4 (T) was a smooth and rapid progression, which unfortunately it was not. It would be nice to say that the transition from No. All of this was conducive to the pinpoint accuracy required of a snipers rifle. Its body was stronger, with flat slab-sided walls, ideal for a scope mount attachment, the bolt was refined, with an internal rather than external guide rib, and the barrel was rather heavier than that of its predecessor. 1 service weapon, used standard rather than “Enfield Inch” screw threads, and also made a far better platform for a telescopic sight. The new rifle was less time consuming to produce than the old No. 4, apart from the possession of a magazine cut-off and very minor differences to some of the smaller parts such as the rear sight, cocking piece and foresight protector. The rifle was virtually identical to the later standard issue No. 4 (trials) had evolved, of which 2500 were manufactured through the early to mid-1930’s for evaluation purposes in the hands of the troops.
This was subsequently “beefed up”, and by 1931 the Rifle No. However it still possessed a low rounded left receiver side wall. By 1930 the “Rifle No 1Mk VI” had appeared, and it looked to all intents and purposes like the later No. 1 rifle led to the Mk V which was produced in some thousands for troop trials, and then further refinement, onto the Mk VI. Indeed it had been found in the latter stages of the First War that the Pattern 14 rifle fitted with the fine adjustment rear sight shot more accurately than the SMLE fitted with a telescope! Trials with the No. Further, whilst accuracy of the standard rifle was generally satisfactory, it was not of the standard required for a dedicated Snipers rifle.
The SMLE had acquitted itself magnificently in the trenches of Ypres, Gallipoli and the Somme during the Great War, but if had become widely appreciated that its production was complicated, time consuming and hence costly. The Ainley rifle of 1937, which was itself a highly modified derivation of the P’ 14 rifle, was developed, though not proceeded with beyond trial production of six rifles.Ĭoncurrently through the inter-war period, a replacement was being sought for the standard No. However there were one or two enterprising designs produced for consideration by the army as possible replacements for the rifle No. As is always the case during peacetime the military establishment was run down (this was as true in the 1920’s and 30’s as it is now).
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