View source for Lee–Enfield

{{About|the early twentieth-century British rifle|other uses|Lee rifle (disambiguation){{!}}Lee rifle|and|Enfield rifle (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Short description|British bolt-action rifle}}

{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Lee–Enfield
| image              = File:Short Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk 1 (1903) - UK - cal 303 British - Armémuseum noBG.jpg
| caption            = A 1903 short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk I in the [[Swedish Army Museum]]
| origin             = [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]]
| type               = [[Bolt action|Bolt-action]] [[rifle]]
| is_ranged          = YES
| is_UK              = YES
| service            = 1895–1957 (as the standard British service rifle)
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = {{collapsible list|[[Second Boer War]]|[[World War I]]|[[Easter Rising]]|[[British Empire|Various colonial conflicts]]|[[Polish-Soviet War]]|[[Jallianwala Bagh Massacre]]|[[Irish War of Independence]]|[[Irish Civil War]]|[[Constitutionalist Revolution]](Limited)|[[Spanish Civil War]]|[[World War II]]|[[Indonesian National Revolution]]|[[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|Indo-Pakistani Wars]]|[[Greek Civil War]]|[[Malayan Emergency]]|[[First Indochina War|French Indochina War]]|[[Korean War]]|[[1948 Arab–Israeli War]]|[[Border Campaign (Irish Republican Army)]]|[[Mau Mau Uprising]]<ref name="Encyclopedie">{{cite encyclopedia|title=Contre les Mau Mau|language=fr | encyclopedia =Encyclopédie des armes : Les forces armées du monde|publisher=Atlas|year=1986|pages=2764–2766|volume=XII|number=139. Armes d'infanterie d'après–guerre}}</ref>|[[Suez Crisis]]|[[Algerian War]]|[[1958 Lebanon crisis]]|[[Annexation of Goa]]|[[Portuguese Colonial War]]|[[Congo Crisis]]|[[Communist insurgency in Thailand]]|[[Battle of Mengo Hill]]|[[Nathu La and Cho La clashes]]|[[Nigerian Civil War]]|[[Vietnam War]]|
[[Rhodesian Bush War]]|[[Cypriot intercommunal violence]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Fourteen days in Cyprus|date=20 June 1964 |magazine=[[Maclean's]]|pages=14–15 & 36–42|volume=77|issue=12}}</ref>|[[The Troubles]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Modern Snipers|series=General Military|first=Leigh |last=Neville|date= 25 August 2016|isbn=9781472815347|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=30}}</ref>|[[Sino-Indian War]]<ref name="FAL">{{cite book |first=Bob |last=Cashner |title=The FN FAL Battle Rifle |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-78096-903-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=faCjCwAAQBAJ|page=36}}</ref>|[[Dhofar Rebellion]]{{sfn|Cashner|2013|p=51}}|[[Zanzibar Revolution]]{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}|[[Chadian Civil War (1965–79)|Chadian Civil War]]|[[Bangladesh Liberation War]]|[[Turkish invasion of Cyprus]]<ref name="Greek Cypriot">{{cite news|title=Cyprus divided: 40 years on, a family recalls how the island was torn apart|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/06/turkish-invasion-divided-cyprus-40-years-on-eyewitness-greek-cypriot-family|first=Colin |last=Smith|date= 6 July 2014 |newspaper=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref>|[[Uganda–Tanzania War]]{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}|[[Lebanese Civil War]]|[[Soviet–Afghan War]]|[[Nepalese Civil War]]|[[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)]]|[[2008 Mumbai attacks|Mumbai Attack]]|[[Iraq War]]|[[Myanmar Civil War]]}}
| designer           = [[James Paris Lee]]
| production_date    = {{plainlist|
* '''MLE:''' 1895–1904
* '''SMLE:''' 1904–1957}}
| manufacturer       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Royal Small Arms Factory]]
* [[Birmingham Small Arms Company]]
* [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory]]
* [[London Small Arms Co. Ltd]]
* [[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]]
* [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]]
* [[ROF Fazakerley]]
* [[ROF Maltby]]
* [[Savage Arms]]
}}
| number             = 17,000,000+{{sfn|Skennerton|1993|p=153, 230}}
| variants           = See [[#Models/marks of Lee–Enfield rifle and service periods|Models/marks]]
| weight             = {{plainlist|
* {{convert|9.24|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}} (Mk I)
* {{convert|8.73|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}} (Mk III)
* {{convert|9.06|lb|kg|2|abbr=on}} (No. 4)}}
| length             = {{plainlist|
* '''MLE:''' {{convert|49.6|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
* '''SMLE No. 1 Mk III:''' {{convert|44.57|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
* '''Rifle No. 4 Mk I:''' {{convert|44.45|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
* '''LEC:''' {{convert|40.6|in|mm|abbr=on}}
* '''Rifle No. 5 Mk I:''' {{convert|39.5|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}}}
| part_length        = {{plainlist|
* '''MLE:''' {{convert|30.2|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
* '''SMLE No. 1 Mk III:''' {{convert|25.2|in|mm|abbr=on}}
* '''Rifle No. 4 Mk I:''' {{convert|25.2|in|mm|abbr=on}}
* '''LEC:''' {{convert|21.2|in|mm|abbr=on}}
* '''Rifle No. 5 Mk I:''' {{convert|18.8|in|mm|abbr=on}}}}
| cartridge          = [[.303 British]]
| action             = [[Bolt-action]]
| rate               = 20–30 aimed shots per minute
| velocity           = {{convert|2,441|ft/s|0|abbr=on}}
| range              = {{convert|550|yd|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="leeenfield2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.enfieldrifles.ca/ti5.htm |title=Rifle, Short Magazine Lee Enfield |publisher=The Lee–Enfield Rifle Website |access-date=13 May 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100922085230/http://enfieldrifles.ca/ti5.htm |archive-date=22 September 2010}}</ref>
| max_range          = {{convert|3000|yd|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="leeenfield2010" />
| feed               = 10-round [[box magazine]], loaded with 5-round [[stripper clip|charger clips]] (excluding MLE)
| sights             = Sliding ramp rear sights, fixed-post front sights, "dial" long-range volley; telescopic sights on sniper models. Fixed and adjustable aperture sights incorporated onto later variants
}}

The '''Lee–Enfield''' is a [[Bolt action|bolt-action]], [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]]-fed [[repeating rifle]] that served as the main [[firearm]] of the military forces of the [[British Empire]] and [[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] during the first half of the 20th century, and was the standard service rifle of the [[British Armed Forces]] from its official adoption in 1895 until 1957.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=90}}{{sfn|Hogg|1978|p=215}}

A redesign of the [[Lee–Metford]] (adopted by the British Army in 1888), the Lee–Enfield superseded it and the earlier [[Martini–Henry]] and [[Martini–Enfield]] rifles. It featured a ten-round box magazine which was loaded with the [[.303 British]] [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] manually from the top, either one round at a time or by means of five-round [[stripper clip|chargers]]. The Lee–Enfield was the standard-issue weapon to rifle companies of the British Army, colonial armies (such as India and parts of Africa), and other Commonwealth nations in both the [[World War I|First]] and [[World War II|Second]] World Wars (such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada).{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=587}} Although officially replaced in the United Kingdom with the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle|L1A1 SLR]] in 1957, it remained in widespread British service until the early/mid-1960s and the [[7.62x51mm NATO|7.62 mm]] [[L42A1]] sniper variant remained in service until the 1990s. As a standard-issue infantry rifle, it is still found in service in the armed forces of some Commonwealth nations,{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=264}} notably with the Bangladesh Police, which makes it the second longest-serving military bolt-action rifle still in official service, after the [[Mosin–Nagant]] (Mosin-Nagant [[Receiver (firearms)|receivers]] are used in the Finnish [[7.62 Tkiv 85]]).{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}} Total production of all Lee–Enfields is estimated at over 17 million rifles.{{sfn|Skennerton|1993|p=153, 230}}

The Lee–Enfield takes its name from the designer of the rifle's bolt system—[[James Paris Lee]]—and the location where its [[rifling]] design was created—the [[Royal Small Arms Factory]] in [[London Borough of Enfield|Enfield]].

==Design and history==
The Lee–Enfield rifle was derived from the earlier Lee–Metford, a mechanically similar [[Black powder|black-powder]] rifle, which combined [[James Paris Lee]]'s rear-locking bolt system that had a barrel featuring rifling designed by [[William Ellis Metford]]. The bolt has a relatively short bolt throw and features rear-mounted lugs, and the bolt operating handle places the bolt knob just rearwards of the trigger at a favourable ergonomic position close to the operator's hand. The action features helical locking surfaces (the technical term is [[Interrupted screw|interrupted threading]]). This means that final [[Headspace (firearms)|headspace]] is not achieved until the bolt handle is turned down all the way. Helical locking lugs were probably used both to allow the chambering of imperfect or dirty ammunition and also so that the closing cam action is distributed over the entire mating faces of both bolt and receiver lugs. This is one reason the bolt closure feels smooth. {{Citation needed|reason= claims on smoothness of bolt closure and conjecture about reasoning behind use of "helical ... lugs"|date=November 2022}} The rifle was also equipped with a detachable sheet-steel, 10-round, double-column magazine, a very modern development in its day. Originally, the concept of a detachable magazine was opposed in some [[British Army]] circles, as some feared that the private soldier might be likely to lose the magazine during field campaigns. Early models of the Lee–Metford and Lee–Enfield even used a short length of chain to secure the magazine to the rifle.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=60}} To further facilitate rapid aimed fire the rifle can be cycled by most riflemen without loss of sight picture.

These design features facilitate rapid cycling and fire compared to other bolt-action designs like the Mauser.{{sfn|Hogg|1978|p=215}} The Lee bolt-action and 10-round [[Magazine (firearms)|magazine]] capacity enabled a well-trained rifleman to perform the "[[mad minute]]" firing 20 to 30 aimed rounds in 60 seconds, making the Lee–Enfield the fastest military bolt-action rifle of the day. The current world record for aimed bolt-action fire was set in 1914 by a musketry instructor in the British Army—Sergeant Instructor Snoxall—who placed 38 rounds into a {{convert|12|in|mm|adj=mid|-wide}} target at {{convert|300|yd}} in one minute.<ref>{{cite web |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |title=Arms and Militaria, Bulletin Board |url=http://www.skennerton.com/bb.html |access-date=28 January 2009}}</ref> Some straight-pull bolt-action rifles were thought faster but lacked the simplicity, reliability, and generous magazine capacity of the Lee–Enfield. Several First World War accounts tell of British troops repelling German attackers who subsequently reported that they had encountered machine guns, when in fact it was simply a group of well-trained riflemen armed with SMLE Mk III rifles.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=159}}{{sfn|Tucker|2013|p=279}}

[[File:.303ammunition.jpeg|thumb|right|Standard Mk VII [[.303 British|.303-inch cartridge]] for Lee–Enfield rifle]]

The Lee–Enfield was adapted to fire the .303 British service cartridge, a [[Rim (firearms)|rimmed]], high-powered rifle round. Experiments with [[smokeless powder]] in the existing Lee–Metford [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]] seemed at first to be a simple upgrade, but the greater heat and pressure generated by the new smokeless powder wore away the shallow and rounded Metford rifling after approximately 6,000 rounds.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=90}} Replacing this with a new square-shaped rifling system designed at the [[Royal Small Arms Factory]] (RSAF) [[London Borough of Enfield|Enfield]] solved the problem, and the Lee–Enfield was born.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=90}}

===Models/marks of Lee–Enfield rifle and service periods===
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2018}}
{| class="wikitable" style=" width:120%"
!Model/Mark
!In service
|-
|Magazine Lee–Enfield
|1895–1926
|-
|Charger loading Lee–Enfield
|1906–1926
|-
|Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk I
|1904–1926
|-
|Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk II
|1906–1927
|-
|Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III
|1907–present
|-
|Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III*
|1916–present
|-
|Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk V
|1922–1924 (trials only; 20,000 produced)
|-
|Rifle No. 1 Mk VI
|1930 (trials only; 1,025 produced and leftover parts assembled into rifles early in WWII)
|-
|Rifle No. 4 Mk I
|1931–present (2,500 trials examples produced in the 1930s, then mass production from mid-1941 onwards)
|-
|Rifle No. 4 Mk I*
|1942–present
|-
|Rifle No. 5 Mk I "[[jungle carbine]]"
|1944–present (produced 1944–1947) BSA-Shirley produced 81,329 rifles and ROF Fazakerley 169,807 rifles.
|-
|Rifle No. 4 Mk 2
|1949–present
|-
|Rifle 7.62&nbsp;mm 2A
|1964–present
|-
|Rifle 7.62&nbsp;mm 2A1
|1965–present
|}

{{anchor|Magazine Lee-Enfield}}

==Magazine Lee–Enfield==
[[File:Rifle, bolt-action (AM 1962.132-1).jpg|thumb|right|A magazine Lee Enfield Mk I* rifle ("Long Tom"), used in the Second Boer War by the New Zealand Mounted Rifles]]
The Lee–Enfield rifle was introduced in November 1895 as the ''.303 calibre, Rifle, Magazine, Lee–Enfield'',{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=90}} or more commonly ''magazine Lee–Enfield'', or ''MLE'' (sometimes spoken as "emily" instead of M, L, E). The next year, a shorter version was introduced as the ''Lee–Enfield cavalry carbine Mk I'', or '''LEC''', with a {{convert|21.2|in|mm|adj=on}} barrel as opposed to the {{convert|30.2|in|mm|adj=on}} one in the "long" version.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=90}} Both underwent a minor upgrade series in 1899 (the omission of the cleaning / clearing rod), becoming the Mk I*.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=91}} Many LECs (and LMCs in smaller numbers) were converted to special patterns, namely the ''New Zealand carbine'' and the ''Royal Irish Constabulary carbine'', or NZ and RIC [[carbine]]s, respectively.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=453–454}} Some of the MLEs (and MLMs) were converted to load from [[stripper clip|chargers]], and designated ''Charger Loading Lee–Enfields'', or ''CLLEs''.{{sfn|Skennerton|1997|p=8}}

==Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk I==
A shorter and lighter version of the original MLE—the ''Rifle, Short, Magazine, Lee–Enfield'' or ''SMLE'' (sometimes spoken as "Smelly", rather than "S-M-L-E"){{sfn|Wilson|2007a}}—was introduced on 1 January 1904. The barrel was now halfway in length between the original long rifle and the carbine, at 25.2&nbsp;inches (640&nbsp;mm).{{sfn|Skennerton|1994c|p=5}} The SMLE's visual trademark was its blunt nose, with only the bayonet boss protruding a small fraction of an inch beyond the nosecap, being modelled on the Swedish Model 1894 cavalry carbine. The new rifle also incorporated a charger loading system,<ref>LOC §&nbsp;11715</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=November 2021}} another innovation borrowed from the Mauser rifle and notably different from the fixed "bridge" that later became the standard: a charger clip (stripper clip) guide on the face of the bolt head.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=132}}{{clarify|date=March 2024}} The shorter length was controversial at the time; many rifle association members and gunsmiths were concerned that the shorter barrel would not be as accurate as the longer MLE barrels, that the recoil would be much greater and the sighting radius would be too short.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=126}}

==Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III==
[[File:Lee-Enfield Mk III (No 1 Mk 3) - AM.032056.jpg|thumb|Short magazine Lee–Enfield No. 1 Mk III]]
[[File:Commonwealth Forces in North Africa E53.jpg|thumb|An Indian rifleman with an SMLE Mk III, Egypt, 16 May 1940]]
[[File:Mishmar HaEmek.JPG|thumb|Women training at Mishmar HaEmek kibbutz with SMLE Mk IIIs during the [[1948 Arab–Israeli War]]]]
[[File:SMLEAction.jpg|thumb|Magazine cut-off on an SMLE Mk III rifle. This feature was removed on the Mk III* rifle.]]

