Monday, November 24, 2008

The Lee Enfield (SMLE) infantry rifle Part 2

One of the major problems was the mismatch in sizes made for different troops. Early Enfields that still accomadated black powder were taken out of the equasion, and the Lee Enfield was made one universal length. When the Mk. III hit The Great War (WWI), many didn't think it was any better, but since it was stuck in the middle of battle, there was no looking back. Once the Germans advanced, the Lee Enfield showed its newfound superority. The bolt action was rugged and smooth, and exceptionally quick. It was soon found that British soldiers could fire what was called "The Mad Minute." The Mad Minute was 30 rounds in one minute fired at their enemy, some could fire more than that. The rate of fire from one rifle could rival that of an automatic fired weapon. This rate of fire from many British soldiers would decimate German troop advances.

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