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

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  • Опубліковано 22 лют 2017
  • An introduction to the history, circumstances and use of what is perhaps the most iconic rifle in British, Empire and Commonwealth military history.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,1 тис.

  • @Candrsenal
    @Candrsenal 7 років тому +337

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +86

      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
      @Candrsenal 7 років тому +62

      I just liked it...

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +62

      Oh thank God..... :-)

    • @lazaglider
      @lazaglider 7 років тому +39

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

    • @klevee6076
      @klevee6076 6 років тому +4

      C&Rsenal ha. Funny.

  • @RyanRyzzo
    @RyanRyzzo 7 років тому +173

    Always brings a SMLE to my face.
    Fantastic video!

  • @Crash-To-Desktop
    @Crash-To-Desktop 7 років тому +27

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

  • @fatefulcoma
    @fatefulcoma 7 років тому +103

    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
      @Procket12 7 років тому +4

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

    • @fatefulcoma
      @fatefulcoma 7 років тому +2

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

    • @Procket12
      @Procket12 7 років тому +2

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

    • @martinrobillard1
      @martinrobillard1 7 років тому +1

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

    • @nathansmith4460
      @nathansmith4460 7 років тому +1

      martin robillard Britain is a country?

  • @leavemealoneyoutube1707
    @leavemealoneyoutube1707 6 років тому +4

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

  • @capandball
    @capandball 7 років тому +234

    Quality stuff! Cool!

  • @rmesser
    @rmesser 7 років тому +5

    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.

  • @naadhiraramlan8191
    @naadhiraramlan8191 4 роки тому +4

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  4 роки тому +1

      Nice!

    • @DeathToTyrants24
      @DeathToTyrants24 4 місяці тому

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

  • @karlaiken6152
    @karlaiken6152 7 років тому +3

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

  • @mithrawnudo2152
    @mithrawnudo2152 7 років тому +23

    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.

  • @SurplusArchives
    @SurplusArchives 7 років тому +31

    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.

  • @Badwolf75
    @Badwolf75 7 років тому +89

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

  • @yossilazerson
    @yossilazerson 7 років тому +37

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

  • @davidseale716
    @davidseale716 7 років тому +20

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

  • @davestein4162
    @davestein4162 11 місяців тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  11 місяців тому +1

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

    • @davestein4162
      @davestein4162 11 місяців тому

      @@britishmuzzleloadersYes sir, I subscribed! Many thanks!

  • @stevenwinnen9104
    @stevenwinnen9104 5 років тому +1

    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.

  • @Rumpole1000
    @Rumpole1000 6 років тому +8

    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.

  • @muddyboots1881
    @muddyboots1881 7 років тому +5

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +2

      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!... :-)

  • @cptnemo20kl
    @cptnemo20kl 7 років тому

    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.

  • @Saracenkiller
    @Saracenkiller 5 років тому

    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!

  • @jaredkennedy2555
    @jaredkennedy2555 7 років тому +51

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +27

      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
      @jaredkennedy2555 7 років тому

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

  • @joshuapaisie8183
    @joshuapaisie8183 7 років тому +8

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

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

  • @AndrewLindamood
    @AndrewLindamood 5 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  5 років тому +1

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

  • @RastaRocket99
    @RastaRocket99 7 років тому

    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
      @Gungeek 7 років тому

      who are these people lol?

  • @cattledog901
    @cattledog901 7 років тому +9

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

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

  • @ldwithrow08
    @ldwithrow08 6 років тому +16

    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
      @Tyler-xr5po 2 роки тому

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

    • @paddy2019
      @paddy2019 Рік тому

      @@Tyler-xr5po A certain Brit in Switzerland would beg to differ ua-cam.com/video/MOYTdoQkFrM/v-deo.html

  • @towarzyszbeagle6866
    @towarzyszbeagle6866 4 роки тому +1

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  4 роки тому

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

  • @cdavidlake2
    @cdavidlake2 7 років тому +1

    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.

  • @randcoudray138
    @randcoudray138 7 років тому +6

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

  • @BrokenArrow951
    @BrokenArrow951 7 років тому +8

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +9

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

    • @foowashere
      @foowashere 7 років тому

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

  • @DougieMClark
    @DougieMClark 7 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

      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
      @DougieMClark 7 років тому

      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.