The best-known Lee–Enfield rifle, the ''SMLE Mk III'', was introduced on 26 January 1907, along with a [[Pattern 1907 bayonet]] and featured a simplified rear sight arrangement and a fixed, rather than a bolt-head-mounted sliding, charger guide.{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}} The design of the handguards and the magazine were also improved and the chamber was adapted to fire the new Mk VII high velocity [[spitzer (bullet)|spitzer]] .303 ammunition. Many early models, magazine Lee–Enfields (MLEs), magazine Lee–Metfords (MLMs) and SMLEs, were rebuilt to the Mk III standard. These are called "Mk IV Cond.", with various asterisks denoting subtypes.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994c|p=9}} Another feature present on the No. 1 Mk III as well as many other models of the SMLE was a field cleaning kit enclosed behind a trapdoor in the buttstock which included a barrel pull through with various cloths and an oil bottle enclosed deeper within the compartment.

[[File:A member of the Home Guard demonstrates a rifle equipped to fire an anti-tank grenade, Dorking, 3 August 1942. H22061.jpg|thumb|A member of the Home Guard operating an SMLE No. 1 Mk III Rifle equipped with a grenade launcher cup loaded with an Anti-Tank Grenade of the era]]
During the First World War, the SMLE Mk III was found to be too complicated to manufacture (an SMLE Mk III rifle cost the British government [[£sd|£3/15/–]] = £{{£sd|l=3|s=15}},<ref>Significantly different numbers here: https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1919/jun/24/mr-kellaways-statement</ref> and demand outstripped supply; in late 1915 the ''Mk III*'' was introduced incorporating several changes, the most prominent of which were the deletion of the [[Magazine (firearms)#Magazine cut-off|magazine cut-off]] mechanism, which when engaged permits the feeding and extraction of single cartridges only while keeping the cartridges in the magazine in reserve, and the long-range [[volley sight]]s.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994c|p=9}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|pp=132, 161}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2001a|p=7}} The windage adjustment of the rear sight was also dispensed with, and the cocking piece was changed from a round knob to a serrated slab.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=161}} Rifles with some or all of these features present are found, as the changes were implemented at different times in different factories and as stocks of parts were depleted.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994c|p=7}} The magazine cut-off was reinstated after the First World War ended, and not entirely dispensed with in manufacturing until 1933; some rifles with cut-offs remained into the 1960s.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=161}} One notable later use of the rifles were rifle grenade launcher conversions which involved the attachment of a removable grenade cup which would use the pressure of a blank round to launch a single modified Mills Bomb which had a launching range of about 10 to 200 yards. 

The inability of the principal manufacturers ([[Royal Small Arms Factory|RSAF Enfield]], [[Birmingham Small Arms|the Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited]] and [[London Small Arms Co. Ltd]], [[Lithgow Arms]] Australia<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum |url=https://lithgowsafmuseum.org.au/history.html |website=lithgowsafmuseum.org.au |access-date=30 October 2024}}</ref>) to meet military production demands led to the development of the "peddled scheme", which contracted out the production of whole rifles and rifle components to several shell companies.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=171–172}} As a result, the production was quadrupled in the first year of the war from slightly over 100 thousands annually before the war.<ref>{{cite book |title=Statistics of the military effort of the British Empire during the Great War : 1914-1920 |date=1922 |publisher=HMSO |location=London |page=473 |url=https://wellcomecollection.org/works/r7ynvjg7/items?canvas=489 |language=en}}</ref> 
{| class="wikitable"
|+SMLE production during WWI<ref>{{cite book |title=Statistics of the military effort of the British Empire during the Great War : 1914-1920 |date=1922 |publisher=HMSO |location=London |page=479 |url=https://wellcomecollection.org/works/r7ynvjg7/items?canvas=495 |language=en}}</ref>
!Producer
!1914 (Aug.-Dec.)
!1915
!1916
!1917
!1918
!Total
|-
|Enfield
|51,576
|271,856
|418,283
|640,113
|626,330
|2,008,158
|-
|BSA
|56,416
|275,927
|435,212
|468,447
|345,732
|1,581,854
|-
|LSA
|12,101
|65,678
|99,433
|97,012
|89,990
|364,214
|-
!Total (UK)
!120,093
!613,461
!852,928
!1,205,572
!1,062,052
!3,854,106
|-
|Canada
|0
|2,650
|33,476
|82,360
|0
|118,486
|-
|USA
|0
|0
|282,495
|835,355
|0
|1,117,850
|-
!Grand total
!120,093
!616,111
!1,168,899
!2,123,287
!1,062,052
!5,090,442
|}
The SMLE Mk III* (renamed Rifle No. 1 Mk III* in 1926) saw extensive service throughout the Second World War, especially in the North African, Italian, Pacific and Burmese theatres in the hands of British and Commonwealth forces. Australia and India retained and manufactured the SMLE Mk III* as their standard rifle during the conflict, and the rifle remained in Australian military service through the [[Korean War]], until it was replaced by the [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle#Australia|L1A1 SLR]] in the late 1950s.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=338}} The [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory]] finally ceased production of the SMLE Mk III* in 1953.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994c|p=9}}

The [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]] at Ishapore in India produced the Mk III* in .303 British, and then the model 2A, with strength increased by heat treatment of the receiver and bolt to fire [[7.62×51mm NATO]] ammunition, retaining the 2,000-yard rear sight as the metric conversion of distance was very close to the flatter trajectory of the new ammunition. The model 2|A1 changed the rear sight to 800&nbsp;m, and was manufactured until at least the 1980s; a sporting rifle based on the Mk III* action remained in production.

The rifle became known simply as the "three-oh-three".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lithgowsafmuseum.org.au/milproduction.html|title=Lithgow Small Arms Factory Museum|website=www.lithgowsafmuseum.org.au}}</ref>

===Pattern 1913 Enfield===
{{Main|Pattern 1913 Enfield}}
Due to the poor performance of the [[.303 British]] cartridge during the [[Second Boer War]] from 1899 to 1902, the British attempted to replace the round and the Lee–Enfield rifle that fired it. The main deficiency of the rounds at the time was that they used heavy, round-nosed bullets that had low muzzle velocities and poor ballistic performance. The [[7×57mm Mauser]] rounds fired from the [[Mauser Model 1895]] rifle had a higher velocity, flatter trajectory and longer range, making them superior for the open plains of South Africa. Work on a long-range replacement cartridge began in 1910 and resulted in the [[.276 Enfield]] in 1912. A new rifle based on the Mauser design was created to fire the round, called the [[Pattern 1913 Enfield]]. Although the .276 Enfield had better ballistics, trials by British Army soldiers in 1913 revealed problems including excessive recoil, muzzle flash, barrel wear and overheating. It was hoped that a propellant with a lower burning temperature would be an improvement, but the onset of the [[First World War]] in 1914 ended development before a suitable propellant could be found. Wartime demand and the improved Mk VII loading of the .303 round caused the Lee–Enfield to be retained for service. Circa 1914 the Pattern 1913 design was modified as the [[Pattern 1914 Enfield]], mainly to use the .303 British cartridge. This weapon was mainly produced in the United States for British forces during the First World War. Upon the US entry into that war in 1917 the weapon was further redesigned for US service as the [[M1917 Enfield]] rifle, using the [[.30-06 Springfield]] cartridge.<ref>[http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/256brit.htm THE .256 INCH BRITISH: A LOST OPPORTUNITY by Anthony G Williams] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606221212/http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/256brit.htm |date=6 June 2013 }}</ref>

==Inter-war period==
[[File:Enfield No4 Mk1 Longbranch rear sights.JPG|thumb|Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk I Long Branch aperture sights]]

In 1926, the British Army changed its nomenclature; the SMLE became known as the ''Rifle No. 1 Mk III'' or ''III*'', with the original MLE and LEC becoming obsolete along with the earlier SMLE models.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994c|p=8}} Many Mk III and III* rifles were converted to [[.22 rimfire]] calibre training rifles, and designated ''Rifle No. 2'', of varying marks. (The Pattern 1914 became the ''Rifle No. 3''.){{sfn|Skennerton|1994c|p=8}}

==Lee–Enfield No. 1 Mk V==

The SMLE design was relatively expensive to manufacture, because of the many [[forging]] and [[machining]] operations required. In the 1920s, a series of experiments were carried out to help with these problems, resulting in design changes which reduced the number of complex parts and refining manufacturing processes. The ''SMLE Mk V'' (later ''Rifle No. 1 Mk V''), adopted a new [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]]-mounted aperture sighting system, which moved the rear sight from its former position on the barrel.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=187}} The increased gap resulted in an improved sighting radius, improving sighting accuracy and the aperture improved speed of sighting over various distances. In the stowed position, a fixed distance aperture battle sight calibrated for {{convert|300|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} protruded saving further precious seconds when laying the sight to a target. An alternative developed during this period was to be used on the No. 4 variant, a "battle sight" was developed that allowed for two set distances of 300 yards and 600 yards to be quickly deployed and was cheaper to produce than the "ladder sight". The magazine cutoff was also reintroduced and an additional band was added near the muzzle for additional strength during bayonet use.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=187}}

Long before the No. 4 Mk I, Britain had settled on the rear aperture sight prior to WWI, with modifications to the SMLE being tested as early as 1911, as well as later on the No. 1 Mk III pattern rifle. These unusual rifles have something of a mysterious service history, but represent a missing link in SMLE development. The primary distinguishing feature of the No. 1 Mk V is the rear aperture sight. Like the No. 1 Mk III* it lacked a volley sight and had the wire loop in place of the sling swivel at the front of the magazine well along with the simplified cocking piece. The Mk V did retain a magazine cut-off, but without a spotting hole, the piling swivel was kept attached to a forward barrel band, which was wrapped over and attached to the rear of the nose cap to reinforce the rifle for use with the standard Pattern 1907 bayonet. Other distinctive features include a nose cap screw which was slotted for the width of a coin for easy removal, a safety lever on the left side of the receiver was slightly modified with a unique angular groove pattern, and the two-piece hand guard being extended from the nose cap to the receiver, omitting the barrel mounted leaf sight. The design was found to be even more complicated and expensive to manufacture than the Mk III and was not developed or issued, beyond a trial production of about 20,000 rifles between 1922 and 1924 at [[Royal Small Arms Factory|RSAF Enfield]] all of which marked with a "V".{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=187}}

The ''No. 1 Mk VI'' also introduced a heavier "floating barrel" that was independent of the forearm, allowing the barrel to expand and contract without contacting the forearm and interfering with the "zero", the correlation between the alignment of the barrel and the sights. The floating barrel increased the accuracy of the rifle by allowing it to vibrate freely and consistently, whereas wooden forends in contact with barrels, if not properly fitted, affected the harmonic vibrations of the barrel. The receiver-mounted rear sights and magazine cutoff were also present and 1,025 units were produced in the 1930 period.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=189, 194}}

==Rifle No. 4==
[[File:Lee-Enfield No 4 Mk I (1943) - AM.032027.jpg|thumb|300px|Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk I (1943), [[Swedish Army Museum]], Stockholm]]
[[File:EnfieldNo4Mk2-303Brit.jpg|thumb|300px|Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk 2 with the ladder aperture sight flipped up and 5-round [[stripper clip|charger]]]]

In the early 1930s, a batch of 2,500 No. 4 Mk I rifles was made for trials. These were similar to the No. 1 Mk VI but had a flat left side and did away with the chequering on the furniture. Observed examples are dated 1931 and 1933. Roughly 1,400 of these were converted to No. 4 Mk I (T) sniper rifles in 1941–1942 at RSAF Enfield.

By the late 1930s, the need for new rifles grew and the ''Rifle, No. 4 Mk I'' was officially adopted in 1941.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994b|p=5}} The No. 4 action was similar to the No. 1 Mk VI but stronger and easier to mass-produce.{{sfn|Smith|1979|p=21}} Unlike the SMLE, that had a nose cap, the No 4 Lee–Enfield barrel protruded from the end of the forestock. For easier machining, the charger bridge was no longer rounded.
The [[iron sight]] line was redesigned and featured a rear receiver aperture battle sight calibrated for {{convert|300|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} with an additional ladder aperture sight that could be flipped up and was calibrated for {{convert|200|–|1300|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} in {{convert|100|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} increments. This sight, like other aperture sights, proved to be faster and more accurate than the typical mid-barrel open rear sight elements sight lines offered by Mauser, previous Lee–Enfields or the Buffington battle sight of the [[M1903 Springfield]].

