1943
Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I
British service rifle that armed Commonwealth forces through two world wars.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Royal Small Arms Factory
- Year
- 1943
- Type
- Bolt-action rifle
- Caliber
- .303 British
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Length
- 44.45 inches
- Barrel
- 25.2 inches
- Weight
- 9.06 lbs
- Capacity
- 10 rounds
- Action
- Bolt-action
- Finish
- Parkerized, walnut stock
- Condition
- Very Good - wartime finish showing use
- Serial Number
- F43782
Historical Context
The Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk I was introduced in 1941 as an improved version of the legendary Lee-Enfield rifle series. This 1943 specimen was manufactured at the Royal Small Arms Factory in Fazakerley during the height of World War II. The No. 4 featured a heavier barrel and improved sights over earlier models. It served with distinction in every theater of WWII and continued service through the Korean War and beyond. The Lee-Enfield's ten-round magazine capacity and smooth bolt action allowed trained soldiers to achieve rapid rates of fire, giving Commonwealth troops a significant advantage in infantry engagements. The "mad minute" drill, where soldiers could fire 30+ aimed shots per minute, became legendary.