was released with the thumb but ALWAYS applied with the forefinger. The reason being that, if you use the thumb, the fore- or trigger finger was dangerously close to the trigger and could easily lead to a potentially disastrous "accidental discharge"
Great work as always.
Thank you!
My No4 is a Longbranch too (1942) but FULLY FTRed, new barrel and all. On the one hand, I wish it was original, on the other, it was unfired post FTR when I got it. In any case, shoots better than I.
Nice! Essentially a new rifle... nothing wrong with that... :-)
britishmuzzleloaders Yeah, I love it. My only issue is I am used to that super blond furniture (although mine has some beautiful figuring, it is quite pale) so No4s with dark wood somehow look strange and wrong to me...
My '44 Fazakerly rifle's not marked as an FTR, but something was definitely done to it. Numbers match, but all the minor components are from the four corners (uncommon for Fazakerly IIRC) and it had a backsight off a No.5 when I got it, which I've since swapped for a Mk.I. The stock is so nicely finished that it can be used to signal passing aircraft, too. I think either it was used by a cadet outfit, hence the emphasis on looks, or maybe a previous owner just wanted to spruce it up. Either way, a solid shooter.
I am fascinated by this entire series. Thank you!
Cheers!
I've been waiting for this one. First rifle I ever fired, and still one of my favourites! Well done - and ubique!
Nice!
I have one of those bayonets.
Thanks for the video!
Rob. Interesting bolt.
Excellent video! Historically comprehensive, informative over the multiple variants, entertaining. The uniform and music gives it a British stamp. Narration is perfect. Video is near perfection. Great job. A comment about the Ishapore 2A and 2A1 would have been nice. This is my first encounter with your channel. I look forward to viewing your other vids
Yes, I didn't delve into the Indian weapons... Hopefully you find something that is of interest! Cheers.
This is awesome Rob. AMAZING WORK. That's my fav gun in my collection.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Bloody marvelous.
22:05 Cracked me up seeing what looks like a WWII photo colorized, but with a jarring breach of historical accuracy, lol!
It's only a breach if there was there was intent to the contrary... 🙂
I gave this video a like in the first 10 seconds. Everything I saw showed me it was going to be informative, accurate, well-presented, and entertaining. Superb job!
Thank Steven! Glad you enjoyed it.
Great video as always Rob
You've gone past 1914, hell must be freezing over- From those clips the sight acquisition does look relatively effortless with the battle sight-
Much better sights, yes,... but that's evolution...
I see you're here heheheh
Pinch me I must be dreaming. Ow. Nope.
Nope...
Does this mean that you are going to do a L1A1 - SLR video as well?
Stefan Sharak i
Fantastic video, thank you very much for putting this together. Slick drills as well, I really enjoyed watching this.
You are most welcome!
This episode is extremely timely for me, as about 2 weeks ago I got my hands on a No 4 MK2 that was built in Fazakerley in 1944, had an FTR'd in 1957 and sat in inventory until 1986. It is now one of my favorite rifles.
Better part of a new rifle then..! Nice.
YES!!! HOW I'VE BEEN WAITING!!! BTW you should do a walk-through on your lovely uniform! Also, didn't you forget the blade-bayonet used by the Guards?
Cheers! The No 9 bayonet was a post war bayonet and that's why I didn't include it.
I do believe I shot one of these at the Uni Rifle Club... too many years ago to stipulate, but Pierre Trudeau was PM. Great informative video; I've never seen anything like it in all my life!
Again, Another well done video! I do like your style of presenting the information. Well done and Thank you!
Kind words! Thank you!
I love your style of presentation. Informative yet humorous.Nice to see someone operating the bolt without removing the butt from the shoulder. Nice to see you and Bloke On The Range colaborating on a project.
Haha!
Most excellent
*sigh*
Better add this to the gun list
Thanks Rob, another fantastic video, can't wait for the next instalment!
You are most welcome!
That was an entertaining and informative production on an iconic rifle, thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Gotta love the No. 4
Dear old Bombardier Hvorka, I can still hear you going on about our heels not being together. "Bombardier Hvorka's very smart, he's caught me with my heels apart." So I promptly joined the RCN eh.