The No. 4 rifle was heavier than the No. 1 Mk III, largely due to its heavier barrel. A new bayonet was designed to go with the rifle: a [[spike bayonet]] the [[No. 4 Bayonet|No. 4 bayonet]], essentially a steel rod with a sharp point, nicknamed "pigsticker" by soldiers.{{sfn|Smith|1979|p=21}} Towards the end of the Second World War, a bladed bayonet was developed for the No. 5 Mk I rifle ("jungle carbine"). Post-war versions were made that would fit No. 4 rifles and were designated No. 7 and No. 9 blade bayonets.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=406}}

During the course of the Second World War, the No. 4 rifle was further simplified for mass-production with the creation of the ''No. 4 Mk I*'' in 1942, with the bolt release catch replaced by a simpler notch on the bolt track of the rifle's receiver. It was produced only by Small Arms Limited at Long Branch in Canada, and Stevens-Savage Firearms in the US.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994b|p=9}} The No. 4 rifle was primarily produced for the United Kingdom, Canada and some other Commonwealth countries including New Zealand.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=230}} In 1943 it cost £7 15s (£{{£sd|l=7|s=15}}) to produce{{sfn|Pegler|2012|p=36}} By comparison, a [[Sten]] Mk II submachine gun cost £2 10s (£{{£sd|l=2|s=10}}).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GDGlAIJ46nsC&pg=PA140|title=Firearms: The Life Story of a Technology|isbn=9780801888366|last1=Pauly|first1=Roger|date=28 April 2008|publisher=JHU Press }}</ref>

In the years after the Second World War, the British produced the ''No. 4 Mk 2'' (Arabic numerals replaced Roman numerals in official names in 1944) rifle, a refined and improved No. 4 rifle with the trigger hung forward from the butt collar and not from the trigger guard, beech wood stocks (with the original reinforcing strap and centre piece of wood in the rear of the forestock on the No. 4 Mk I/Mk I* being removed in favour of a tie screw and nut) and brass "gunmetal" buttplates (during the war the British, Americans and Canadians replaced the brass buttplates on the No. 4 rifles with a zinc alloy ([[Zamak]]) type to reduce costs and speed production). Near the end of the war and after, Canada made blued steel buttplates.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994b|p=7}} With the introduction of the No. 4 Mk 2 rifle, the British refurbished many of their No. 4 rifles and brought them up to the same standard as the No. 4 Mk 2.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994b|p=6}} The No. 4 Mk 1 rifles were renamed ''No. 4 Mk I/2'', while No. 4 Mk I* rifles that were brought up to Mk 2 standard were renamed ''No. 4 Mk I/3''.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994b|p=9}} 

The refurbishment of the No. 4 MkIs and No. 4 MkI*s to the No. 4 Mk2 specifications were done during the 1950s at ROF Fazakerley and BSA Shirley. The No. 4 rifles refurbished at ROF Fazakerley were for British military use while No. 4 rifles refurbished at BSA Shirley were for commercial sale to various British Commonwealth countries and to civilian rifle shooters in the UK and the Commonwealth.

==Rifle No. 5 Mk I—the "jungle carbine"==
{{Main|Jungle carbine}}
[[File:Lee-Enfield no 5-IMG 6559-white.jpg|thumb|Rifle No. 5 on display at the [[Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Museum]]]]
Later in the war, the need for a shorter, lighter rifle forced the development of the ''Rifle, No. 5 Mk I'' (the "[[jungle carbine]]").{{sfn|Wilson|2006}} With a cut-down stock, a prominent [[flash hider]], and a "lightening-cut" receiver machined to remove all unnecessary metal, reduced barrel length of {{convert|18.8|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} the No. 5 was shorter and {{convert|2|lb|kg|1|abbr=on}} lighter. Despite a rubber butt-pad, the .303 round produced excessive recoil due to the shorter barrel. It was unsuitable for general issue and production ceased in 1947, due to an "inherent fault in the design", often claimed to be a [[Jungle carbine#"Wandering zero"|"wandering zero"]] and accuracy problems.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994a|p=8}}

The No. 5 [[iron sight]] line was similar to the No. 4 Mark I and featured a rear receiver aperture battle sight calibrated for {{convert|300|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} with an additional ladder aperture sight that could be flipped up and was calibrated for {{convert|200|-|800|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} in {{convert|100|yd|m|0|abbr=on}} increments. The No. 5 Mk I was popular with soldiers owing to its light weight, portability and shorter length than a standard Lee–Enfield rifle.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994a|p=7}} The No. 5 was first issued to the British [[1st Airborne Division (United Kingdom)|1st Airborne Division]] and used during its liberation of Denmark [[Operation Doomsday|and Norway]] in 1945. BSA-Shirley, Birmingham produced 81,329 rifles and ROF Fazakerley, Liverpool 169,807 rifles. It was equipped with a [[No. 5 Bayonet|No. 5 Mk I blade bayonet]] which had a large muzzle ring to fit over the flash hider. The No. 7 Mk I/L bayonet, which has a rotating handle and a large ring on the cross-guard was not for the No. 5 Mk I rifle as many collectors believe.

An Australian experimental version of the No. 5 Mk I, designated ''Rifle, No. 6, Mk I''{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=349}} was also developed, using an SMLE MK III* as a starting point (as opposed to the No. 4 Mk I used to develop the No. 5 Mk I). The Australian military was not permitted to manufacture the No. 4 Mk I, because the [[Lithgow Small Arms Factory]] was producing the SMLE Mk III. The No. 6 Mk I never entered full production and examples are rare and valuable to collectors.{{sfn|Wilson|2006}} A "shortened and lightened" version of the SMLE Mk III* rifle was also tested by the Australian military and a very small number were manufactured at SAF Lithgow during the course of the Second World War.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=347}}

The term "jungle carbine" was popularised in the 1950s by the [[Santa Fe Arms Corporation]], a U.S. importer which refurbished many surplus rifles, converting many of the No. 4 marks, in the hope of increasing sales of a rifle that had little U.S. market penetration. It was never an official military designation but British and Commonwealth troops serving in the [[Burma campaign|Burmese]] and Pacific theatres during World War II had been known to unofficially refer to the No. 5 Mk I as a "jungle carbine".{{sfn|Wilson|2006}} The No. 4 and No. 5 rifles served in the [[Korean War]] (as did the No. 1 Mk III* SMLE and sniper "T" variants, mostly with Australian troops).{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}}

==Lee–Enfield conversions and training models==

===Sniper rifles===
[[File:Sergeant H.A. Marshall of the Sniper Section, The Calgary Highlanders.jpg|thumb|Canadian [[sniper]] [[Harold Marshall (Canadian sniper)|Sergeant Harold Marshall]] carries a No. 4 Mk I (T) chambered in .303 British]]
[[File:L42A1-Large.png|thumb|L42A1 sniper rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO]]

During both World Wars and the Korean War, Lee–Enfield rifles were modified for use as [[sniper rifle]]s. The [[Australian Army]] modified 1,612{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=345}} Lithgow SMLE No. 1 Mk III* rifles by adding a heavy target barrel, cheek-piece, and a World War I era Pattern 1918 telescope, creating the ''SMLE No. 1 Mk III* (HT)''. (HT standing for "heavy barrel, telescopic sight),{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}} which saw service in the Second World War, Korea, and Malaya and was used for sniper training through to the late 1970s.{{sfn|Skennerton|2004a|p=36}}

During the Second World War, standard No. 4 rifles, selected for their accuracy during factory tests, were modified by the addition of a wooden cheek rising-piece, and telescopic sight mounts designed to accept a No. 32 3.5× telescopic sight.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=227}} The telescopic sight had a field of view of 8 degrees 20 minutes and featured a [[telescopic sight#Bullet drop compensation|bullet drop compensation]] range drum on top of the sight graduated in {{convert|50|yd|m|1}} increments from 0 to {{convert|1000|yd|m|0}}. Side adjustments in 2 [[Minute and second of arc#Firearms|MOA]] increments were made by the drum mounted at the side of the sight. These rifles were designated as the No. 4 Mk I (T). The accuracy requirement was ability to place seven of seven shots in a {{convert|5|in|cm|1}} circle at {{convert|200|yd|m|0}} and six of seven shots in a {{convert|10|in|cm|1}} circle at {{convert|400|yd|m|0}}. The wooden cheek-piece was attached with two screws. The rear "battle sight" was ground off to make room to attach the No. 32 telescope sight to the left side of the receiver. Each No. 32 and its bracket (mount) were matched and serial numbered to a specific rifle.<ref name=mk4>{{cite journal|last1=Keefe |first1=Mark A. IV |year=2007 |title=British Lee–Enfield No. 4 (T) Sniper Rifle |journal=[[American Rifleman]] |issue=August |pages=88 }}</ref>

In British service, the No. 32 telescope — which was designed as an aiming optic for the [[Bren light machine gun]] — progressed through three marks with the Mk I introduced in 1942, the Mk II in 1943 which offered side adjustments in finer 1 MOA increments, and finally the Mk III (Mk 3) in 1944 which had an improved field of view of 8 degrees 30 minutes.<ref>[http://www.nzha.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/The-Lee-Enfield-Rifle-Major-E-G-B-Reynolds-19601.pdf The Lee-Enfield Rifle, London, Reading and Fakenham,Cox and Wyman Limited, 1960, Major E. G. B. Reynold, p. 170-172]</ref> A transitional model the No. 32 Mk 2/1 was also made. The Canadian scopes made by Research Enterprises Limited and were prefixed with a letter ''C'' and went through C No. 32 Mk I, Mk I A (a transitional model), Mk II and Mk 3. Many Mk 3s and Mk 2/1s (Mk 2s Modified to Mk 3 standard) were later modified for use with the 7.62×51mm NATO [[L42A1]] sniper rifle. They were then known by the designation ''Telescope Straight, Sighting L1A1''.

Initial production was 1,403 conversions of 1931–1933 troop trials No. 4 Mk I rifles at RSAF Enfield and a few others including Stevens-Savage No. 4s. These were converted in late 1941 and into the later part of 1942. Then, the work was assigned to [[Holland & Holland]], the famous British sporting gun manufacturers, which converted about 23,000 No. 4 Mk I (T) and No. 4 Mk I* (T) sniper rifles. The Holland & Holland conversions usually have the contractor code "S51" on the underside of the buttstock. BSA Shirley undertook 100 conversions to .22". James Purdey and Sons fitted special buttstocks later in the war. About 3,000 rifles, mostly Stevens-Savage, appear to have been partially converted by Holland & Holland but never received brackets, scopes of the final "T" mark. Canada converted about 1,588 rifles at Small Arms Limited (to the end of 1945) and, in 1946, at Canadian Arsenals Limited. Both were located at Long Branch, Ontario. Most of the Canadian made No. 4 Mk I* (T) sniper equipments went into British service. The No. 4 (T) rifles were extensively employed in various conflicts until the late 1960s.

The British military switched over to the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] round in the 1950s; starting in 1970, over 1,000 of the No. 4 Mk I (T) and No. 4 Mk I* (T) sniper rifles were converted to this new calibre and designated ''[[L42A1]]''.{{sfn|Skennerton|1994b|p=7}} The L42A1 sniper rifle continued as the British Army's standard sniper weapon being phased out by 1993, and replaced by [[Accuracy International Arctic Warfare|Accuracy International's L96]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amstevens.fsnet.co.uk/Inforeq.htm |title=Enfield Enforcer |publisher=Amstevens.fsnet.co.uk |access-date=28 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224132052/http://www.amstevens.fsnet.co.uk/Inforeq.htm |archive-date=24 February 2009}}</ref>

===.22 training rifles===
{{main|No.8 rifle}}
Numbers of Lee–Enfield rifles were converted to [[.22 calibre]] training rifles,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_small-bore_training_rifles.html |title=Lee–Enfield and other Training Rifles and Associated Equipment in .22RF and other miniature calibres |publisher=N.R.A.(U.K.) - Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> in order to teach cadets and new recruits the various aspects of shooting, firearms safety, and marksmanship at a markedly reduced cost per round. Initially, rifles were converted from obsolete magazine Lee–Metford and magazine Lee–Enfield rifles<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_RF_Short_Mks_1_and_2.htm |title=Lee–Enfield Rifle RF Short Mks.I and II (II) |publisher=N.R.A.(U.K.) - Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-date=21 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121011955/http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_RF_Short_Mks_1_and_2.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|pp=481–483}} but from the First World War onwards SMLE rifles were used instead. These were known as ''.22 Pattern 1914 short rifles''<ref>{{cite web|author=SHOT Backwards Design Company |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_.22RF_Pattern_14.html |title=Lee–Enfield Rifle .22RF Pattern 14 |publisher=N.R.A.(U.K.) - Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> during The First World War and ''Rifle, No. 2 Mk IV''<ref>[http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_No.2.html]{{dead link|date=February 2012}}</ref> from 1921 onwards.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=484–489}} They were generally single-shot affairs, originally using Morris tubes chambered for the cheap .22L cartridge and some larger types, circa 1907. Some were later modified with special adaptors to enable magazine loading. In 1914, Enfield produced complete .22 barrels and bolts specifically for converting .303 units, and these soon became the most common conversion. A five-round .22 cal Parker-Hiscock magazine was also developed and in service for a relatively short period during the later period of the First World War, but was subsequently withdrawn from issue due to reliability problems with its quite complicated loading and feeding mechanisms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_Pattern_18_303cum22.htm |title=Lee–Enfield Pattern 18 – ".303 cum .22" (II) |publisher=N.R.A.(U.K.) - Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-date=11 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211081353/http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_Pattern_18_303cum22.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=484,488}} No. 2 Mk IV rifles are externally identical to .303 calibre SMLE Mk III* rifles, the only difference being the .22 calibre barrel, empty magazine case, bolthead and extractor which have been modified to fire .22 calibre rimfire cartridges.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=489}}

After the Second World War, the ''Rifle, No. 7'', ''[[No.8 rifle|Rifle, No. 8]]'' and ''Rifle, No. 9'', all .22 rimfire trainers and target rifles based on the Lee action, were adopted or in use with cadet units and target shooters throughout the Commonwealth, the No.8 as of 2017 has been replaced among cadet forces due to obsolescence.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_small-bore_training_rifles.html |title=Lee–Enfield and other Training Rifles and Associated Equipment |publisher=N.R.A.(U.K.) - Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=504–509}}

In Britain, a .22RF version of the No. 5 rifle was prototyped by BSA and trialled with a view to it becoming the British Service training rifle when the .303" CF No. 5 was initially mooted as being a potential replacement for the No. 4 rifle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_No.5.html |title=Lee–Enfield Rifle No.5 .22RF |publisher=N.R.A.(U.K.) - Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>

The ''C No.7 22" MK.I rifle'' is a .22 single-shot, manually fed, training version of the No. 4 Mk I* rifle manufactured at Long Branch.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_No.7-C.html |title=The Lee–Enfield Rifle C. No.7 (Canadian) |publisher=N.R.A.(U.K.) - Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> Production of this model was 1944–1946 and a few in 1950 to 1953.<ref>{{cite web |author=Badger |url=http://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=152-1944-C-No.7-.22-Caliber-Lee-Enfield-Training-Rifle|title=1944 C No.7 .22 Caliber Lee-Enfield Training Rifle |website=www.milsurps.com}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=May 2021}}

===Muskets and shotguns===
Conversion of rifles to smoothbore guns was carried out in several locations, at various times, for varying reasons.

