M1915 Howell Automatic Rifle Enfield Conversion
This video examines the M1915 Howell Automatic Rifle, a unique semi-automatic conversion of the British No1 MkIII Lee-Enfield rifle. The conversion adds a gas piston system to the right side of the barrel, cycling the bolt without modifying the original action. Despite its 'steampunk' appearance, the mechanism is mechanically simple. The added metalwork prevents shooter injury from the moving bolt, and the pistol grip is a necessary adaptation. The Howell also features a 20-round extended magazine. Though offered to the British military in both WWI and WWII, it was never adopted. The video's author found the rifle surprisingly reliable and manageable to shoot, attributing its success to the retained feeding and extraction mechanisms of the SMLE. Recoil was gentle, but the offset sights and awkward handling were noted drawbacks.











