Iterations of the Lee Family of Rifles
Lee-Metford Mk I (1888)
Notable changes:
- First British bolt-action magazine rifle
- Metford rifling (shallow, rounded grooves for black powder)
- 8-round single-stack detachable magazine
- Long sword-type bayonet
- Long-range ladder rear sight
Wars:
- Second Matabele War (1893–1894)
- Chitral Expedition (1895)
- Tirah Campaign (1897–1898)
Lee-Metford Mk II (1891)
Notable changes:
- Strengthened bolt and action components
- Improved magazine feed
- Upgraded barleycorn front and ladder rear sight
Wars:
- Second Matabele War (1893–1894)
- Sudan Campaign (1896–1898)
- Second Boer War (1899–1902)
Lee-Enfield Mk I (1895)
Notable changes:
- Replaced Metford rifling with Enfield rifling
- Improved accuracy and barrel longevity
- Volley sights and ladder rear sight retained
Wars:
- Second Boer War (1899–1902)
Lee-Enfield Mk I* (1899)
Notable changes:
- Modified safety catch
- Simplified bolt stop mechanism
- Revised rear ladder sight
Wars:
- Second Boer War (1899–1902)
Short Magazine Lee-Enfield (SMLE) Mk I (1903)
Notable changes:
- Universal “short” rifle design
- Nose cap with bayonet boss
- Dial long-range sight and barleycorn front sight
Wars:
- Zulu Rebellion (1906)
- Early World War I (1914–1918)
SMLE Mk III (1907)
Notable changes:
- Windage-adjustable leaf rear sight
- Charger loading system
- Strengthened receiver and bolt
- Standardized Pattern 1907 bayonet
Wars:
- World War I (1914–1918)
- Irish War of Independence (1919–1921)
- Third Anglo-Afghan War (1919)
SMLE Mk III* (1915)
Notable changes:
- Removed magazine cut-off
- Simplified leaf rear sight
Wars:
- World War I (1914–1918)
- Russian Civil War (1918–1920)
- Irish War of Independence (1919–1921)
- Irish Civil War (1922–1923)
SMLE Mk V (1922)
Notable changes:
- Aperture rear sight introduced
- Improved handguard and ergonomics
Wars:
- Not used in major conflict (trial only)
Rifle No. 1 Mk VI (1930)
Notable changes:
- Prototype for No. 4 rifle
- Micrometer-adjustable aperture rear sight
- Strengthened receiver
Wars:
- Not used in combat (experimental only)
Rifle No. 4 Mk I (1941)
Notable changes:
- Micrometer aperture rear sight
- Heavier barrel
- Simplified receiver
- Spike bayonet
Wars:
- World War II (1939–1945)
- Korean War (1950–1953)
- Malayan Emergency (1948–1960)
Rifle No. 4 Mk I* (1942)
Notable changes:
- North American production
- Simplified bolt release system
- Aperture rear sight retained
Wars:
- World War II (1939–1945)
- Korean War (1950–1953)
- Malayan Emergency (1948–1960)
Rifle No. 4 Mk II (1949)
Notable changes:
- Trigger mounted to receiver
- Improved finish
- Micrometer aperture sight
Wars:
- Malayan Emergency (1948–1960)
- Suez Crisis (1956)
Rifle No. 5 Mk I "Jungle Carbine" (1944)
Notable changes:
- Shortened barrel and stock
- Flash hider and rubber recoil pad
- Aperture rear sight
- Lightweight build
Wars:
- Burma Campaign (1944–1945)
- Malayan Emergency (1948–1960)
- Indonesian Confrontation (1963–1966)
Rifle No. 6 Mk I (Australia – mid-1940s)
Notable changes:
- Australian prototype based on No. 5
- Short barrel, flash hider
- Aperture rear sight
Wars:
- Not used in major conflict (trial only)