was referring to the barrel length, which had been shortened from the earlier long lee rifle (Magazine Lee Enfield, MLE), thus becoming the SMLE (Short, Magazine Lee Enfield)
@Ziad Khaled maybe it means like it's a short version of the magazine lee enfield, magazine lee enfield is the rifle, short is the adjective because the gun is shorter, so its a short, magazine lee enfield, im assuming
Fun fact in ww2 and ww1 british tactics we’re rapid fire at the same time. So in ww1 the Germans thought they were getting shot my machine guns but in reality it was rapid fire from the British I forgot which battle
In the Arctic, the _Canadian Rangers_ (mostly Inuit [Eskimo] troops) used the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1* until being replaced in 2017. After 70 years of constant use, they were getting 'a little rough'.
The design of the bolt meant that users could keep their eyes on the target whilst cycling the rounds. British soldiers (certainly the Old Contemptibles) were issued with 250 training rounds per year, alot more than other armies. This helped with the high rate of fire.
Help us continue making you history cartoons on all topics and technology. Click& support us on www.patreon.com/simplehistory Thank you to these awesome people for supporting the show (and if you are a patron feel free to send me (the creator / director) suggestions for the show on Patreon and vote for the next epic behemoth!.. Jonathan demoisey Leo Meissner Anton Fogelberg Vincent Wong ITgamer35 8feet RaostTaost HitKin Tommy Huynh Adam Berlin Charlie McCameron Alden109 Adolfo Estella III Adam Hutchins Vincent K. 2K69 k n Doug Stokes Dr. Swoose Samuel Leonard cyh-CN! Andrew Borelli
The volley sights were designed in a way that the soldiers would stand in line and shoot up, creating a parable and "raining down" bullets from above the trench. So yeah, about 2000 yards.
Just running the data for the Mark VII loading on a ballistic calculator indicates you'd still have a 174gr bullet going at over 600 FPS at this distance. While obviously accuracy is way out of the question, that's still around 150 ft/lbs of kinetic energy assuming we ended up with accurate numbers -- about as much as a .22LR bullet at full velocity out of a rifle length barrel. Given that we're talking about a projectile that's much larger than the typical 30-40gr .22 bullet, coming down at an angle, if it were to hit you it would likely strike you sideways and tumble, still causing a nasty wound. As already noted, this is a *volley fire* sight, and not necessarily something you are to expect to indivdually actually land hits with. Instead you can hypothetically inflict damage on large infantry formations and suppress smaller targets. Besides, are you actually going to have that good of a visual on single targets at this range? 2000 yards is about 1.15 miles or so. One thing is for sure, noone in their right mind would want to stand in front of this.
This rifle has played quite a part in my countries history, notably during the liberation war when freedom fighters were armed with mostly British weapons from WWII era(Sten's, Enfield which were commonly called "three not three's"). And almost a hundred year later it's still in service with the countries police force. Arguably one of the longest rifle to see active service.
Hey Simple History! I am 12 years old and I absolutely LOVE your videos. I am making a presentation on war tactics and have already used your "Creeping Barrage" and "Salvo" tactic videos for information. I was wondering if you could make a video on the "Mad Minute" tactic used by the British with the Lee-Enfield. It would mean a lot to me!
The Arisaka was better! It had a dust cover and everything! It shot a lighter cartridge too! And its action was so strong that America borrowed aspects from its action to use in its rifles and it also invented the chrome lined bore. In other words, it might've been not only the most reliable bolt action rifle in the world, but also the best when it comes to flat shooting and sniping and it also holds its own in cqb as well.
smle's were issued a spare magazine for a period but were fazed out very quickly and not brought up as a standard issue item . in fact there were even 20 rounders made at some point , very rare to find
Im extremely proud to own a mk3* version of this rifle, wanted to get the mk3 but both are genuinely the same, love the history of this defending Britain and finally got to fire one at the range, good rifle and ammo might be hard to obtain but worth the investment
A couple of mistakes: -fast firing was mostly due to a special shooting technique involving using your ring finger to fire and not taking your hand off the bolt. It was possible due to the short distance between the bolt and the trigger. -They were issued usually 2 magazines. Just in case the first one became dysfunctional for some reason.