SAF Lithgow, in Australia, produced shotguns based on the MkIII action under the "Slazenger" name, chambering the common commercial .410 shotgun shell.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=379}} Commercial gunsmiths in Australia and Britain converted both MkIII and No. 4 rifles to .410 shotguns. These conversions were prompted by firearms legislation that made possession of a rifle chambered in a military cartridge both difficult and expensive. Smoothbore shotguns could be legally held with far less trouble.

RFI, in India, converted a large number of MkIII rifles to single-shot muskets, chambered for the .410 Indian musket cartridge. These conversions were for issue to police and prison guards, to provide a firearm with a much-reduced power and range in comparison to the .303 cartridge. A further likely consideration was the difficulty of obtaining replacement ammunition in the event of the rifle's theft or the carrier's desertion.

While British and Australian conversions were to the standard commercially available .410 shotgun cartridge (though of varying chamber lengths) the Indian conversions have been the source of considerable confusion. The Indian conversions were originally chambered for the .410 Indian musket cartridge, which is based on the .303 British cartridge, and will not chamber the common .410 shotgun cartridge. Many of these muskets were rechambered, after being sold as surplus, and can now be used with commercially available ammunition. Unmodified muskets require handloading of ammunition, as the .410 Indian Musket cartridge was not commercially distributed and does not appear to have been manufactured since the 1950s.

Numerous attempts have been made to convert the various single-shot .410 shotgun models to a bolt-action repeating model by removing the wooden magazine plug and replacing it with a standard 10-round SMLE magazine. None of these is known to have been successful,{{sfn|Griffiths|1998}} though some owners have adapted three-round magazines for Savage and Stevens shotguns to function in a converted SMLE shotgun, or even placing such a magazine inside a gutted SMLE magazine.

===Civilian conversions and variants===
From the late 1940s, legislation in New South Wales, Australia, heavily restricted .303 British calibre (and other "military calibre") rifles,{{sfn|Enright|1998}} so large numbers of SMLEs were converted to "wildcat" calibres such as [[.303/25]], [[.303/22]], .303/270 and the popular [[7.7×54mm]] round.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=351}} 303/25 calibre sporterised SMLEs are very common in Australia today, although ammunition for them has been very scarce since the 1980s.{{sfn|Enright|1998}} The restrictions placed on "military calibre" rifles in New South Wales were lifted in 1975, and many people who had converted their Lee–Enfields to the "wildcat" rounds converted their rifles back to .303 British.{{sfn|Enright|1998}} Post-Second World War, SAF Lithgow converted a number of SMLE rifles to commercial sporting rifles- notably the .22 Hornet model- under the "Slazenger" brand.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=549}}

In the early 1950s Essential Agencies Ltd. (E.A.L.), of Toronto, Ontario, produced a run of several thousand survival rifles based on the No. 4 action, but lightened and shortened, chambered in .303 British. Serial numbers below 6000 were for civilian sale, serial numbers 6000 and higher were built under contract to the Canadian government. The Royal Canadian Air Force also used these as a survival rifle in the remote parts of Canada.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}}

===L59A1 Drill Rifle===
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2017}}
The L59A1 was a conversion of the No. 4 rifle (all marks) to a [[drill purpose rifle]] that was incapable of being restored to a firing configuration. It was introduced in service in the 1970s. A conversion specification of No. 1 rifles to L59A2 drill purpose was also prepared but was abandoned due to the greater difficulty of machining involved and the negligible numbers still in the hands of cadet units.

The L59A1 arose from British government concerns over the vulnerability of the Army Cadet Force and school [[Combined Cadet Force]]s' (CCF) stocks of small arms to theft by terrorists, in particular the [[Irish Republican Army]] following raids on CCF armouries in the 1950s and 1960s. Previous conversions to drill purpose (DP) of otherwise serviceable rifles were<ref>{{cite web |last1=HARC |title=Reference Site |url=http://Www.rifleman.org.uk/L59A2_Drill_Purpose_Rifle.html |website=Www.rifleman.org.uk |publisher=Rifleman.org.uk}}</ref> not considered to be sufficiently incapable of restoration to fireable state and were a potential source of reconversion spares.

L59A1 drill rifles were rendered incapable of being fired, and of being restored to a fireable form, by extensive modifications that included the welding of the barrel to the receiver, modifications to the receiver that removed the supporting structures for the bolt's locking lugs and blocking the installation of an unaltered bolt, the removal of the striker's tip, the blocking of the striker's hole in the bolt head and the removal of most of the bolt body's locking lugs. Most bolts were copper plated for identification. A plug was welded in place forward of the chamber, and a window was cut in the side of the barrel. The stock and fore end were marked with broad white painted bands (often with red bands, and also rarely seen blue bands or stripes) and the letters ''DP'' for easy identification.

==Special service Lee–Enfields: Commando and automatic models==

===De Lisle commando carbine===
{{Main|De Lisle carbine}}
[[File:De Lisle Rifle.jpg|thumb|left|The initial wooden-[[Stock (firearm)|stocked]] De Lisle with a [[suppressor]]]]
The [[British Commandos|commando]] units of the British military requested a suppressed rifle for killing sentries, guard dogs and other clandestine operational uses during the Second World War. The resulting weapon, designed by Godfray de Lisle, was effectively an SMLE Mk III* receiver redesigned to take a [[.45 ACP]] cartridge and associated magazine, with a barrel from a [[Thompson submachine gun]] and an integrated suppressor.{{sfn|Skennerton|2001a|p=7}} It was produced in very limited numbers and an experimental folding stock version was made.

===Ekins automatic rifle===
The Ekins automatic rifle was one of the numerous attempts to convert a Lee–Enfield SMLE to an automatic rifle.<ref name="Special Service Lee Enfields 2001">Ian Skennerton ''Special Service Lee Enfields: Commando and Auto Models'' Published by Ian D Skennerton, PO Box 80, Labrador 4215, Australia, 2001. {{ISBN|0-949749-37-0}}. Paperback, 48 pp, 50 plus b & w drawings and photos, 210 × 274&nbsp;mm</ref> Similar developments were the South African [[Rieder automatic rifle]] and the New Zealand and Australian [[Charlton automatic rifle]]s.

===Howard Francis carbine===
{{infobox weapon
| name               = Howard Francis self-loading carbine
| image              = 
| caption            = 
| origin             = United Kingdom
| type               = [[Carbine]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 
| used_by            = 
| wars               = <!-- Production history -->
| designer           = Howard Francis
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = 
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 
| number             = 
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{cvt|3.7|kg|lb|lk=on}}
| length             = {{cvt|812|mm|in|lk=on}}
| part_length        = {{cvt|324|mm|in}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = [[7.63×25mm Mauser]]
| action             = 
| rate               = [[Semi-automatic firearm|Semi-automatic]]
| velocity           = 
| range              = 
| max_range          = 
| feed               = 12-round [[Magazine (firearms)#Box|box magazine]]
| sights             = [[Iron sights]]
}}

The Howard Francis self-loading carbine was a conversion of a No. 1 Mk III to the [[7.63×25mm Mauser]] pistol cartridge.<ref>''Special Service Lee Enfields: Commando and Auto Models'' by Ian Skennerton. Published by Ian D Skennerton, 2001. {{ISBN|0-949749-37-0}}.</ref> It fired in semi-automatic only and suffered some feeding and extraction problems and, despite meeting accuracy and soundness of design concept, never made it past the prototype stage.

===Howell automatic rifle===
{{Main|Howell automatic rifle}}
The Howell automatic rifle was the first attempt to convert the Lee–Enfield SMLE into a semi-automatic rifle. The weapon was reliable but unergonomic for the user as the force of the recoiling bolt interfered with handling.

===Rieder automatic rifle===
{{Main|Rieder automatic rifle}}
The Rieder automatic rifle was an automatic (full automatic only) Lee–Enfield SMLE rifle of [[South Africa]]n origin. The Rieder device could be installed straight away without the use of tools.

=== Turner automatic conversion ===
[[Long-stroke piston]] [[tilting bolt]] semi automatic conversion developed by Turner Russel, proposed for the Canadian government in 1941 but was rejected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-23 |title=Turner Semiauto SMLE Conversion - YouTube |website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOgw59_lt7o |access-date=2024-03-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223224718/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOgw59_lt7o |archive-date=23 December 2023 }}</ref>

==Conversion to 7.62×51mm NATO==
In 1954, the [[War Office]] adopted the [[7.62×51mm NATO]]-calibre [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]] for use by frontline infantry units. While it was intended that rear-echelon and reserve units would continue to use the Lee-Enfield No. 4 in order to avoid the expense of rearming those units with the L1A1 as well, Britain's commitments as a [[NATO]] member meant that the .303in cartridge could no longer be used; thus, the early 1960s saw the approval of a plan to convert the Lee–Enfield No. 4 to the newer NATO cartridge.<ref name=houghton>{{cite book |last1=Houghton |first1=Steve |title=British Sniping Rifles since 1970 |date=25 November 2021 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781472842350 |pages=6–7}}</ref> Rifles that were thus converted were re-designated as the ''L8'' series of rifles and refitted with 7.62×51mm NATO barrels, new bolt faces and extractor claws, new rear sights, and 7.62×51mm NATO magazines. The appearance of the L8 series rifles was no different from the original No. 4 rifles, except for the new barrel (which still retained the original No. 4 rifle bayonet lugs) and magazine.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=255–260}}<ref name=houghton /> The L8 series of rifles consisted of ''L8A1'' rifles (converted No. 4 Mk2 rifles), ''L8A1 (T)'' rifles (converted No .4 Mk 1 (T) rifles),<ref name=houghton /> ''L8A2'' rifles (converted No. 4 Mk1/2 rifles), ''L8A3'' rifles (converted No. 4 Mk1/3 rifles), ''L8A4'' rifles (converted No. 4 Mk1 rifles), and ''L8A5'' rifles (converted No. 4 Mk1* rifles).

The results of the trials that were conducted on the L8 series rifles were mixed; the L8A1 (T) rifles fired test groups that bore no relation to those fired while they were still No. 4 Mk 1 (T) rifles nor was there any consistent accuracy between those rifles that had been chosen for conversion, while the regular L8 rifles gave a better performance but with little or no improvement over .303in weapons; consequently, the conversion programme was abandoned and what was now known as the Ministry of Defence was forced to expand the issue of L1A1 rifles to non-frontline units.<ref name=houghton /> However, experience from the programme, including the magazine design, was used to aid the later [[L42A1]] conversion programme.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|pp=260–264}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Houghton |first1=Steve |title=British Sniping Rifles since 1970 |date=25 November 2021 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781472842350 |pages=8–9}}</ref>

In the late 1960s, RSAF Enfield entered the commercial market by producing No. 4-based 7.62×51mm rifles for sale. The products were marketed under alliterative names e.g. Enfield Envoy, a rifle intended for civilian competition target shooting and Enfield Enforcer, a rifle fitted with a Pecar telescopic sight to suit the requirements of police firearms teams.

[[Sterling Armaments Company|Sterling Armaments]] of Dagenham, Essex, produced a conversion kit comprising a new 7.62 mm barrel, magazine, extractor and ejector for commercial sale.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search/family/010421156/publication/GB897079A?q=pn%3DGB897079A|title=GB897079A Improvements in or relating to rifles|via=Espacenet}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forgottenweapons.com/7-62mm-rifle-l8-the-last-gasp-of-the-service-lee-enfield/|title=7.62mm Rifle L8: The Last Gasp of the Service Lee Enfield|first=Ian|last=McCollum|date=13 December 2021|website=forgottenweapons.com}}</ref> The main difference between the two conversions was in the cartridge ejection arrangement; the Enfield magazine carried a hardened steel projection that struck the rim of the extracted case to eject it, the Sterling system employed a spring-loaded plunger inserted into the receiver wall.

===Ishapore 2A/2A1===
{{Main|Ishapore 2A1 rifle}}

[[File:RFI Rifle 7.62mm 2A1.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Ishapore 2A1]]

At some point just after the [[Sino-Indian War]] of 1962, the Rifle Factory Ishapore in India began producing a new type of rifle known as the ''Rifle 7.62&nbsp;mm 2A'', which was based on the SMLE Mk III*{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=515}} and was slightly redesigned to use the 7.62×51mm NATO round. Externally the new rifle is very similar to the classic Mk III*, with the exception of the buttplate (the buttplate from the 1A SLR is fitted) and magazine, which is more "square" than the SMLE magazine, and usually carries twelve rounds instead of ten,{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=370}} although a number of 2A1s have been noted with 10-round magazines.

Ishapore 2A and Ishapore 2A1 receivers are made with improved (EN) steel (to handle the increased pressures of the 7.62×51mm round){{sfn|Skennerton|2004b|p=5}} and the extractor is redesigned to suit the rimless cartridge. From 1965 to 1975 (when production is believed to have been discontinued), the sight ranging graduations were changed from 2,000 to 800, and the rifle re-designated ''Rifle 7.62&nbsp;mm 2A1''.{{sfn|Skennerton|2004b|p=14}} The original {{convert|2000|yard|m|lk=on}} rear sight arm was found to be suitable for the ballistics of the 7.62×51mm, which is around 10% more powerful and equates to a flatter trajectory than that of the .303 British MkVII ammunition, so it was a simple matter to think of the ''2,000'' as representing metres rather than yards. It was then decided that the limit of the effective range was a more realistic proposition at 800&nbsp;m.

The Ishapore 2A and 2A1 rifles are often incorrectly described as ".308 conversions". The 2A/2A1 rifles are not conversions of .303 calibre SMLE Mk III* rifles. Rather, they are newly manufactured firearms and are not technically chambered for commercial .308 Winchester ammunition. However, many 2A/2A1 owners shoot such ammunition in their rifles with no problems, although some factory loaded .308 Winchester cartridges may appear to generate higher pressures than 7.62×51mm NATO, even though the rounds are otherwise interchangeable – this is due to the different systems of pressure measurement used for NATO and commercial cartridges.