  • @tsmgguy
    @tsmgguy 7 років тому +1

    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.

  • @yoloswaggins4614
    @yoloswaggins4614 7 років тому +12

    Beautiful moustache

  • @Sentenza1138
    @Sentenza1138 7 років тому +5

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

  • @Bloo0969
    @Bloo0969 7 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

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

    • @Bloo0969
      @Bloo0969 7 років тому

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

  • @Blair635
    @Blair635 7 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

      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
      @Blair635 7 років тому

      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..

  • @xreaper_9029
    @xreaper_9029 5 років тому +3

    keep up the vids, love the stache !

  • @geoff1311
    @geoff1311 7 років тому +4

    Best gun channel on youtube!

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

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

    • @geoff1311
      @geoff1311 7 років тому +1

      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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

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

  • @TwentythreePER
    @TwentythreePER 7 років тому +2

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

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

  • @mrbikehunter
    @mrbikehunter 7 років тому

    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)

  • @blueband8114
    @blueband8114 7 років тому +15

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +3

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

    • @blueband8114
      @blueband8114 7 років тому +1

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

      And we laughed......

  • @docholliday1993
    @docholliday1993 5 років тому +4

    He sounds like the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons.

  • @AbbasAli-gs2fm
    @AbbasAli-gs2fm 2 роки тому

    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).

  • @hoplophobia7014
    @hoplophobia7014 Рік тому

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

  • @deepsouthredneck1
    @deepsouthredneck1 7 років тому +8

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

    • @lazaglider
      @lazaglider 7 років тому +9

      dreyrugr He didn't try. He succeeded :)

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +3

      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
      @lazaglider 7 років тому

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

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

  • @medic9544
    @medic9544 3 роки тому +1

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  3 роки тому

      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?

  • @bigglesflysagain1749
    @bigglesflysagain1749 7 років тому +1

    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 !!...

  • @BryanCoombes
    @BryanCoombes 7 років тому

    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.

  • @graemebdh2172
    @graemebdh2172 4 роки тому

    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.

  • @notarokescientist3003
    @notarokescientist3003 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @brucebergstresser3973
    @brucebergstresser3973 7 років тому

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

  • @motor19425
    @motor19425 Рік тому

    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.

  • @karsonbranham3900
    @karsonbranham3900 4 роки тому

    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!

  • @ConfederceyCSA
    @ConfederceyCSA 5 років тому

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

  • @rman126
    @rman126 7 років тому +1

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

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

    • @rman126
      @rman126 7 років тому

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

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

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

  • @madgeordie4469
    @madgeordie4469 6 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  6 років тому

      Their longevity certainly speaks to their serviceability, for sure.

  • @Jarod-vg9wq
    @Jarod-vg9wq 3 роки тому

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

  • @garysimpson3900
    @garysimpson3900 5 років тому +1

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

  • @grumpybastard5744
    @grumpybastard5744 7 років тому

    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.

  • @alanbrooke144
    @alanbrooke144 7 років тому

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

  • @DevNullCyber
    @DevNullCyber 7 років тому +1

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

  • @mikecawood
    @mikecawood 5 років тому

    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
    @Sheerwater909 7 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

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

    • @Sheerwater909
      @Sheerwater909 7 років тому

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

  • @tintin4dogs302
    @tintin4dogs302 6 років тому

    Only just seen this. Very impressed with the way you're firing in the prone position using the 2nd finger, leaving index and thumb set on the bolt for a faster fire rate. My father was Light Infantry during WW2 and was taught to fire this way, yet you seldom see it in the "movies"

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  6 років тому

      Which "Light Infantry" Regiment?