Y'all should consider doing a video on the Lee Enfield No.4 Mk1 Telescopic, the sniper version that came without the battle sight and with a scope and flip sight. I picked up one of those a few months back for 375 cuz the previous owner had sporterized it like a complete and udder fudd, as well as removed the scope and I guess the guy who bought it from said owner had little idea it was such a rare iteration of the No.4. I'd certainly love to learn more about it in the classic Simple History format!
Susan Brearey it’s literally the starter weapon for the scout class, but whatever. It’s definitely one of the better weapons, only outclassed by the gewehr rifles
What about doing a video on Christopher Lee, he had done many things during WW2, and was even took part in both the allied special forces, and even took part in the conflict against the Red Army in Finland.
I have an SMLE no4 jungle carbine with flat nickel plating and is a great rifle. Even with the lighter weight carbine the recoil is comparable to an M1903 Springfield '30-06.
This gun never fails to bring a SMLE to my face
Henry Parkin I know I'm a little late, but
Badum Tss
Lol
A smelly?
@@MaxwellAerialPhotography lol
@@MaxwellAerialPhotographyShort Magazine Lee-Enfield
SMLE - Short Magazine Lee Enfield
*Holds 10 Rounds instead of 5*
was referring to the barrel length, which had been shortened from the earlier long lee rifle (Magazine Lee Enfield, MLE), thus becoming the SMLE (Short, Magazine Lee Enfield)
@Ziad Khaled maybe it means like it's a short version of the magazine lee enfield, magazine lee enfield is the rifle, short is the adjective because the gun is shorter, so its a short, magazine lee enfield, im assuming
@Ziad Khaled what it really means then?
@Ziad Khaled if you don't even know, how could you say "no it doesn't." ?
@@athala6244 Guess he's not really good at English then.
The Dunkirk refeence at 0:22 :D
Wielki Tarpan comment that im looking for
Yes it is
Wielki Tarpan first part when it jammed
I thought that was Dunkirk
Wielki Tarpan Kk
I remember this gun. Some french guy used it. He's dead now.
yeah cause he was too busy attacking a white cloth to the baynoet and waving it to actually shoot the gun
Arent you in afrika ?
dont let monty see this or he will defeat you again
vileda gamers I'm ready for a rematch.
he's more savage than you
The Lee Enfield is in my mind one of the best rifles I've ever encountered
Fun fact in ww2 and ww1 british tactics we’re rapid fire at the same time. So in ww1 the Germans thought they were getting shot my machine guns but in reality it was rapid fire from the British I forgot which battle
@@space4166 Battle of Mons, 1914
@@jakeyeager6585 ah thank you! They did use that tactic in ww2 too!
the ak of it's day it was everywhere
Suggest an iconic weapon here! (These are fun to draw!) :D
Simple History PP-SH 41
Mosin Nagant M91
Simple History Brown Bess musket
Simple History FG-42!
grease gun
In the Arctic, the _Canadian Rangers_ (mostly Inuit [Eskimo] troops) used the Lee-Enfield No. 4 Mk 1* until being replaced in 2017.
After 70 years of constant use, they were getting 'a little rough'.
Woah how cool
The design of the bolt meant that users could keep their eyes on the target whilst cycling the rounds. British soldiers (certainly the Old Contemptibles) were issued with 250 training rounds per year, alot more than other armies. This helped with the high rate of fire.
Help us continue making you history cartoons on all topics and technology. Click& support us on www.patreon.com/simplehistory
Thank you to these awesome people for supporting the show (and if you are a patron feel free to send me (the creator / director) suggestions for the show on Patreon and vote for the next epic behemoth!..
