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The Lee–Speed rifle was a bolt-action rifle based on James Paris Lee's rear-locking bolt system and detachable magazine. Early models were fitted with barrels using the radiused rifling designed by William Ellis Metford.[1][2] while later models used the same square "Enfield" rifling as contemporary British military rifles.
Lee–Speed | |
---|---|
Type | Bolt-action rifle |
Place of origin | United Kingdom |
Service history | |
Wars | Boer War, World War I |
Production history | |
Designer | James Paris Lee |
Manufacturer | RSAF Enfield Birmingham Small Arms Company |
Specifications | |
Length | 49.5 in (1,260 mm) |
Barrel length | 30.2 in (770 mm) |
Cartridge | .303 British Mk I |
Calibre | 0.312 in (7.9 mm) |
Action | Bolt-action |
Rate of fire | 24 rounds/minute |
Muzzle velocity | 2,040 ft/s (620 m/s) |
Effective firing range | ~1 mi (1,800 yd) |
Maximum firing range | 1 mi (1,800 yd) |
Feed system | 5 or 10-round magazine |
Sights | Sliding leaf rear sights, Fixed-post front sights, "Dial" long-range volley sights |
The weapon was a sporting variant of the well known Lee–Metford and Lee–Enfield rifles made for civilian shooters, though often purchased by Army officers who wanted a rifle made to a higher standard of fit and finish than the issued military rifle.
Variants edit
No.1 edit
Officers pattern, with bayonet mount.
No.2 edit
Officers pattern, without bayonet mount.
No.3 edit
Trade pattern.