    • @tintin4dogs302
      @tintin4dogs302 5 років тому

      Originally the Suffolk Yeomanry, then 9th Battalion Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). He passed some years ago, so unfortunately I don't know anymore about where he did his training and who did it. As he enlisted the first week of war, I would suspect that those training him would have been WW1 vintage, and at the very least been familiar with the training, methods and rate of aimed fire required of the 1914 BEF. Their marching pace was the same as the Rifles - 140 paces per minute - so how they managed to achieve a high and accurate rate of fire after marching at that speed for several miles with full pack and a heavy Lee Enfield, I have no idea (and he was himself in awe of the DLI marching pace, which was even quicker!) I look forward to your next posting where you do just that ! :-)

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  5 років тому

      "Those training him would be of WWI vintage..." more then likely not.... Those (few) men would have been in their forties at least... and past the point of training tommies (or jocks). Interestingly, the standards and comprehensiveness of musketry practices in (wartime) 1939 were considerably less than that of 1914. The whole qualification was just some 45 rounds. Now, rapid shooting was still a "thing", but they only shot ten rounds with one reload (of five rounds), for instance.

  • @DarkKnight-dk3nf
    @DarkKnight-dk3nf Рік тому

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

  • @T8Hants
    @T8Hants 7 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

      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
      @T8Hants 7 років тому

      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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

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

  • @Joselbasurto
    @Joselbasurto 7 років тому

    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!

  • @jasonb1776
    @jasonb1776 7 років тому

    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!

  • @TheLoxxxton
    @TheLoxxxton 7 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

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

  • @emu4286
    @emu4286 7 років тому

    I find it interesting how the various changes to the SMLE were implemented incrementally during the Great War. I have a 1917 BSA Mk III*, but it has the older-style smooth cocking knob, the older-style rear sight with windage adjustment, and the brass buttplate with the trapdoor. And yes, the bolt does match the receiver. It's my understanding that not all British arsenals implemented the same changes at the same time, which may explain the discrepancies between different wartime rifles.

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

      I think that it has more to do with the using up of older parts rather than switching over to the new for sake of a new pattern...

    • @emu4286
      @emu4286 7 років тому

      Yep, that's likely the case. My rifle is also missing the thin strips of the upper handguard on the sides the rear sight as if they were cut away, which I've been told was a field modification done by Tommies during the war. Interesting if true. In any case, great video and I hope to see you collaborate with C&Rsenal more in the future.

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

      The hand guard bit sounds more like "they broke and were cut off to prevent splitting" to me..... :-) I'd love to do more with Othias and Mae as well!

  • @535tony
    @535tony 2 роки тому

    I have an RFI SMLE made in 1952. I got it in 1991 for 100 bucks. Came with a bandoleer of 50 terrible surplus ammo on strippers. Great rifle!

  • @mrleechapman7615
    @mrleechapman7615 4 роки тому +1

    Iam really impressed with your Victorian style mustache, great videos

  • @JenniferinIllinois
    @JenniferinIllinois 7 років тому

    Came over fron C&Rsenal and this is the first video I've watched. Very informative.
    -Jen

  • @LesGitesTrepart
    @LesGitesTrepart 4 роки тому

    Excellent and very informative video. I am lucky to own a 22lr, 410 and .303 all Mk3*. A piece of history to respect.

  • @MrPh30
    @MrPh30 7 років тому

    And again a great film. The .303 is a great round and excellent hunting round too . There is a few double rifles in .303 up here also. Many used it as their light rifle in their battery on safaris and shikaris. I know of a few Zimbabwe guys who has it as their backup riflestill today for big game and dangerous game use . Woodleigh makes some very good 215 and 174 grain bonded core bullets .

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

      Glad you enjoyed it!... I looked at the 215 Woodleigh bullets for use in the Metford, but they are really pricey... maybe if I was hunting, I'd work up a load, but for what I typically do, cast is the way to go.

    • @beau4687
      @beau4687 7 років тому

      MrPh30 woodleighs are fantastic hunting round in both damage and accuracy. Just found out that Bertram down here in aus make projectiles as well as brass. Built identical to woodleighs but 100 of them cost less then 50 woodleighs. They don't make anything heavier than 174 but do make 150gr. I haven't shot them yet but got 100 loaded up ready to go

    • @MrPh30
      @MrPh30 7 років тому

      beau nottage Good that Bertram makes bullets also, woodleighs have good reputation. i have shot a good amount of them .450 Ne from a custom Ruger nr 1 . Great bullet, difficult to break up .