Jonathan demoisey
Leo Meissner
Anton Fogelberg
Vincent Wong
ITgamer35
8feet
RaostTaost
HitKin
Tommy Huynh
Adam Berlin
Charlie McCameron
Alden109
Adolfo Estella III
Adam Hutchins
Vincent K.
2K69
k n
Doug Stokes
Dr. Swoose
Samuel Leonard
cyh-CN!
Andrew Borelli
What thingy do you use for the animations
They spell it P.I.A.T. and purnounce it succes! ;)
Peerklota ?
Simple History you chlanel its perfect
Who else noticed the Dunkirk reference at 0:21?
oh I found it familiar Xdxd
yes i did
Drew Zaio actually it's 0:22
You mean the movie Dunkirk? It was overrated.
Great rifle and a true British classic. I own a Lee Enfield No. 1 Mk III* SMLE & a Canadian Made No.4 Mk 1.
At 0:22 its Dunkirk , like if you love the film
@@therealchen wha
@@therealchen Most people comment before they take a look at the other comments
69 likes
Ziad Khaled how
Ziad Khaled some bits but mostly historically accurate and also action
There is also a semiautomatic version of the gun. The Howell automatic has optic sights and a 26 round magazine.
Ive shot the No.8 rifle
Bravo cadets?
Jake Richardson ya
Bravo ive used the H-21 tank befor
Me too... With the ATC when I was 13. We had two No.8s, two L98s and a few lever action things that were notorious for jamming.
The Paranoid Blues Man what sqn? Im in 3sqn
The way the initials are it looks like it spells smile😂😂
Smelly
Simple History can you do a type 100 overview pls
PS I love your channel
+that one griffindor kid yes this gun has an interesting story
Simple History 😂
British soldiers usually called the rifle "Smelly"
I own and shoot a No1 MkIII * and its nice historic shooter!. made in 1918 in Lithgow Australia
Grab your Smellies lads, we're in for a show!
For the King and country!
Evilsamar SCOTLAND FOREVER!!!!
2000 yards? That's... optimistic
Accuracy not included
The volley sights were designed in a way that the soldiers would stand in line and shoot up, creating a parable and "raining down" bullets from above the trench. So yeah, about 2000 yards.
Just running the data for the Mark VII loading on a ballistic calculator indicates you'd still have a 174gr bullet going at over 600 FPS at this distance. While obviously accuracy is way out of the question, that's still around 150 ft/lbs of kinetic energy assuming we ended up with accurate numbers -- about as much as a .22LR bullet at full velocity out of a rifle length barrel. Given that we're talking about a projectile that's much larger than the typical 30-40gr .22 bullet, coming down at an angle, if it were to hit you it would likely strike you sideways and tumble, still causing a nasty wound.
As already noted, this is a *volley fire* sight, and not necessarily something you are to expect to indivdually actually land hits with. Instead you can hypothetically inflict damage on large infantry formations and suppress smaller targets. Besides, are you actually going to have that good of a visual on single targets at this range? 2000 yards is about 1.15 miles or so. One thing is for sure, noone in their right mind would want to stand in front of this.
Agreed
Well thats that that 100 years ago so
Dont worry
Can you review the civil war later on?
Soon
Yay
PeasantTights which civil war?
james grainger American Civil War
Theres a lot of civil wars which one?
I myself have a smle no1 mk3. 1918. Still fires like a dream. Beautiful guns. Arguably one of the bests bolts ever made.
Great video about the smle! And by the way it's my favorite in battlefield 1
@@mattmorrocco8542 Gewehr 98 is better
Al Gucci nah the Russian 1895 sniper is better
Do you use it's infantry variant
Mine too but for Verdun.
Guys.Every rifle is suited for each preference.
This rifle has played quite a part in my countries history, notably during the liberation war when freedom fighters were armed with mostly British weapons from WWII era(Sten's, Enfield which were commonly called "three not three's"). And almost a hundred year later it's still in service with the countries police force. Arguably one of the longest rifle to see active service.