=== 4MK4 Rifle ===
Locally produced Lee Enfield rifle. There was a lot controversy over the weapon because these are the same Lee Enfields once sold by Australian International Arms (AIA) as the M10 No. 4 Mk IV, AIA denying multiple times they were using Vietnam to manufacture the rifles. The company went out of business in 2011. Limited used by [[Militia|Militia Forces]]. Modernized as the SBT7MK4, chamber in 7.62x51mm NATO.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-08 |title=[ẢNH] Bất ngờ, Việt Nam sản xuất khẩu súng trường nổi tiếng của Anh quốc |url=https://www.anninhthudo.vn/anh-bat-ngo-viet-nam-san-xuat-khau-sung-truong-noi-tieng-cua-anh-quoc-post373872.antd |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=Báo điện tử An ninh Thủ đô |language=vi}}</ref>

== Manufacturers ==
[[File:A Delhi Police marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the rehearsal for the celebration of 60th Republic Day -2009, in New Delhi on January 06, 2009.jpg|thumb|A Delhi Police marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the rehearsal for the celebration of 60th Republic Day -2009 carrying the Indian version of the Lee Enfield SMLE]]

In total, over 16 million Lee–Enfields had been produced in several factories on different continents when production in Britain ended in 1956 at the [[Royal Ordnance Factory]] [[ROF Fazakerley]] in Liverpool, after that factory had been plagued with industrial unrest. The machinery from ROF Fazakerley was sold to Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) in [[Rawalpindi]] where production and repair of the No. 4 Mk I started from 1952 till 1957 and then production changed over to No. 4 Mk II from 1957.{{sfn|Pegler|2012|p=70}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.milsurps.com/content.php?r=201-1961-No.4-Mk2-(Mfg-by-Pakistani-Ordnance-Factory-(POF)-in-1961)|title=Milsurps Knowledge Library - 1961 No.4 Mk2 (Mfg by Pakistani Ordnance Factory (POF) in 1961)|website=www.milsurps.com}}</ref> 

Also contributing to the total was the Rifle Factory Ishapore (RFI) at [[Ishapore]] in India, which continued to produce the SMLE in both .303 and 7.62×51mm NATO until the 1980s, and is still manufacturing a sporting rifle based on the SMLE Mk III action, chambered for a .315 calibre cartridge,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/5.htm |title=.315" Sporting Rifle |publisher=Indian Ordnance Factories |access-date=28 January 2009}}</ref> the [[Birmingham Small Arms Company]] factory at Shirley near [[Birmingham]], and SAF Lithgow in Australia, who finally discontinued production of the SMLE Mk III* with a final 'machinery proving' batch of 1000 rifles in early 1956, using 1953-dated receivers. During the First World War alone, 3.8&nbsp;million SMLE rifles were produced in the UK by RSAF Enfield, BSA, and LSA.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=171}}

[[File:LSA SMLE Band Markings smaller.jpg|thumb|right|The wristguard markings on a 1918-dated short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III* rifle's [[receiver (firearms)|receiver]] manufactured by the London Small Arms Co. Ltd. The "G.R." under [[Tudor Crown|the crown]] stands for [[George V|"George Rex"]] and refers to the reigning monarch at the time the rifle was manufactured.]]

[[File:Complete Guide to Heraldry Fig642.png|thumb|right|[[Tudor Crown]] seen on [[King George V]] era manufactured SMLE Mk III rifle [[receiver (firearms)|receivers]]]]

===List of manufacturers===
{| class="wikitable" 
|-
|+Manufacturer markings of MLE, CLLE, and SMLE Mk I—Mk III*
|-
!Marking
!Manufacturer
!Country
|-
|Enfield
|[[Royal Small Arms Factory]] Enfield
|United Kingdom
|-
|Sparkbrook
|Royal Small Arms Factory [[Sparkbrook]]
|United Kingdom
|-
|BSA Co
|[[Birmingham Small Arms Company]]
|United Kingdom
|-
|LSA Co
|[[London Small Arms Co. Ltd]]
|United Kingdom
|-
|Lithgow
|[[Lithgow Small Arms Factory]]
|Australia
|-
|GRI
|[[Rifle Factory Ishapore]]
|[[British India]]
|-
|RFI
|Rifle Factory Ishapore
|India (Post-Independence)
|}

"SSA" and "NRF" markings are sometimes encountered on First World War-dated SMLE Mk III* rifles. These stand for "Standard Small Arms" and "National Rifle Factory", respectively. Rifles so marked were assembled using parts from various other manufacturers, as part of a scheme during the First World War to boost rifle production in the UK. Only SMLE Mk III* rifles are known to have been assembled under this program.
GRI stands for "[[King George V|Georgius Rex, Imperator]]" (Latin for 'King George, Emperor (of India)', denoting a rifle made during the [[British Raj]]. RFI stands for "Rifle Factory, Ishapore", denoting a rifle made after the [[Partition of India]] in 1947.

{| class="wikitable" 
|-
|+Manufacturer marks for No. 4 Mk I, No. 4 Mk I* and No. 4 Mk 2
|-
!Marking
!Manufacturer
!Country
|-
|ROF (F)
|[[ROF Fazakerley|Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerley]]
|United Kingdom
|-
|ROF (M)
|[[ROF Maltby|Royal Ordnance Factory Maltby]]
|United Kingdom
|-
|B
|[[Birmingham Small Arms Company|The Birmingham Small Arms Company Limited]]
|United Kingdom
|-
|M47 and later M47C
|Birmingham Small Arms Factory (Shirley)
|United Kingdom
|-
|[[Long Branch, Toronto|Long Branch]]<!--Long Branch, Toronto, Ontario-->
|Small Arms Limited and later, Canadian Arsenals Limited
|Canada
|-
|Squared S and US property
|[[Savage Arms]]
|United States
|-
|POF
|[[Pakistan Ordnance Factories]]
|Pakistan
|}

Second World War UK production rifles had manufacturer codes for security reasons. For example, BSA Shirley is denoted by M47C, ROF(M) is often simply stamped "M", and BSA is simply stamped "B".
Savage-made Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk I and No. 4 Mk I* rifles are all stamped "US property". They were supplied to the UK under the [[Lend-Lease]] programme during the Second World War. No Savage Lee–Enfields were ever issued to the US military; the markings existed solely to maintain the pretense that American equipment was being lent to the UK rather than permanently sold to them.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|loc=Chapter 15}}

====Australian International Arms No. 4 Mk IV====
[[File:AIA M10-B2 7.62 Match Rifle.jpg|thumb|alt=A rifle laid out on a cloth|AIA M10-B2 match rifle]]

The Brisbane-based Australian International Arms also manufactured a modern reproduction of the No. 4 Mk II rifle, which they marketed as the ''AIA No. 4 Mk IV''. The rifles were manufactured by parts outsourcing and were assembled and finished in Australia, chambered in [[7.62×51mm NATO]] and fed from modified [[M14 rifle|M14]] magazines. The No. 4 Mk IV was designed with the modern shooter in mind, and has the ability to mount a telescopic sight without drilling and tapping the receiver.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lawranceordnance.com/lawrance-ordnance/rifles-aia.html |title=Improved Enfield Rifles |publisher=Australian International Arms Rifles/Lawrance Ordnance |access-date=28 January 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080803155437/http://www.lawranceordnance.com/lawrance-ordnance/rifles-aia.html |archive-date = 3 August 2008}}</ref> 

AIA also offered the ''AIA M10-A1'' rifle, a jungle carbine-styled version chambered in [[7.62×39mm]] Russian, which uses [[AK-47]] magazines.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=553}} Magazine supply and importation (M14 and AK 10 single stack mag) whilst legal in Australia, has been spasmodically curtailed by Australian Federal Customs (for more information, see [[Gun politics in Australia]]). It is possible to obtain a 10-round (the maximum allowed by law) M14 magazines for the M10-B2 match rifles in particular, provided an import permit from the appropriate licensing services division can be obtained in some states, yet Australian Federal Customs may still refuse importation on no valid grounds.<ref>[http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/fa1996102/sch2.html Firearms Act, SCHEDULE 2, Part (8)(b)], accessed 11 January 2010</ref>

===Khyber Pass copies===
A number of British Service Rifles, predominantly the [[Martini–Henry]] and [[Martini–Enfield]], but also the various Lee–Enfield rifles, have been produced by small manufacturers in the [[Khyber Pass]] region of the Pakistani-Afghan border.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=368}}

"[[Khyber Pass Copy|Khyber Pass copies]]", as they are known, tend to be copied exactly from a "master" rifle, which may itself be a Khyber Pass copy, markings and all, which is why it's not uncommon to see Khyber Pass rifles with the ''N'' in "Enfield" reversed, amongst other things.{{sfn|Skennerton|1993|p=334}}

The quality on such rifles varies from "as good as a factory-produced example" to "dangerously unsafe", tending towards the latter end of the scale. Khyber Pass copy rifles cannot generally stand up to the pressures generated by modern commercial ammunition,{{sfn|Skennerton|1993|p=334}} and are generally considered unsafe to fire under any circumstances.{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}}

Khyber Pass copies can be recognised by a number of factors, notably:
* Spelling errors in the markings; as noted the most common of which is a reversed "N" in "Enfield")
* V.R. (Victoria Regina) cyphers dated after 1901; [[Queen Victoria]] died in 1901, so any rifles made after 1901 should be stamped "E.R" (''Edwardius Rex''—[[King Edward VII]] or [[King Edward VIII]]) or "G.R" (''Georgius Rex''—[[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] or [[King George VI]]).
* Generally inferior workmanship, including weak or soft metal, poorly finished wood, and badly struck markings.{{sfn|Skennerton|1993|p=334}}

===Armalon===
British company Armalon Ltd developed a number of rifles based on the Lee Enfield No. 4.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://armalon.com/public/static/page/1|title=Armalon - Company Information|date=17 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817124723/http://armalon.com/public/static/page/1 |archive-date=17 August 2018 }}</ref> The PC rifle is a carbine in pistol and revolver calibres,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://modernfirearms.net/en/civilian-rifles/great-britain-civilian-rifles/armalon-pc-eng/|title=Armalon PC|date=27 October 2010|website=Modern Firearms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://securityarms.com/20010315/galleryfiles/2300/2342.htm|title=ARMALON PC|website=securityarms.com}}</ref> the AL42 is a 5.56&nbsp;mm rifle and the AL30C, a carbine in [[.30 carbine]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://revivaler.com/armalon-al42-rifle-223-remington/|title=Armalon AL42 Rifle in .223 Remington|first=Jon C.|last=Branch|date=29 November 2016|website=Revivaler}}</ref>

==Contemporary service==
[[File:Kunar August85 with Enfield.png|thumb|190px|An Afghan [[mujahideen|mujahid]] carries a Lee–Enfield in August 1985]]
[[File:A Rwandan soldier trains with a Lee-Enfield rifle, 2011.jpg|thumb|A Rwandan soldier trains with a Lee-Enfield, 2011]]
[[File:Canadian Rangers.jpg|thumb|[[Canadian Rangers]], photographed in [[Nunavut]], June 2011]]
The Lee–Enfield family of rifles is the second oldest bolt-action rifle design still in official service, after the [[Mosin–Nagant]].{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}} Lee–Enfield rifles are used by reserve forces and police forces in many Commonwealth countries, including [[Malawi]]. In Canada the .303 and .22 models were being phased out between 2016 and 2019. The [[Canadian Rangers]] had been using the .303 model for over 70 years but switched to the [[Colt Canada C19]] due to increasing lack of spare parts. The Indian Army phased them out in 1990–92, replacing them with AKM-type rifles (see [[Indo-Russia Rifles]]). Indian police officers carrying SMLE Mk III* and [[Ishapore 2A1 rifle]]s were a familiar sight throughout railway stations in India after [[11 July 2006 Mumbai train bombings|Mumbai train bombings of 2006]] and the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]]. They are also still seen in the hands of Pakistani and [[Bangladesh]]i second-line police units. However, the Lee–Enfield was mainly replaced in main-line service in the Pakistani Police in the mid-1980s by the [[AK 47]], in response to increasing proliferation of the Kalashnikov in the black market and civilian use. In [[Jordan]], the Lee–Enfield was in use with the police and gendarmerie until 1971, and with the armed forces until 1965. In [[Iraq]] and Egypt, the Lee–Enfield was replaced by the Kalashnikov as the standard-issue rifle in the armed forces by the late 1950s, and in police forces by the late 1970s.
In the UK, the single-shot .22 calibre Rifle No. 8 is in regular use with UK Cadet Forces as a light target rifle.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_Rifle_No.8.html |title=Lee–Enfield Rifle No.8 for the British Forces |publisher=UK N.R.A Historic Arms Resource Centre |access-date=30 January 2009}}</ref> Enfields continue to be used as drill weapons by the National Ceremonial Guard of the [[South African National Defence Force]] (SANDF) as well as the [[Australian Defence Force Cadets]].<ref name="SANDF">{{cite web|last=Mashamaite|first=Kgabo|url=http://www.dod.mil.za/news/2012/04/2012randshow.htm |title=The SANDF opens the 2012 Rand Easter Show |publisher=South African Department of Defence |date=2012-04-08|access-date=2016-10-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229211820/http://www.dod.mil.za/news/2012/04/2012randshow.htm |archive-date=29 December 2016 }}</ref>

Many Afghans resisting the [[Soviet–Afghan War|Soviet invasion of Afghanistan]] were armed with Lee–Enfields.<ref>Modern Warfare, Published by Mark Dartford, Marshall Cavendish (London) 1985</ref> The CIA's [[Operation Cyclone]] provided hundreds of thousands of Enfields to the [[Afghan mujahideen]], funneling them through Pakistan's [[Inter Services Intelligence|ISI]]. CIA officer [[Gust Avrakotos]] later arranged for the [[Ministry of Defence and Military Production|Egyptian Ministry of Defence]] to set up production lines of Enfield .303 ammunition specifically for the conflict. Later on when Avrakotos asked [[Michael G. Vickers|Michael Vickers]] to revamp their strategy, he stopped the Enfield system and, with the large amounts of money available thanks to [[Charlie Nesbitt Wilson|Charlie Wilson]], replaced them with a mix of modern weapons like [[AK-47]]s and mortars.<ref name=crile />
[[File:014 PLA Fighters.JPG|thumb|An SMLE owned by Maoist rebels in Nepal, 2005]]
[[File:Change of command ceremony in Indonesian Army.jpg|thumb|[[Change of command]] ceremony in [[Indonesian Army]] with [[colour guard]] holding Lee-Enfield rifles, 2013]]
[[Khyber Pass Copies]] patterned after the Lee–Enfield are still manufactured in the [[Khyber Pass]] region, as bolt-action rifles remain effective weapons in desert and mountain environments where long-range accuracy is more important than rate of fire.{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}} Lee–Enfield rifles are still popular in the region, despite the presence and ready availability of more modern weapons such as the [[SKS-45]], the [[AKM]], the [[Type 56 assault rifle|Chinese Type 56 assault rifle]], and the [[AK-74]].{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htinf/20100412.aspx |title=Infantry: No Known Cure for the AK-47 Disease |publisher=Strategypage.com |date=12 April 2010 |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref> {{As of|2012}}, Lee–Enfield rifles are still being used by the Taliban.{{sfn|Pegler|2012|p=70}}

During the [[Nepalese Civil War]], government troops were issued Lee–Enfield rifles{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}} to fight the [[Maoism|Maoist]] rebels; Maoists also had access to SMLE rifles. Nepalese Police [[constable]]s may also be usually seen equipped with SMLE rifles.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Legacies of War in the Company of Peace: Firearms in Nepal|journal=Nepal Issue Brief |issue=2 |date= May 2013|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/G-Issue-briefs/NAVA-IB2-Legacies-of-War.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225063835/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/G-Issue-briefs/NAVA-IB2-Legacies-of-War.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 February 2014|pages=5–7|publisher=[[Small Arms Survey]]}}</ref> Lee–Enfield rifles have also been seen in the hands of both the [[Naxalite]]s and the Indian police in the ongoing [[Naxalite-Maoist insurgency|Maoist insurgency in rural India]].

