This video delves into the historical context and development of the first Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield (SMLE) rifles, focusing on the lessons learned from the Boer War. It details the shortcomings of the Long Lee rifles and the subsequent military impetus for significant design changes. The description highlights the introduction of stripper clip loading, full-length handguards, windage-adjustable rear sights, and improved front sight hoods. It also discusses the two distinct rear sight patterns (A and B) that underwent rigorous field trials before the A pattern was selected for mass production as the SMLE Mark I in 1904. Minor subsequent changes to the MkI* variant are also noted.
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