In ww1 the Enfield didn't have holes in the front sight protector
One of my favorite things about this channel are all the movie and video game references like the Dunkirk one here
Hey Simple History! I am 12 years old and I absolutely LOVE your videos. I am making a presentation on war tactics and have already used your "Creeping Barrage" and "Salvo" tactic videos for information. I was wondering if you could make a video on the "Mad Minute" tactic used by the British with the Lee-Enfield. It would mean a lot to me!
When will Rommel get his video
Yes
Simple History lol
Simple History lol
Y e s
Arguably the best rifle at the start of the First World War. Mauser fan boys come at me.
I am offended by the fact that you have an opinion that may or may not vary to mine!
simonexhale "Arguably"
Some Talibans still use them they are "that" reliable
The Arisaka was better! It had a dust cover and everything! It shot a lighter cartridge too! And its action was so strong that America borrowed aspects from its action to use in its rifles and it also invented the chrome lined bore. In other words, it might've been not only the most reliable bolt action rifle in the world, but also the best when it comes to flat shooting and sniping and it also holds its own in cqb as well.
The Lee Enfield weren't very high quality compared to Mausers
I own one of these rifles, mine was manufactured in 1908 and served in the Battle of the Somme. It’s my favorite rifle that I own!
thanks for you interesting video ..
No problem
good job !
A good old British classic. This weapon can bring a SMiLE to any bolt action rifle enthusiast.
Nice
Sherman tank history?
Bravo it's trash all you need to know
I want to see that I want to learn adout that
Navi Blue The Sherman was the best infantry tank in ww2, and the second being the Churchill
Soviet Russia Churchill you're a dumbass the Stuart besides being ugly has weak plating in the back chokes compared to t34 and panzers
Soviet Russia the original curchills were slow near the end of the war they got better
No Doubt One of the BEST channel in what it does! Along with Infograph and scipsy and science
I hope you guys made a Ross rifle video (I haven't searched yet) since it's the Canadian step-sister of the SMLE due to Canada's patent issues.
The Mauser 98 deserves its own video.
So when people say “SMLE Lee Enfield” they’re saying Short Magazine Lee Enfield Lee Enfield.
I got one.of these that turned 100 years.old this year and still shoots super smooth
Was that a Dunkirk reference 0:22
2:17 and Canada using the great Ross rifle so great I love the jamming
Who dislikes these thing ga Lee!!!
The SMLE MkIII is one of my favorite firearms of all time.
Could you do WWII the french army, are WWI the Belgian Army ? That would be great !
Making a video about the French army in WW2? You'd be hard pushed to make it last three minutes....
I remember finding a piece of wood as a kid and ask my grandfather to form a gun like this,good times....
Muuuuch better than the Mauser.
Change my mind
@@ianfortuna9385 based reply
Favourite bolt action still to this day
Do the mg42:D
The SMLE is the base of the forgotten Guardian M1941 also known as the _Kara-Gewehr 19._
Will you please do the history of the cz 75? Or the Springfield?
No. Not iconic enough.
Have a Mk. III* in immaculate condition. Can confirm it's a great gun. Very slick and fast bolt.
That's cool!!
I use this in bf1 all the time, it’s a great sniper
No dislikes!!!
yet
Coop Dawg nope 1 dislike
Someone ruined it😒
How do ppl dislike awesome videos like these
You jinxed it
OhWowItsAGiraffe whoops
My favourite weapon of the 20th century. ❤️
HI
0:22 that was from Dunkirk
Korean war pls (Forgotten war )
Michael Choi he already did make a video about the Korean war
smle's were issued a spare magazine for a period but were fazed out very quickly and not brought up as a standard issue item . in fact there were even 20 rounders made at some point , very rare to find
“It is hard to imagine a british soldier without his smle”
Well, he could have a lewis gun or a Webley revolver
Hard, not impossible. Also, revolvers were used by officers, not soldiers.