Police forces in both the [[Solomon Islands]] and [[Vanuatu]] continue to operate and maintain stocks of No. 4 rifles.<ref name=Capie>{{cite book|last=Capie|first=David|title=Under the Gun: The Small Arms Challenge in the Pacific|date=2004|pages=66–67|publisher=Victoria University Press|location=Wellington|isbn=978-0-86473-453-2 }}</ref> The [[His Majesty's Armed Forces (Tonga)|Tongan security forces]] also retain a substantial number of No. 4 rifles donated from New Zealand's reserve stocks.<ref name=Capie />

Lee Enfield rifles are used by the Jamaica Constabulary force for training recruits during field-craft exercises and drills.

==Civilian use==
Lee–Enfields are very popular as hunting rifles and target shooting rifles. Many surplus Lee–Enfield rifles were sold in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States after the Second World War, and a fair number have been '[[Sporterising|sporterised]]', having had the front furniture reduced or removed and a scope fitted so that they resemble a bolt-action sporting rifle.{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}} Top-notch accuracy is difficult to achieve with the Lee–Enfield design,{{sfn|Smith|1979|p=21}} as it was intended to be a battle rifle rather than a sharpshooter's weapon,{{sfn|Smith|1979|p=21}} and thus the Enfield is nowadays overshadowed by derivatives of [[Paul Mauser]]'s design as a target shooting arm. They did, however, continue to be used at [[Bisley, Surrey|Bisley]] up into the 1970s with some success, and continue to perform extremely well at Military Service Rifle Competitions throughout the world.{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}}

Many people still hunt with as-issued Lee–Enfield rifles, with commercial .303 British ammunition proving especially effective on medium-sized game.{{sfn|Wilson|2007a}} Soft-point .303 ammunition is widely available for hunting purposes, though the [[.303 British#Mark VII|Mark 7 military cartridge design]] often proves adequate because its tail-heavy design makes the bullet [[Yaw (rotation)|yaw]] violently and deform after hitting the target.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot37.htm |title=The Box O' Truth No.&nbsp;37 – The Deadly .303 British |publisher=The Box O' Truth |access-date=28 January 2009 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716223945/http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot37.htm |url-status=dead }}{{self-published source|date=January 2015}}</ref>{{sfn|War Office|1999|p=364}}

Rifle Factory Ishapore of India still manufactures a sporting/hunting rifle chambered in .315 with a Lee–Enfield action.<ref>{{cite web |title=.315" SPORTING RIFLE |url=http://rfi.gov.in/booking/prod/315_Sporting.htm |website=rfi.gov.in |access-date=9 November 2018 |archive-date=16 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916213958/http://rfi.gov.in/booking/prod/315_Sporting.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The [[Lee–Speed|Lee–Speed Sporter]] was a higher quality British made version of the Lee–Enfield.

The Lee–Enfield rifle is a popular gun for historic rifle enthusiasts and those who find the 10-round magazine, loading by charger clips, and the rapid bolt-action useful for Practical Rifle events. Since formation in 1998, organisations such as the Lee Enfield Rifle Association have assisted in not just preserving rifles in shooting condition (many Lee–Enfields are being deactivated and sold as "wall-hangers" to collectors who do not hold a Firearms Licence in countries where they are required), but holding events and competitions. Lee–Enfields are also popular with competitors in service rifle competitions in many Commonwealth countries.

The Lee–Enfield series is very popular for service rifle shooting competitions in the UK and Australia due to the prohibitions on the legal ownership of semi-automatic centrefire rifles in Great Britain and restrictions on the legal ownership of semi-automatic centrefire rifles in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingshooter.co.uk/guns-and-shooting/useful-stuff/firearms-law |title=Firearms Law |publisher=Sporting Shooter Magazine (UK) |access-date=31 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123222212/http://www.sportingshooter.co.uk/guns-and-shooting/useful-stuff/firearms-law |archive-date=23 January 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ssaa.org.au/newssaa/securitylegislation/lawindex.htm |title=SSAA—National Firearms Licensing Guide |publisher=Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia |access-date=31 January 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080719103132/http://www.ssaa.org.au/newssaa/securitylegislation/lawindex.htm |archive-date=19 July 2008}}</ref> (For more information see [[Gun politics in the United Kingdom]] and [[Gun politics in Australia]].)

===Conversions===
Rhineland Arms produces [[.45 ACP]] conversion kits for the Lee–Enfield action using [[M1911 pistol]] magazines.<ref>{{citation|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_4_51/ai_n11840303/ |title=Rhineland .45 ACP Carbine: fun conversions for surplus Enfields and Mausers |author-first=Holt |author-last=Bodinson |date=April 2005 |work=Guns Magazine |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527041456/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_4_51/ai_n11840303/ |archive-date=27 May 2010 }}</ref>

Special Interest Arms created conversion kits for Lee-Enfield rifles, including Enfield .45-SC,<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20190411035558/http://specialinterestarms.com/index.php?page=enfield45sc</ref>, Enfield K and Enfield .45 Carbines.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20190415093509/http://specialinterestarms.com/index.php?page=enfield_conversions</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20100808050927/http://www.specialinterestarms.com/index.php?page=enfield_conversions</ref>

==Variants==
* '''Magazine Lee–Enfield (MLE)''', .303, introduced 1895.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.prm.ox.ac.uk/weapons/index.php/tour-by-region/europe/europe/firearm-365/index.html|title=Lee Enfield carbine (1957.5.1)  |website=Pitt Rivers Museum}}</ref>
* '''Lee–Enfield cavalry carbine Mk I (LEC)''', .303, introduced 1896.<ref name="collection.nam.ac.uk">{{cite web|url=https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=1992-08-189-1|title=Lee Enfield cavalry .303 in Mk I magazine carbine, 1896 – Online Collection – National Army Museum, London|website=collection.nam.ac.uk}}</ref>
* '''Magazine Lee–Enfield Mk I*''', .303, introduced 1899.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C451887|title=Magazine Lee-Enfield Mk I* Rifle|website=www.awm.gov.au}}</ref>
* '''Lee–Enfield cavalry carbine Mk I*''', .303, introduced 1899.<ref name="collection.nam.ac.uk" />
* '''New Zealand carbine''', .303
* '''Royal Irish Constabulary carbine''', .303
* '''Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk I (SMLE)''', .303, introduced 1904.
* '''Short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk II''', .303, introduced 1906.
* '''Charger loading Lee–Enfield (CLLE)''', .303, introduced 1906.
* '''No. 1 short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III''', .303, introduced 1907.
* '''No. 1 short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III*''', .303, introduced 1915.
* '''No. 1 short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III* (HT)''', .303, "Heavy Barrel, Telescopic Sight" Australian sniper rifle.
* '''No. 1 short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk V''', .303, introduced 1922.
* '''No. 1 short magazine Lee–Enfield Mk VI''', .303, introduced 1930.
* '''No. 2''', .22, converted from .303 SMLE Mk III and Mk III*.
* '''No. 2 Mk IV''', .22
* '''No. 2 Mk IV*''', .22
* '''No. 4 Mk I''', .303, introduced 1931.
* '''No. 4 Mk I (T)''', .303, sniper rifle converted from No. 4 Mk I, introduced 1941.
* '''No. 4 Mk I*''', .303, introduced 1941.
* '''No. 4 Mk I* (T)''', .303, Sniper rifle converted from No. 4 Mk I*, introduced 1941.
* '''No. 4 Mk 2''', .303, introduced 1949.
* '''No. 4 Mk I/2''', .303, converted from No. 4 Mk I to No. 4 Mk 2 standard.
* '''No. 4 Mk I/3''', .303, converted from No. 4 Mk I* to No. 4 Mk 2 standard.
* '''No. 5 Mk I''', jungle carbine, .303, introduced 1944.
* '''No. 6 Mk I''', .303, Australian experimental version of the No. 5 Mk I.
* '''No. 7''', .22
* '''No. 8 Mk I''', .22
* '''No. 9''', .22
* '''RCAF survival rifle'''
* '''L8A1''', 7.62 mm, converted from No. 4 Mk 2
* '''L8A2''', 7.62 mm, converted from No. 4 Mk I/3
* '''L8A3''', 7.62 mm, converted from No. 4 Mk I/3
* '''L8A4''', 7.62 mm, converted from No. 4 Mk I
* '''L8A5''', 7.62 mm, converted from No. 4 Mk I*
* '''L39A1''', 7.62 mm
* '''L42A1''', 7.62 mm
* '''L59A1''', drill rifle, converted from No. 4.
* '''E.A.L. rifle''', built by Essential Agencies Limited (E.A.L.)
* '''BA 93''', a rifle grenade launcher made from surplus Lee–Enfield parts, which consist of stocks and receiver with a rifle grenade launcher in the chamber and a sheet metal buttstock while attaching a G3-type pistol grip.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSL5fqQK6m4| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/uSL5fqQK6m4| archive-date=2021-10-30|title=Guns of the Tatmadaw: Burmese/Myanmar Small Arms Development|last=TFB TV|date=2 November 2018|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Users==
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