    • @MrPh30
      @MrPh30 7 років тому

      britishmuzzleloaders One of best hunting bullets ,if you find a Ruger nr 1 in .303 it would be good friend to have also. One good thing with Woodleigh are they are copied after Kynoch and they most of time shoot to regulation point, especially for doubles and such.

  • @PaulGarthAviation
    @PaulGarthAviation 4 роки тому

    Really interesting for my ancestry research. My GGF was in 1st Life Guards from 1900 to 1921, based out of Hyde Park Barracks, and went to Zeebrugge in Oct 1914. When I look at the 1901 Census, most of the soldiers had served in the Boer War, so he had 14 years of key cross-training and was marksman before 1914.

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  4 роки тому

      The myth of Boer War veterans in the ranks of the BEF is just that... hugely overemphasized... were there some?... of course... a very small minority... the quality marksmanship of the army came from the training after the Boer War and not because of service in it.... there was a great discussion on the Victorian Wars forum until if got taken down, about this very topic..

  • @eariamjh71
    @eariamjh71 7 років тому

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

  • @professorpewpuew
    @professorpewpuew 7 років тому

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

  • @savannafc
    @savannafc 2 роки тому

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

  • @BennettIsAmazing
    @BennettIsAmazing 7 років тому

    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
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

      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.

  • @KMac329
    @KMac329 6 років тому

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

  • @stuartclark4699
    @stuartclark4699 7 років тому

    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!

  • @fatmonk1
    @fatmonk1 7 років тому +2

    Amazing Video always makes my day when I see you post

  • @brucebartup6161
    @brucebartup6161 7 років тому

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

  • @nicktombs1876
    @nicktombs1876 3 роки тому

    Also to be taken into consideration was training, at the time of the Boer war we trained not for individual marksman style shooting but general volley firing, which proved to be fairly useless against an enemy that was sparse and used cover to great advantage and as proffessional huntsmen the Boers were very very good with a very good rifle (they used captured British weapons to just as good effect as their Mausers) . The Boer war caused some major changes in British infantry training doctrine that was to prove priceless in the first months of the first world war, the withering and accurate fire directed at the invading Germans caused them to think that the British infantry were all armed with machine guns and led to the Kaiser giving them their nickname when he called them " that contemptible little force".

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  3 роки тому

      Good discussion points. To lump the musketry of the era into "general volley fire" is perhaps a bit erroneous... The majority of ammunition fired during the annual course of fire of the era was spent overwhelmingly in individual fire at individual targets... that said, tactically, volleys were indeed the common practice. There is lots of info on musketry and such in this era on the Channel if you are interested. Cheers. Be careful, "rifles like machine guns" tropes can cause severe historical distortion....... 😀

    • @nicktombs1876
      @nicktombs1876 3 роки тому

      @@britishmuzzleloaders well my one of my Grandads was there and those were the words he used.

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  3 роки тому

      @@nicktombs1876 Sure thing... I'm not trying to dishonour his service, of course. Lots of old timers said the same thing. Proper context should be applied though... I guarantee that your Grandad wasn't on the receiving end of British musketry in 1914 though... Unless he was German and survived the whole war of course.... It's a very interesting discussion point... and lots of energy has been spent trying to nail down where this came from to no avail to date,..... Chances are he was repeating something he heard or saw written down... God knows that it is mentioned in enough books and repeated nowadays in documentaries. Much like the greater study of the Great War in recent times, old tropes and "common" knowledge about the many aspects of the War are being overturned or rediscovered thanks to a great many historians who are leaders in the field. The Western Front Association is a great place to start if you are interested. Cheers.

  • @robrosen7291
    @robrosen7291 6 років тому

    I've owned several,and still hunt with a No1Mklll, but have always had a magazine cutoff. It seems strange to see the Mklll* and no cutoff on the side. I keep handloads just above starting charge weight,add powder a half grain at a time, and test fire until the groups get tight and rounded,usually 1.5-2.0 grains below max. Deer and Texas hogs can't get any deader. The Enfields draw a lot of stares and questions from other hunters. My current favorite is a Lithgow No1Mklll made in June,1927. There are no import markings,so I don't know how or when she got into the USA, but she's one fine looking and straight shooting piece of machinery.