Im extremely proud to own a mk3* version of this rifle, wanted to get the mk3 but both are genuinely the same, love the history of this defending Britain and finally got to fire one at the range, good rifle and ammo might be hard to obtain but worth the investment
Who else pronounces it "Smelly?"
I prefer Smiley, because it puts a great smile on my face when i make a kill with one.
I have a SMLE No4 Mk2. It was my mother's. Damn that thing is awesome!
I love it when you get shot across the map with one battlefield...
thanks for finally revealing the Indian WWII Soldier! :)
Natzi berlin
The Lee Enfield SMLE a true British Classic. 😀👍
These guns just make me Smle
Alright good bye. That sucked
Dunkirk reference
At 0:21
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DIFFERENT VOICE ACTOR
There are a lot of voice actors here, mate.
Have a No.4 Mk2, and a 1917 American Enfield. Would love to get an Ishapore 2A1.
0:21
Nice little Dunkirk reference lol
That’s cool how you animated the scene from Dunkirk where the guy was struggling to load his gun only to be killed by friendly fire
Finally someone explained the star or stars on the Lees! Thank You!!!
I don't yards.1:29
A couple of mistakes:
-fast firing was mostly due to a special shooting technique involving using your ring finger to fire and not taking your hand off the bolt. It was possible due to the short distance between the bolt and the trigger.
-They were issued usually 2 magazines. Just in case the first one became dysfunctional for some reason.
"The enemy is being reinforced with a behemoth"
My Grandfather owns a SMLE MKIII*. I'm next in line to get it!
I saw two of those at a local gun show. Excellent conditions, made in WW1, one for $250.00 and the other for $350.00
I love simple history for the very fact that its simple
0:22 but in the movie, he didn’t use the rifle. He dropped it and ran away
In my opinion the best bolt action rifle ever made. 10 round magazine, ridiculous rate of fire, reliable and accurate.
Standard issue for everyone.
Bf1: is this a snipey gun?
Simple History, you did it again! Another great video, keep it up!
Y'all should consider doing a video on the Lee Enfield No.4 Mk1 Telescopic, the sniper version that came without the battle sight and with a scope and flip sight. I picked up one of those a few months back for 375 cuz the previous owner had sporterized it like a complete and udder fudd, as well as removed the scope and I guess the guy who bought it from said owner had little idea it was such a rare iteration of the No.4. I'd certainly love to learn more about it in the classic Simple History format!
i was subbed when you guys only had 500 subs and now you have 256K well done simplehistory
EDIT: habe to have
+kansloosgamekanaal thanks
Love when these vids come out
Keep up the vids
Big fan of your teams videos please keep the good work up is there any chance you can do the 60s British Invasion?
I have this rifle in battlefield 1and it is so OP
Susan Brearey it’s literally the starter weapon for the scout class, but whatever. It’s definitely one of the better weapons, only outclassed by the gewehr rifles
SMLE!!! Though your heart is breaking!....
lol, love the British accent.
English accent*
The guy with the smoke was a good little detail
I call it the -
"Smile!" :)
BANG ! ;) haha
SMLE I thought it was like text ur friends to tell them to smile
I like this rifle and I really like that you can reload it two different ways
What about doing a video on Christopher Lee, he had done many things during WW2, and was even took part in both the allied special forces, and even took part in the conflict against the Red Army in Finland.
Great rifle! I used to shoot them all the time as a kid in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.
I had one. It uses like 8 different screws which was annoying. The Mauser used interchangeable screws.
Easily the best overall bolt-action rifle ever
Man...this rifle is like my favorite rifle but I also like the m1 garand so they are both my fav
I have an SMLE no4 jungle carbine with flat nickel plating and is a great rifle. Even with the lighter weight carbine the recoil is comparable to an M1903 Springfield '30-06.
The Jungle Carbine is not a No.4, it is a No.5, a shortened and lightened version of the No.4, but a different rifle.
Definitely my favourite British gun
The old Smellie. Still favoured as a fighting and sniper's weapon in some parts of the world.