Lee-Enfield Rifle? Does anyone know anything about it?

Question

I'm doing a project for history and need to know about the Lee-Enfield Rifle. I need to know when it was invented, who invented it, when it was first used, which side of World War One used it, its effect on the war, and its overall success.

Please Help Me. I already have an F in this class...i need a good grade!

Answer 1

The Lee-Enfield rifle was NOT invented by anyone named Lee Enfield. It was invented by James Paris Lee and William Ellis Metford and was originally known as the Lee-Metford rifle (ca. 1895).

The Lee-Metford rifle first saw service during the Second Boer War (1899-1902) and featured prominently in the film Zulu, starring Michael Caine.

It was renamed the Lee-Enfield, after manufacturing was moved to the Royal Small-Arms Factory in Enfield, North London (ca. approx. 1905).

The Lee-Enfield Mk I was used extensively by the British and her allies throughout WWI. Subsequently, owing to the success of the rifle, it went through something like 9 different versions, before finally becoming obsolete.

I hat to admit it, but wikipedia has the best and most accurate information on it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee-Enfield

EDIT: I stand corrected; guess you can live within spitting distance of somewhere and still not know everthing about it.

Answer 2

Correct, however the change from the lee metford 1889 to the lee enfield, came with the introduction of cordite powder which quickly eroded the metford rifling, was changed to enfield rifling and adopted in 1895, with modifications it served in frontline use until 1957, and is still an issue weapon with the canadian rangers.... The Rifle used in Zulu was actually the martini enfield in 577/450

Answer 3

Anna. It was a British Rifle invented by Lee "Dead Eye" Enfield and used in WWI, the Great War. You deserve an "F" for not being able to type it in Google.

Answer 4

I read recently that Canada had repealed its rifle registration requirement since it had proven to be an expensive failure. Handguns are still heavily regulated. I wouldn't rely on that alone though. If my understanding of Canadian society is correct (and I think it is) then regular Mounty patrols should be coming by every 15 minutes or so. You should ask one of them where you can go to find out. Alternatively, you could move somewhere that respects your rights to property, and trusts its citizens to own weapons for lawful purposes. All kidding aside, I do hope you find out what to do with your grandfather's rifle. I have several from mine, and those are the most important heirlooms in a family. Talk to a Canadian lawyer if you have to, but don't give up. Good luck, --Tex

Answer 5

I know it's British and a .303 caliber.
My father had one sportorized when I was younger to use for deer hunting in Pennsylvania...wow...what a kick that thing had.

Here's what the original version looks like:
http://www.giguereauction.com/springsportsauction04/Dsc00030.jpg
and some cartridges (bullets):
http://www.cnccartridge.com/303bristish125sp2.jpg

Answer 6

http://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=slv8-mdp&p=Lee-Enfield%20Rifle%3f