  • @jingq2
    @jingq2 5 років тому

    Fantastic video, I’ve been eye ballin a enfield Ishapore 2a1 in 7.62 nato the SMLE Rifle has a great history 👍

  • @wbradburn8871
    @wbradburn8871 5 років тому

    Per usual, an excellent highly informative presentation. Thanks. Had always thought that SMLE stood for Short Model Lee Enfield.

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  5 років тому

      Glad you learned something! "Model" is more of an American term than a British/ Commonwealth one... "Pattern", "Type" or "Mark" is more common.

  • @polymathart
    @polymathart Місяць тому

    7:08 I noticed that this is the generation when service rifles begin to add top barrel shrouds instead of leaving it exposed.

  • @kevinpaulson2659
    @kevinpaulson2659 7 років тому

    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!

  • @Procket12
    @Procket12 7 років тому

    I am impressed how you managed to load those rimmed rounds from the cartridge that quickly. I usually am only able to load rimmed roads quickly and efficiently by grabbing the tip of the top bullet, pulling it upward and pushing down on the rear with my thumb.

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому

      Are you talking about a different rifle?... Works pretty well here.

    • @fdsdh1
      @fdsdh1 7 років тому

      Paul you might just have some dodgy clips. Sometimes you get clips which just refuse to load properly. If the brass becomes badly scratched when loading the clip and don't rotate freely when fully loaded the clip is bad. It seems to affect a minority of clips think it might have been a fault in the manufacturing process, where the sides have been pressed in too tight, or the metal has warped or deformed during treatment.

    • @Procket12
      @Procket12 7 років тому

      Maybe its just the case with Mosin type rifles like my Finnish M39. I should go try again with my No 4 Mk 2.

    • @fdsdh1
      @fdsdh1 7 років тому

      Paul​​ hang on a second, I just realised that all the dodgy chargers I don't shoot with have an Arabic 4 as opposed to a Roman IV. "4" As opposed to "IV" was later (they started dtiching Roman numeral designations in the 30's, it seems to have taken a long time to get eid of them all across all service branches). Anyway that means the '4' ones are WW2 or most probably even later. I once had a load of 1960 dated surplus ammo and you could tell the machines were getting tired by the bad cuts on the neck of the case, perhaps a similar situation occurred with the clips. From that batch (1943-1960) I had several clips which didn't work well, some not at all.

  • @chs82ndab
    @chs82ndab Рік тому

    Love the SMELLYS, have a 1942 Lithgow and just bought a 1935 Ishapore DP that cleaned up real well even thought its non fire able.

  • @mshea43
    @mshea43 7 років тому

    I really love how you fire with the middle finger and keep your index finger and thumb on the bolt. Not easy to learn but fast when you get it down. Love my Mk III*'s!

  • @RiflemanMoore
    @RiflemanMoore 5 років тому

    Great video, very interesting to watch. I have a (sadly deactivated) example of the No. 1 Mk III*, which I understand to have been made in the early '50s for Rhodesia and it amazingly still includes the magazine cut off.

  • @Dutchie1973
    @Dutchie1973 6 років тому

    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.

  • @bundook303
    @bundook303 7 років тому

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

  • @paladin56
    @paladin56 7 років тому

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

  • @OldManMontgomery
    @OldManMontgomery 8 місяців тому

    The gentleman with the Royal Scots Glengarry is quite pleasant to me. Being of Scots background and having a proper mustache - albeit not so grand - I must admire all of it.

  • @gunnerjames1056
    @gunnerjames1056 7 років тому

    I have just received a gift from a friend! A manual. " INFANTRY TRAINING CANADA 1904" 4"X 5" high, and 3/4" thick brown cover. I'm going to make a video soon on this Incredible item. Just subscribed after watching " Cabin fever challenge" video. You are doing incredible stuff, and providing fantastic information and images. Thanks britishmuzzleloaders!

    • @britishmuzzleloaders
      @britishmuzzleloaders  7 років тому +1

      Thank you very much. Glad you are enjoying things here on the Channel. Sounds like a good project, that manual.

  • @vincetytler6175
    @vincetytler6175 7 років тому

    Fantastic video Rob, and the drone shot very nice! I am looking forward to seeing where this leads