[[File:Enfauser.JPG|thumb|Turkish [[7.92×57mm Mauser|8×57mm]] conversion of a Lee–Enfield captured during [[World War I]]]]
[[File:Bundesarchiv Bild 101I-720-0318-04, Frankreich, Parade der Milice Francaise.jpg|thumb|right|Members of the ''[[Milice]]'' of Vichy France, armed with captured British [[#Rifle No. 4|No. 4 Lee–Enfield Rifles]] and [[Bren gun]]s]]
[[File:Lee-Enflield Cyprus.jpg|thumb|right|Unit of Cypriot National Guard with Sten Submachine guns and [[#Rifle No. 4|No. 4 Lee–Enfield Rifles]] in 1967]]
{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}
* {{flag|Afghanistan}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anistor.gr/english/enback/e001.htm |title=Anistoriton: An Essay |publisher=Anistor.gr |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugreview.com/stuf/afgwar.htm |title=Afghan War Rugs: A Sub-group with Iranian Influence |publisher=Rugreview.com |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204071804/http://www.rugreview.com/stuf/afgwar.htm |archive-date=4 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daylife.com/photo/0f8CajpgQn4bt |title=Photo from Getty Images |publisher=Daylife.com |date=24 July 2008 |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318074754/http://www.daylife.com/photo/0f8CajpgQn4bt |archive-date=18 March 2012 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Algeria}}<ref>{{cite book|title=The Algerian War, 1954–62|series= Men-at Arms 312|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|place= London |year=1997|isbn=978-1-85532-658-3|first= Martin |last=Windrow|page=46}}</ref>
* {{flag|Australia}}: No. 1 MkIII/MkIII* manufactured at Lithgow Arsenal in Lithgow, New South Wales{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=345}}<ref name="hogg2002">Hogg, Ian (2002). ''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide''. Jane's Information Group. {{ISBN|0-00-712760-X}}.</ref>
* {{flag|Austria}}: used after WW2 by the [[Gendarmerie (Austria)|Gendarmerie]].<ref name="ATForContributorGS">Urrisk, Rolf M. (1990). ''Die Bewaffnung des österreichischen Bundesheeres, 1918-1990''. {{ISBN|978-3-900310-53-0}}.</ref>
* {{flag|Bangladesh}}: Extensively used during [[Bangladesh Liberation War|1971 war]].{{sfn|Pegler|2012|p=70}} Used by [[Bangladesh Police|Police]], [[Bangladesh Ansar|Ansar]] and [[Bangladesh National Cadet Corps|BNCC]] personnel for several years. No longer in active service.
* {{flag|Belgium}}: post-WW2{{sfn|Smith|1969|p=212}} British and Canadian donations were used by [[Belgian United Nations Command|Belgian soldiers in the Korean War]] until 1952.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}} post WW2 used by the Belgian "Gendarmerie" until the 1980s, when it was replaced by the [[FN FAL]].
* {{flag|Belize}}<ref name= 'bicc 3' />
* {{flag|Bermuda}}: used by the [[Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps]]<ref name= 'bicc 3'>{{cite report|title=Lee-Enfield SMLE|url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/weapons/011/lee-enfield-smle.std.en.pdf|page=3|series=SALW Guide: Global distribution and visual identification|ref={{harvid|BICC}}|author=Bonn International Center for Conversion|author-link=Bonn International Center for Conversion}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Brunei}}: used by the [[Royal Brunei Armed Forces]] and [[Royal Brunei Police Force]] during the early days,<ref>{{cite book|title=Rebellion in Brunei: The 1962 Revolt, Imperialism, Confrontation and Oil|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E69aTN1jxOwC&pg=PA82|page=82|isbn= 978-1-84511-423-7|author=Harun Abdul Majid|publisher=I.B. Tauris|year=2007|series= International Library of Twentieth Century History}}</ref> replaced by [[M16 rifle|M16 series]].
* {{flag|Botswana}}<ref>{{cite report|title=Botswana|url=https://salw-guide.bicc.de/pdf/countries/038/botswana.min.en.pdf|page=2|series=SALW Guide: Global distribution and visual identification}}</ref>
* {{flag|Canada|1921}}:{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=587}}<ref name="hogg2002" /> The No. 4 rifle was manufactured starting in 1941 by Small Arms Limited and later by Canadian Arsenals Limited, in Long Branch, Ontario, Canada. The Canadian Militia received the MK I Long Lee Enfield rifle in 1896. They used this rifle in the Boer War 1899 to 1902. They used the Mk III & Mk III* in World War I as well as the No. 4 Lee Enfield in World War II, the Korean War, and into the late 1950s. The No. 4 rifle is still used for drill and was used for range shooting by the [[Royal Canadian Army Cadets]], [[Royal Canadian Sea Cadets]] and the [[Royal Canadian Air Cadets]]. Most units are stripped of the mechanism that fires the round but at many Cadet Training Centres the rifles are in full working order, the rifle is used at the Vernon Summer Training Center for Feu du joix. The No. 4 was being phased out by the [[Canadian Rangers]] as a service rifle starting in 2016.
* {{flag|Newfoundland}}: Main service rifle in both [[World War I]] and [[World War II]]<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Royal Newfoundland Regiment - Weapon/Equipment |url=https://www.townofelliston.ca/1about/gwlhc/weapons.html |website=www.townofelliston.ca |location= |publisher= |url-status= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423181721/https://www.townofelliston.ca/1about/gwlhc/weapons.html |archive-date=23 April 2021 |access-date=22 February 2025}}</ref>
* {{flag|Cambodia|1948}}: used by the [[Royal Cambodian Armed Forces|Royal Khmer Army]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Armor of the Vietnam War (2) Asian Forces|publisher= Concord Publications|date= 1998|isbn=9789623616225|series= Armor at War 7017|first=Albert|last=Grandolini|page=15}}</ref>
* {{CAF}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Letter dated 26 June 2014 from the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic established pursuant to Security Council resolution 2127 (2013) addressed to the President of the Security Council |url=https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/N1441518.pdf|page=81|date=1 July 2014}}</ref>
* {{flag|Republic of China (1912–1949)|1912}}: used during [[Warlord Era]].<ref>{{cite book|title=China's Wars: Rousing the Dragon 1894–1949|series=General Military|first= Philip|last= Jowett|date=20 November 2013 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|isbn=9781782004073 |page=125}}</ref> Some [[Chinese Expeditionary Force|Chinese soldiers in Burma]] also received British Lee–Enfield No. 4 Mk Is.<ref name="Chinese">{{cite book|title=Kangzhan: Guide to Chinese Ground Forces 1937–45|publisher=Helion & Company |isbn=9781910294420|date=July 2016|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZYQwDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA257|first1=Leland|last1=Ness|first2=Bin|last2=Shih|pages=256–257}}</ref>
* {{flag|Cyprus|1960}}: The Lee–Enfield was the main rifle of the [[Cypriot National Guard]] from 1960 when the [[Cyprus|Republic of Cyprus]] was established until 1980, when it was replaced by the G3A3.
* {{flag|Denmark}}: used as Rifle M/45E by the Danish brigade in occupied Germany from 1945, eventually replaced by the US M1 rifle as Rifle M/50 in 1950.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.arma-dania.dk/public/timeline/_ad_gevar_view.php?editid1=114 |title=Ad Gevar, Vis records [ Id: 114 ] |publisher=Arma Dania |access-date=28 February 2017 |archive-date=14 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914183854/https://www.arma-dania.dk/public/timeline/_ad_gevar_view.php?editid1=114 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|Kingdom of Egypt}}<ref name="mcnab2002">{{cite book |last=McNab |first=Chris |title=20th Century Military Uniforms |year=2002 |edition=2nd |publisher=Grange Books |location=Kent |isbn=1-84013-476-3|page=58}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ethiopian Empire|1914}}: acquired after World War I.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Ethiopian military rifle cartridges: Part 2: from Mauser to Kalashnikov.|last=Scarlata|first= Paul|magazine=Shotgun News|date=1 March 2009|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Ethiopian+military+rifle+cartridges%3A+Part+2%3A+from+Mauser+to...-a0195134991}}</ref>
* {{flag|Finland}}: some stored in depots after the [[Finnish Civil War]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Sotilaskäsiaseet Suomessa 1918 - 1988|volume=3|page=88|isbn=9789512505081|last=Palokangas |first=Markku|year=1991|publisher=Suomen Asehistoriallinen Seura}}<!--see also: https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=166057--></ref>
* {{flag|Fiji}}<ref name= 'bicc 3' />
* {{flag|French Third Republic}}:
** [[Free French Forces]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Jordon |first=David |title=The History of the French Foreign Legion: From 1831 to Present Day |publisher=The Lyons Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-59228-768-0 |page=159}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Sumner |first=Ian |title=The French Army 1939–45 |publisher=Osprey |year= 1998 |isbn=978-1-85532-707-8 |page=14}}</ref> and [[French Resistance]] used it during World War II.{{sfn|Pegler|2012|p=69}}
** Some captured from the Resistance were used by the pro-Nazi French militia [[Milice française]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Polices des temps noirs: France 1939–1945|first=Jean-Marc |last=Berlière|author-link=Jean-Marc Berlière|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KwppDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT435|page=435|isbn= 978-2-262-03561-7 |publisher=Perrin|language=fr|year=2018}}</ref> (see picture).
** Some were used in [[French Indochina|Indochina]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The French Indochina War 1946–54|series=Men-at-Arms 322|first= Martin |last=Windrow|isbn=9781855327894 |date=15 November 1998|page=41|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]}}</ref>
* {{flag|Gambia}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Nazi Germany}}: some captured No. 1 Mk III* Lee–Enfields were used by the ''[[Volkssturm]]'' in 1944 and 1945<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Small+arms+of+the+Deutscher+Volkssturm+part+I%3A+Nazi+leaders,+many+of...-a0247740935 |title=Small arms of the Deutscher Volkssturm part I |last1=Scarlata |first1=Paul |date=20 January 2011 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com |publisher=Shotgun News |access-date=6 July 2015 |quote=The Volkssturm even received some No. 1 Mk III* Lee-Enfields that had been abandoned by the British during their evacuation from Dunkirk or captured in North Africa.}}</ref> The German designation was ''Gewehr 281 (e)''.<ref>Heber, Dr Thorsten (2008), [https://books.google.com/books?id=35We_Y2pgg0C&pg=PA4 ''Kennblätter fremden Geräts: Heft 1, Handwaffen''], Books on Demand, {{ISBN|978-3837040425}} p. 85 (in German)</ref>
* {{flag|Ghana}}:<ref name= 'bicc 3' /> replaced in the 1960s by L1A1s.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Ghana+from+Ashanti+to+AR.-a0318629749|title=The military rifle cartridges of Ghana from Ashanti to AR|last1=Scarlata |first1=Paul |date=February 2013|magazine=[[Shotgun News]]}}</ref>
* {{flag|Greece}}: Used by Hellenic armed forces during World War II and post-World War II period.{{sfn|Sazanidis|1995}} Greece used the Lee–Enfield and British small arms until they were replaced by the [[M1 Garand]] and American small arms.
* {{flag|Guyana}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flagcountry|British Hong Kong}}: Used by the [[Royal Hong Kong Regiment]].<ref name="RHKR_Weapon">{{cite web|title=RHKR Equipment - Weapons |url=https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/weapon.htm |publisher=The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) Association |access-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210616152909/https://www.rhkr.org/equipment/weapon.htm |archive-date=16 June 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|Hungary}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Iceland}}:{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flagcountry|British Raj}}: In service with [[British Indian Army]] throughout the First and Second World Wars.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Indian Army 1914–1947|series=Elite 75|first=Ian |last=Sumner |date=25 August 2001|isbn= 9781841761961|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=49, 62–63}}</ref>
* {{flag|India}}: In service during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]].{{sfn|McNab|2002|p=134}} Now made under licence by [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]] as the [[Ishapore 2A1]] rifle, the rifle is still used by the Indian police and also assigned to civil militia named Village Defence Guards.{{Sfn|Skennerton|2007|loc=Chapter 11}}
* {{flag|Indonesia}}:{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}} Used by republicans in [[Indonesian National Revolution]]; some were handed down from the Dutch after they left Indonesia.<ref name="ArmsControl">{{cite book|title=The Control of local conflict : a design study on arms control and limited war in the developing areas|volume=3|last1=Bloomfield|first1= Lincoln P.|last2=Leiss|first2=Amelia Catherine<!--|last3=Legere|first3= Laurence J.|last4= Barringer|first4= Richard E.|last5=Fisher|first5= R. Lucas|last6= Hoagland|first6= John H.|last7=Fraser|first7= Janet|last8=Ramers|first8=Robert K-->|publisher=Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Center for International Studies|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA324492.pdf#page=92|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804022404/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA324492.pdf#page=92|url-status=live|archive-date=4 August 2020|date=30 June 1967|hdl=2027/uiug.30112064404368|page=85}}</ref>
* {{flag|Italy}}: post-World War II Italian Army and Navy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euroarms.net/EFD/index.htm |title=Enfield Rifles From Italian Navy |publisher=Euroarms |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224180438/http://www.euroarms.net/EFD/index.htm |archive-date=24 February 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Kingdom of Iraq}}.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=587}} Still used in small numbers in 2004 by [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|Iraqi insurgents]].<ref name ='SAS 2012 10'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2012/eng/Small-Arms-Survey-2012-Chapter-10-EN.pdf|chapter=Surveying the Battlefield: Illicit Arms in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia|title=Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2012|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|pages=320–321|isbn=978-0-521-19714-4|access-date=30 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831002411/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2012.html|archive-date=31 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ireland}}: No1 MkIII/III* used as the service rifle by the [[National Army (Ireland)|National Army]] during the Civil War and later by [[Irish Defence Forces|Defence Forces]], replaced by No4 Lee–Enfields in 1950s until replaced by the [[FN FAL]] in 1961.{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=587}} The second line reserve, the ''[[Army Reserve (Ireland)|Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil]]'' (''FCÁ'') continued using the Lee-Enfield as its primary service rifle until 1990, when the FN FAL began to replace it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/debate/dail/1990-10-25/17/ |publisher=Tithe an Oireachtais|access-date=1 March 2023 |title=Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - FCA Uniforms and Equipment. – Dáil Éireann (26th Dáil) – Thursday, 25 Oct 1990 – Houses of the Oireachtas }}</ref> Also captured from British forces etc. and used by [[Irish Republican Army]] during [[Irish War of Independence|War of Independence]]. Lee–Enfield rifles were still in the arsenal of the [[Provisional IRA]] at the outset of [[The Troubles]] in [[Northern Ireland]] and were reportedly used in at least one [[Irish National Liberation Army|INLA]] sniper attack as late as 1989.<ref name="mult">{{cite book | last = Taylor | first = Peter | author-link = Peter Taylor (Journalist) | title = Provos The IRA & Sinn Féin | publisher = [[Bloomsbury Publishing]] | year = 1997 | isbn = 0-7475-3818-2 | page = 62 }}</ref><ref>''Sunday Life'' 12 November 1989.</ref>
* {{flag|Israel}}: used during the first few years of independence.<ref>{{cite book|last=McNab|first=Chris|title=The Uzi Submachine Gun|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H93vCwAAQBAJ|date=20 November 2011|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-84908-543-4|page=9}}</ref>{{sfn|Smith|1969|p=464}}
* {{flag|Jamaica}}:{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}} still used by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Correctional Services and Jamaica Combined Cadet Force
* {{flag|Empire of Japan}}: Captured from British Army during World War II.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Publishing |first1=Aerospace |title=The Encyclopedia of Weapons of WORLD WAR II, Chris Bishop, Barnes Jk Noble Books |date=1998 |publisher=Bukupedia |isbn=978-0-7607-1022-7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i69YDwAAQBAJ|language=en}}</ref>
* {{flag|Jordan}}: [[Arab Legion]] used Mk III and No. 4 variants<ref>{{cite book| first=Peter|last=Young|series=Men-at-Arms|title=The Arab Legion|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|year=1972|isbn=978-0-85045-084-2|page=24}}</ref>
* {{flag|Katanga}}: bought for police force but also used by army<ref>{{cite book|title=Modern African Wars: The Congo 1960–2002|last=Abbot|first=Peter|location=Oxford|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|date=February 2014|isbn=978-1-78200-076-1|page=14}}</ref>
* {{flag|Kenya}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Latvia}}<ref>{{cite journal|title=The military situation in the Baltic States|first=Edgars|last=Andersons|year=2001|issue=6|volume=2001|journal=Baltic Defence Review|url=http://www.bdcol.ee/files/docs/bdreview/10bdr601_backup.pdf|pages=113–153|access-date=23 January 2019|archive-date=24 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124041412/http://www.bdcol.ee/files/docs/bdreview/10bdr601_backup.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Lesotho}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Libya}}<ref name ='SAS 26'>{{cite book|title=Web Trafficking: Analysing the Online Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Libya|first1=N.R.|last1= Jenzen-Jones |first2=Ian |last2=McCollum|date=April 2017|series= Working Paper No. 26|editor=[[Small Arms Survey]]|page=93|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516085143/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/F-Working-papers/SAS-SANA-WP26-Libya-web-trafficking.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 May 2017}}</ref>
* {{flag|Luxembourg}}:{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}} used by the [[Belgian United Nations Command|Luxembourg detachment in the Korean War]]{{Citation needed|date=January 2019}}
* {{flag|Malawi}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Malaysia}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2007}} also used by the [[Malayan National Liberation Army]]{{sfn|McNab|2002|p=175}}
* {{flag|Malta}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Mato Grosso do Sul}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jowett |first=Philip S. |title=Latin American wars 1900-1941 : "banana wars," border wars & revolutions |date=2018 |others=Stephen Walsh |isbn=978-1-4728-2628-2 |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=Osprey Publishing |oclc=1002126292}}</ref>
* {{flag|Myanmar}}:{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}} used by the [[Myanmar Army]] [[Post-independence Burma, 1948–62|after the Burmese Independence]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The military rifle cartridges of Burma/Myanmar|first=Paul|last=Scarlata|magazine=[[Shotgun News]]|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+military+rifle+cartridges+of+Burma%2FMyanmar.-a0288876068|date=May 2012}}</ref> and also by the [[Myanmar Police Force]] for ceremonial purposes{{citation needed|date=November 2018}}
* {{flag|Namibia}}: Non-governmental armed groups{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Nepal}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|loc=Chapter 11}}
* {{flag|Netherlands}}: Both the Lee–Enfield No. 1 Mark III and No. 4 Mark I would be adopted in 1941 and serve until 1952, until replaced by the M1 Garand.<ref>Talens, Martien. De ransel op de rug deel 2. Brabantia Nostra. p. 372.</ref>
* {{flag|New Zealand}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=587}}
* {{flag|Nigeria}}: Used by the [[Nigeria Regiment]] and then by [[Nigerian Army]].{{sfn|Jowett|2016|p=20}}
:* {{flag|Biafra}}: Used by militias{{sfn|Jowett|2016|p=14}} and Army{{sfn|Jowett|2016|p=21}}
* {{flag|Norway}}: Received from Allied airdrops to the resistance fighters during World War II and given by Britain to the Norwegian Brigade during the occupation of Germany in 1947. Returned to Britain in 1952 in exchange for P-17 rifles. A total of 24992 .303 rifles were in Norwegian inventory at the time. Replaced by M1 Garand and M1 carbines.<ref>Karl Egil Hanevik (1998). ''Norske Militærgeværer etter 1867''.Hanevik Våpen. p. 371. {{ISBN|8299314313}}</ref>
* {{flag|Oman}}<ref name= 'bicc 3' />
* {{flag|Ottoman Empire}}: Captured rifles, used as reserve weapons.<ref name="enfauser">{{cite web|url=http://www.turkmauser.com/Enfield/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105034016/http://www.turkmauser.com/Enfield/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=5 January 2013 |title=Enfauser |publisher=Turk Mauser |access-date=14 February 2012}}</ref>
* {{flag|Pakistan}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|loc=Chapter 11}}
* {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}<ref name=Alpers>{{cite book|last=Alpers|first=Philip|editor1-last=Karp|editor1-first=Aaron|title=The Politics of Destroying Surplus Small Arms: Inconspicuous Disarmament|date=2010|pages=168–169|publisher=Routledge Books|location=Abingdon-on-Thames|isbn=978-0-415-49461-8}}</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}}: used by the [[Polish Armed Forces in the West]]<ref>{{cite book|title=The Polish Army 1939–45|series= Men-at-Arms 117 |first=Steven J.|last=Zaloga|date=1982|isbn=9780850454178|publisher=Osprey Publishing|pages=26, 36}}</ref>
* {{flag|Portugal|1917}}: used by the [[Portuguese Expeditionary Corps]], during the First World War<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldwar1.com/france/portugal.htm |title=France at War – Portugal in the Great War |publisher=Worldwar1.com |access-date=14 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603044406/http://www.worldwar1.com/france/portugal.htm |archive-date=3 June 2007}}</ref> The SMLE Mk III was still in service as ''m/917'' during the 1940s.{{sfn|Smith|1969|p=530}}
* {{flag|Rhodesia}}<ref>{{cite book|pages=14, 28|title=Rhodesian Light Infantryman 1961–80|author-first=Neil|author-last=Grant}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Xande Anderer |url=http://vvaveteran.org/32-2/32-2_rhodesia.html |title=War Continued... Vietnam Veterans in the Rhodesian Bush War |publisher=vvaveteran.org |date=2012-04-01 |access-date=2017-08-15}}</ref>
* {{flag|Rwanda}}<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lefèvre |first1=Patrick|last2= Lefèvre |first2=Jean-Noël|title= Les Militaires belges et le Rwanda : 1916-2006|location=Bruxelles|publisher= Editions Racine|date= 2006|isbn= 978-2-87386-489-7|page=60|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2ZSrZ9Y5zF4C&pg=PA60}}</ref>
* {{flag|Sierra Leone}}<ref name= 'bicc 3' />
* {{flag|Singapore}}:<ref name= 'bicc 3' /> reserve units until the late 1960s. Still used by [[Singapore Armed Forces Military Police Command]] for ceremonial purposes.
* {{flag|Solomon Islands}}: used by the [[Royal Solomon Islands Police Force]].<ref name=Capie />
* {{flag|Somalia}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Union of South Africa|1928}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2007|p=587}}
* {{flag|South Sudan}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|South Yemen}}{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
* {{flag|Spanish Republic}}<ref>{{cite book|title=The Spanish Civil War 1936–39 (2): Republican Forces|series=Men-at-Arms 498|first= Alejandro |last=de Quesada|date=20 January 2015|isbn=9781782007852|publisher=Osprey Publishing|page=38}}</ref>
* {{flag|Sudan}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Sri Lanka}}: Phased out in the late 1960s with the arrival of the [[L1A1 SLR]].<ref>{{cite book |last= Smith | first= Chris | title= In the Shadow of a Cease-fire: The Impacts of Small Arms Availability and Misuse in Sri Lanka | publisher= Small Arms Survey |date=October 2003 |url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/B-Occasional-papers/SAS-OP11-Sri-Lanka.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110112185613/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/B-Occasional-papers/SAS-OP11-Sri-Lanka.pdf|url-status= dead|archive-date= 12 January 2011}}</ref>
* {{flag|Swaziland}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Tanzania}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|Tibet}}<ref name="Shakya">{{Cite book|title=The Dragon in the Land of Shows: A History of Modern Tibet Since 1949|first=Tsering|last=Shakya|author-link=Tsering Shakya|publisher=Columbia University Press|year=1999|isbn=978-1-4481-1429-0|page=240|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WWjMMS7dHc0C}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}}: (the contract was concluded on 10 December 1920 when the king received shipment of 10,000 rifles.)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thailandoutdoor.com/GunStory/Rama6/rama6.html |title=ปืนพระราม 6 ( ปืนเสือป่า ) หมายเลข 1 |publisher=Thailandoutdoor.com |access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224174554/https://www.thailandoutdoor.com/GunStory/Rama6/rama6.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|Tonga}}<ref name=Capie />
* {{flag|Trinidad & Tobago}}:{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}} Trinidad & Tobago Cadet Force
* {{flag|Turkey}}: converted Ottoman-captured rifles to [[7.92×57mm Mauser]].<ref name="enfauser" />
* {{flag|Uganda}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}{{sfn|Skennerton|2007}}<ref name="miller2001">Miller, David (2001). ''The Illustrated Directory of 20th century Guns''. Salamander Books Ltd. {{ISBN|1-84065-245-4}}.</ref>
* {{flag|United States|1912}}: Used by units of the [[American Expeditionary Force]] attached to British and Australian units during the First World War.<ref>{{cite web |title=Weapons of the 107th: Lee–Enfield Mk.III |url=http://www.oryansroughnecks.org/weapons.html |access-date=11 September 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Shurtleff |first=Leonard G. |title=Doughboy's Rifle: (It wasn't necessarily a Springfield) |url=http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/dbrifle.htm |year=2003 |work=Doughboy Center: The Story of the American Expeditionary Forces |publisher=The Great War Society |access-date=11 September 2009}}</ref> No. 4 Mk I/Mk I* rifles manufactured by Savage-Stevens Firearms under [[Lend-Lease]] for the British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. Some US Army units attached to British Commonwealth [[Burma Campaign|units in Burma]] during WWII were issued Lee–Enfield rifles on logistics grounds.
* {{flag|Vanuatu}}<ref name=Capie />
* {{flag|Vietnam}}: [[Việt Minh]] captured Lee–Enfields from French forces<ref name="Viet Minh">{{cite book|title=French Foreign Légionnaire vs Viet Minh Insurgent: North Vietnam 1948–52|series=Combat 36|first=Martin |last=Windrow|date=20 September 2018|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=9781472828910|page=25}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Personal firepower|first=Edward Clinton|last= Ezell|publisher=Bantam Books|year=1988|series=The Illustrated history of the Vietnam War 15|oclc=1036801376|url=https://archive.org/details/personalfirepowe00ezel|page=28|isbn=9780553345490}}</ref>
* {{flag|South Vietnam}}<ref name=Capie />
* {{flag|Yemen}}{{sfn|BICC|p=4|}}<ref name ='SAS 2003'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112154702/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2003.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 November 2010|chapter-url= http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2003/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2003-Chapter-05-EN.pdf|chapter=Living with Weapons: Small Arms in Yemen|title=Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2003|author=[[Small Arms Survey]]|pages=173–174}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Yugoslav Partisans flag (1942-1945).svg}} [[Yugoslav Partisans]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Yugoslav Part II: World War II small arms: an assortment of small arms from friends and foe alike|first=Paul|last=Scarlata|magazine=Firearms News|date=1 October 2017|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/YUGOSLAV+PART+II%3A+WORLD+WAR+II+SMALL+ARMS%3A+AN+ASSORTMENT+OF+SMALL...-a0510936519}}</ref><ref name="Vukšić2003">{{cite book |series=Warrior 73 |title=Tito's partisans 1941–45 |last=Vukšić |first=Velimir |date=July 2003 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |isbn=978-1-84176-675-1 |page=60}}</ref>
* {{flag|Zambia}}<ref>{{cite book|title=From the Cam to the Zambezi: Colonial Service and the Path to the New Zambia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TS8zBQAAQBAJ&q=lee+enfield&pg=PT36|first=Tony|last= Schur|publisher=I.B.Tauris|date= 29 September 2014|isbn=9780857737281}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2018|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).}}{{page needed|date=April 2021}}{{better source needed|date=September 2018|reason=The current source is insufficiently reliable ([[WP:NOTRS]]).}}

