SMLE MK III Rifle, UK 1907

Description of the Product

The Lee-Enfield SMLE (Short Magazine Lee-Enfield) rifle came into service in the British Army in 1907 and is still in use around the world. This bolt-locked and magazine-fed rifle was in active use in the British Empire and the British Commonwealth throughout the first half of the 20th century, covering both World War I and World War II.

Lee-Enfield is the fastest bolt-locked rifle in military use, capable of firing 20-30 aimed shots per minute, which is a surprising speed for a bolt-locked rifle. Indeed, several accounts of German soldiers from the First World War have survived, in which the Germans retreated from what they the believed to be machine-gun fire, even though they had only met with well-trained and fast-shooting riflemen with SMLE Mk III rifles.

In World War II, this same rifle was in common use on all fronts, especially in North Africa, Italy, the Pacific, and Burma, in the hands of British and Commonwealth forces. Australia and India continued to use the rifle actively after World War II and this weapon was still in use in the Korean War, for example.

Since this rifle was used throughout the British Empire, which was at its largest around the 20th century and accounted for nearly a quarter of all mankind, the impact of this weapon is significant for the history of mankind as well. Lee-Enfield Mk III is still in use by a few British Commonwealth forces. For example, the Bangladeshi police and the Canadian Rangers consider this rifle their standard equipment. In India, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan, this rifle also remains a common sight in the hands of police and other armed groups. The manufacture of this rifle began in 1907 and continues to this day. Along with Mosin-Nagant, this rifle has been the longest-used bolt-locked rifle.

In Finland, after the Civil War, there were small quantities of Lee-Enfield Mk III rifles in the army's weapons depots, which may have been bought to Finland in the 1920s or were left by the english so-called Murmansk, or Finnish, Legion, which operated in Karelia. The Legion was a group recruited and armed by the British, who fought on the side of the Reds in the Finnish Civil War in 1918. After all, England was a Russian ally in the First World War against Germany, into whose arms Finland was drifting, which England naturally wanted to prevent.

This legendary bolt lock rifle can be seen in almost every movie or video game about World War I or World War II.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size and weight. The mechanisms of the weapon are working. The weapon can be cocked and dry fired like a real one, and the magazine is detachable. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• Genuine wood and cast metal has been used to make this replica weapon. Zamac differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire bullets, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
• A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 113 cm
• Weight: 3,9 kg
• Manufacturer: Denix, Spain

Due to the nature of this item please read about shipping options/restrictions if ordering outside Finland.   –More information about international shipping-