Lee Metford and Lee Enfield Carbines for the Cavalry
This video delves into the fascinating history and design of the Lee Metford and Lee Enfield Carbines, specifically those developed for cavalry use. It highlights how the need for a more compact firearm for horse-mounted soldiers led to the creation of carbine versions of the Lee magazine rifle. The description details design modifications like the forward-swept bolt handle, flattened receiver, rounded front sight wings, and a reduced 6-round magazine. It also points out the carbine's role in originating the cocking-piece-mounted safety, a feature later adopted by infantry rifles. The rarity of intact sling rings on these early cavalry carbines is also noted, emphasizing their unique evolutionary path.