Love your videos mate - all the information and detail I've ever wanted.
Glad to hear! Cheers.
Superb video as always, you have excelled yourself this time,been looking forward to when you cover the No 4 rifle.
Thank you Stuart.
Interestingly my sister's first husband served in Suez and always referred to his weapon as the "Smelly," (SMLE) or "Smiley" when talking to armourers./
I have one like her ... Greetings to you from Iraq
If only that rifle could speak. Do you know if it's British or Indian? I'm curious where it would have originally came from
Fantastic video! I picked up a No.4 Mk.I on the cheap about a decade ago now, not exactly a collector's piece but a good shooter and nice enough to look at. I absolutely adore the No.4 and it has one of the nicest triggers of any military weapon I've ever shot or handled, or of any hunting rifle, either. It's absolutely solid and I'd trust it with my life. It's just the kind of rifle you can't go wrong with.
Nice! Glad you enjoyed the clip.
A wonderfully produced video and the content and history was beyond excellent. I need a new #4, my old one got stolen. I miss it.
Thank you Steven! Too bad about your rifle...
Gotta find me one of these rifles...
Shouldnt be hard, millions were made and are all over the place, it's like the AK, its everywhere.
Wait, 1939? Another war? What have I missed the past 20ish years? Hehehe...
I had to smile at the last pic of you and the Bloke. I didn't know MacBooks were part of the British kit during the Second World War.
Short jackets and the superseding of the Small Box Respirator....
Yet another great video, A rifle I first fired back in the 70s, your deep interest and your authentic uniforms really do add to the Historical interest of your channel, keep up the good work,.. I own a No4 Mk2 made in Faszackerly in December 1954 serial No 333691 just Brilliant.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I think I have watched the lee metford and lee enfield series about 10 to 15 times. Currently waiting for my nr4 mk2 to arrive.
Love your channel Rob. Amazing. God bless
Wow! Glad they have been of interest! You'll have a great time with your No 4!
Excellent!
I was just shooting my no.5, and I must say that the no.4 looks much more pleasant to shoot. Perhaps I need to start reloading... And get a buttpad. That length of pull is brutally short for me.
You own a Jungle Carbine?
@@PROkiller16 yeah
Cheers! The weight does play a factor.
You could fit a No1 butt to shoot and keep the No5 butt for display
Thats pretty good, is it an original one or one of the later conversions?
I used it for 5 years in the Army cadets. In the 80s. And the Bren gun.
I used them (admittedly for drill only) in Sea Cadet from 2007-2010, before the replaced them with these horrible SA80 style ones that the maganzise would fall out of if you moved them too fast or hit it too hard during a general salute.
@Zip Zenac
so did I, Late 70s, RMC1.. great memories.
amazing how much I remembered watching this video, like how to remove the bolt.
Live fired the 22 (indoor) and the 303 (outdoor) Buckingham camp.
Yes, me too, in the 70s. Much simpler to strip (and clean) than the FN 7.62!!
Fantastic video! Nothing I didn't know but beautifully edited I've watched this twice now! The single best no4 video.
Very kind of you to say so! Thanks.
@@britishmuzzleloaders wow thanks for the reply, genuinely touched.... keep them videos coming!
What a excellent video! I very much enjoyed that. Like everything else you make, this video too lived very much up to my expectations. Keep them coming. Cant wait until the next one.
Lars - Norway
Thanks Lars.
When in the 40's did they begin to issue the apple laptops I see the bloke on the range holding. Nice to finally see a rifle I actually own and don't have to wish I had one of the many fine pieces of kit you usually show. Nice detail.
1943,...... mid march.
Nice a classic then
Me: Ol “smelly” Lee Enfield
Everyone else: say that again
Me: Ol Sme.....*punching begins*
Me: *literally Mows down people with the Lee Enfield*
Re-watching your back catalogue and seeing you advancing at the end through your own smoke with bayonet fixed at the end of the film whilst The British Grenadier plays is truly amazing. Shabash Canuk!
Glad you are enjoying things! Cheers.
