Lee Carbine: Gunmaking is not for the Faint of Heart
This video delves into the early, albeit unsuccessful, firearm manufacturing venture of James Paris Lee, the renowned inventor of the detachable box magazine and co-inventor of the Lee-Enfield rifle. Lee's initial attempt involved a single-shot, swinging barrel system patented in 1862. After initial rejection for a rifle, he pivoted to a carbine design which was accepted for testing by the Army. A contract for 1,000 carbines was awarded in 1865. However, a dispute over the specified caliber (.44 rimfire vs. the delivered .42 rimfire) led to the rejection of the first 250 guns and cancellation of the contract. The Lee Fire Arms Company, established to produce these firearms, then repurposed parts for civilian sporting arms before dissolving by 1868. The video highlights the risks inherent in firearms manufacturing and Lee's subsequent return to watchmaking before re-engaging with firearm design.














