Engineering:Lee–Speed

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Lee–Speed
TypeBolt-action rifle
Place of originUnited Kingdom
Service history
WarsBoer War, World War I
Production history
DesignerJames Paris Lee
ManufacturerRSAF Enfield
Birmingham Small Arms Company
Specifications
Length49.5 in (1,260 mm)
Barrel length30.2 in (770 mm)

Cartridge.303 British Mk I
Calibre0.312 in (7.9 mm)
ActionBolt-action
Rate of fire24 rounds/minute
Muzzle velocity2,040 ft/s (620 m/s)
Effective firing range~1 mi (1,800 yd)
Maximum firing range1 mi (1,800 yd)
Feed system5 or 10-round magazine
SightsSliding leaf rear sights, Fixed-post front sights, "Dial" long-range volley sights

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.

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

No.1

Officers pattern, with bayonet mount.

No.2

Officers pattern, without bayonet mount.

No.3

Trade pattern.

References