Super - my 93 year old father is still bemoaning the (Canadian?) battle siight onlye quipped No.4 he was issued with in India in 44/45! Now, will we see a Mk 3 Helmet make an appearance, as issued to many Canadian regiments late war?
Probably not.. one helmet is enough... :-)
But lots of hats! ;-)
Oh joy!!! :-)
I just found this under quarantine. I have a Savage #4 Mark 1 * that I found in cosmoline at a local gun show in Ukiah, CA. years ago. In the process of stripping the cosmoline off, I also stripped off the wood stain. At that point, I steamed out the dings as best I could and refinished the wood. The results were surprising as the rifle appeared to be a very good chance it was unfired with the Parkerized metal pieces in mint condition. I have the Mark 1 target sights on it. I had a ball trigger installed while keeping the stock Savage parts. Trigger is crisp but heavy. Properly handloaded, it is an accurate rifle to be sure. Fire-form, neck-size 3 times, then full re-size works good. I wanted to commend you on such a polished video and the history lessons you are giving here. Really a 1st class video, I am sharing it with friends. Thanks for what you do here for the Lee-Enfield. Really great work!!! Regards, -Tutt
Nice! Thanks for sharing! Hopefully there is more you'll enjoy on the Channel!
This is one of the best UA-cam channels ever! I’m layering about British firearms and world history at the same time😁 it’s a dream come true.
Glad you are enjoying things! Cheers.
5:21 I swear that could pass off as a micro red dot...😂
Capital video!
A very well produced and informative video, thank you.
Thank you. The series continues on WWII musketry.
I always enjoy your videos - which are informative and just that touch of humour!
Thanks Leo!
*God Save the Queen plays loudly
Silly chap you mean King...
:)
This all does explain why the P14 never was adopted on mass, that was a much more complicated rifle to manufacture and would have required new tooling, even though in theory it was superior in all conceivable ways to the Lee-Pattern rifles, then again in a way it was good to not change things up because uncle sam proved in the late 30s that bolt actions are no longer going to be useful, all the Lee had to do was really just hold on till a self loader was ready and if WW2 never happened, it's likely the empire would have some type of self loading rifle by then.
The No 3 (Pattern 1914) was a sad case. Arguably better than the SMLE, the Mauser, and the 1903. But circumstances ended production in 1916-1917 when the Americans took it over as the M1917. The No.3 was hampered by the 303 cartridge but served very well thought the Great War.
Sadly in 1919 everyone had abandoned it and all of the production machinery was scrapped.
I am not sure that even with all the money in the world they would have adopted the P14. Comapred to the SMLE there are definite advantages in the P14 but with the No. 4 not so much. The P13 perhaps (moreso for having a rimless cartridge than anything else) but even then it was built on the Boer War experience which WW1 had shown was largely an exception. It's all well and good having a super accurate flat shooting cartridge however when like in 1914, or 1940, your entire well trained pre-war army gets wiped out in a few months you are relying on volunteers or conscripts who can't shoot for sh*t with any kind of rifle.
I believe the impetus for developing the P13 was to adopt a much higher velocity .276 (7mm) round. Long range musketry was still very much believed in.
Post-WW1 they had >1M P14's on hand, and could have commenced development from there. But they considered that the WW1 experience had totally validated the SMLE concept, so that was the starting point (and the No.1 Mk.V is very similar to a small trial they did with aperture sights on SMLE's pre-WW1). Basically, the P14 is heavy, awkward to carry at the trail, only has 5 rounds, and the charger loading generally sucks completely (see my P14 mad minute vid, that's mostly what I talk about). Plus the Textbook of Small Arms mentions difficulty in removing kak that gets into the front of the receiver where the locking shoulders are. The improved accuracy of a P14 over an SMLE (but not over a No.4) is lost on all but the very best shots.
Also, I'm unaware of any memoirs from WW1 or WW2 mentioning disappointment in using a P14 in training / home service and then being re-equipped with an SMLE or No.4 when going on active service. Handle and shoot both next to each other under service conditions and it's clear why :)
I suspect that if the war had dragged on they might have started using Garands supplied by the Americans.