Description
The Lee-Enfield SMLE No.1 Mk V is one of the rarest and most sought-after rifles in the Enfield lineage. Produced in limited numbers between 1922 and 1924 at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, the Mk V was intended as an experimental improvement to the Mk III. Although never officially adopted, only around 20,000 were made, making these rifles exceptionally desirable for collectors today.
Chambered in the classic .303 British cartridge, the No.1 Mk V introduced features later carried into the No.4 series, including a receiver-mounted aperture sight for faster and more precise target acquisition compared to the traditional tangent rear sight. Retaining the smooth bolt action and 10-round magazine that made the SMLE famous, the Mk V is both a historically important transitional model and a functional piece of British military history.
Features
- Caliber: .303 British
- Action: Bolt-Action, magazine-fed
- Magazine: 10-round detachable box
- Origin: Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield (1922–1924 production)
- Notable for: Aperture rear sight, experimental improvements, limited production (~20,000 units)
Why Collectors Value It
The No.1 Mk V bridges the gap between the Great War–era SMLE Mk III and the refined No.4 rifles of WWII. Its unique sighting system and rarity make it an outstanding addition for any Lee-Enfield enthusiast. Whether displayed as part of a historical collection or appreciated on the range, this rifle embodies the evolution of one of the most iconic bolt-action service rifles in history.
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