===Non-state users===
* {{flagicon image|Flag_of_Frolinat.svg}} [[Chad]]ian [[FROLINAT]]<ref>{{cite web|date=19 September 2015|title=Les Ailes françaises au Tchad : Retournons le sablier…|first=Bernard |last=Lart |url=https://lavoiedelepee.blogspot.com/2015/09/les-ailes-francaises-au-tchad.html|website=lavoiedelepee.blogspot.com|editor-first=Michel|editor-last=Goya|editor-link=Michel Goya}}</ref>
* {{flag|ISIL}}: Used by ISIL insurgents in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calibreobscura.com/covert-operations-the-arms-of-isis-insurgents-in-syria-2019/|title=Covert Operations: The Arms of ISIS Insurgents in Syria (2019)|date=12 July 2019}}</ref>

{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[List of clip-fed firearms]]
* [[Table of handgun and rifle cartridges]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|30em|refs =
<ref name=crile>[[Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History]], [[George Crile III|George Crile]], 2003, Grove/Atlantic.</ref>
}}

==References==
*{{citation |url=http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Enfield_small-bore_training_rifles.html |title=Lee–Enfield Training Rifles |work=Historic Arms Resource Centre |publisher=UK-NRA}}
*{{citation|chapter= §&nbsp;11715 |title=[[List of Changes|List of Changes in British War Material in Relation to Edged Weapons, Firearms and Associated Ammunition and Accoutrements]] |publisher=H.M. Stationer's Office }}
* {{Cite book |last=Enright |first=John |title=Centrefires in Australia—1948 and On |publisher=Australian Shooter's Journal |date=February 1998}}
* {{Cite book |last=Griffiths |first=Clarrie |title=1948? Yes, I Remember... |publisher=Australian Shooter's Journal |date=February 1998}}
* {{Cite book |last=Hogg |first=Ian V. |year=1978 |title=The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of the World's Firearms |publisher=A&W Publishers |isbn=978-0-89479-031-7 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/completeillustra00ianv }}
* {{cite book|last=Jowett|first=Philip|title=Modern African Wars (5): The Nigerian-Biafran War 1967–70|year=2016|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |series=Men-At-Arms 507 |location=Oxford|isbn=978-1-4728-1609-2}}
* {{cite book|last=Pegler|first=Martin|title=The Lee-Enfield Rifle|publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-84908-788-9|series= Weapon 17 |date=2012}}
* {{Cite book |last=Sazanidis |first=Christos |title=Τα όπλα των Ελλήνων |trans-title=Arms of the Greeks |publisher=Maiandros |location=Thessaloniki (Greece) |year=1995}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=2007 |title=The Lee–Enfield |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-82-6}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=2004a|series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 19 |title= Australian S.M.L.E. Variations |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-49-9}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=2004b |series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 18 |title=7.62mm L42A1 Sniper, L39A1, 2A & Lee–Enfield Conversions |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Labrador, QLD |isbn=978-0-949749-48-2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=2001a |series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 12 |title= Special Service Lee–Enfields (Commando & Auto Models) |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-29-1}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=2001b|series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 14 |title= .303 Lewis Machine Gun |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-42-0}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=1997 |series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 7 |title= .303 Magazine Lee–Metford and Magazine Lee–Enfield |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-25-3}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=1994a|series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 4 |title= .303 Rifle, No. 5 Mk I |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-21-5}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=1994b|series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 2 |title= .303 Rifle, No. 4, Marks I & I*, Marks 1/2, 1/3 & 2 |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-20-8}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=1994c|series=Small Arms Identification Series No. 1 |title= .303 Rifle, No. 1, S.M.L.E. Marks III and III* |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-0-949749-19-2}}
* {{Cite book |last=Skennerton |first=Ian |year=1993 |title=The Lee–Enfield Story |publisher=Arms & Militaria Press |location=Gold Coast QLD (Australia) |isbn=978-1-85367-138-8}}
* {{Cite book |last=Tucker |first=Spencer.C |year=2013 |title=The European Powers in the First World War. An Encyclopedia |publisher=Routledge |location=New York (USA) |isbn=978-0-8153-0399-2}}
* {{cite book|last=Smith|first=Joseph E.|title=Small Arms of the World|url=https://archive.org/details/smallarmsofworld00smit|url-access=registration|edition =11|location=Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|publisher= The Stackpole Company|year=1969|isbn=9780811715669}}
* {{Cite book |last=Smith |first=W.H.B. |year=1979 |title=1943 Basic Manual of Military Small Arms |publisher=Stackpole Books |location=Harrisburg PA (USA) |isbn=978-0-8117-1699-4|edition=Facsimile }}
* {{cite book|author=War Office|year=1999|orig-year=1929|title=Textbook of Small Arms 1929|location=London|publisher=Dural (NSW): H.M.S.O/Rick Landers}}
* {{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=Royce |title=Jungle Fever: The Lee–Enfield .303 Rifle |publisher=Australian Shooter Magazine |date=May 2006}}
* {{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=Royce |title=SMLE: The Short Magazine Lee–Enfield Mk III |publisher=Australian Shooter Magazine |date=September 2007a}}
* {{Cite book |last=Wilson |first=Royce |title=Straight Up With a Twist: The Martini–Enfield .303 Rifle |publisher=Australian Shooter Magazine |date=August 2007b}}
*{{citation |date=19 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222155905/http://candrsenal.com/rifle-short-magazine-lee-enfield-mk-v/ |url=http://candrsenal.com/rifle-short-magazine-lee-enfield-mk-v/ |title=Rifle: Short, Magazine Lee Enfield Mk.V |archive-date=2015-12-22 |publisher=C&Rsenal}}
* {{cite book |url=http://www.nzha.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/The-Lee-Enfield-Rifle-Major-E-G-B-Reynolds-19601.pdf |title=The Lee-Enfield |location=London, Reading and Fakenham |publisher=Cox and Wyman Limited. | date= 1960 | author= Major E. G. B. Reynolds }}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Lee-Enfield rifle}}

{{Clip-fed firearms}}
{{WWI British Empire small arms}}
{{WW2 Brit Comm Infantry Guns}}
{{WWIIChineseInfantryWeapons}}
{{ModernUKInfWeaponsNav}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lee-Enfield}}
[[Category:7.62 mm rifles]]
[[Category:.303 British rifles]]
[[Category:Bolt-action rifles of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Clip-fed firearms]]
[[Category:History of the London Borough of Enfield]]
[[Category:Sniper rifles of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Victorian-era weapons of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:World War I British infantry weapons]]
[[Category:World War II infantry weapons of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Rifles of the Cold War]]
[[Category:World War II rifles]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1895]]