You have nothing to fear!....... I see it like this...... Here I am,.... the wee kid playing on the warm, sandy beach with my little video.... The sun is glowing majestically, low in the sky,........ the gentle breeze in the palm fronds....... everything is just great and things seem to be just rolling along...... but lo!...... little do I know that behind me, out to sea, quietly rumbling and, at first, hardly visible as a thin strip on the horizon,...... is what will soon be the deafening, towering, titanic, awe-inspiring, juggernaught of a tsunami that is the mighty C&Rsenal.... hundreds of feet high, about to crash down with their own irreproachable and unmatchable video,... on me and my little sandcastle, and wash it all away.............. OK, maybe a bit overdramatized....... but you get the point... :-)
Proud to be British. this is the Best battle rifle we have ever had in service. it is sad that there is not many comprehensive videos about the SMLE so I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds
My father is making a replica Lee Enfield SMLE MkIII* out of wood. It's not real, It doesn't have metal, just wood *ONLY.* Thank you for giving us a better look into the design of the rifle! - A Commonwealth Malay person
It's good to finally find a youtuber that knows how to properly cock a SMLE, people often complain about how slow they are as a bolt action but you can see their speed when someone that knows what they're doing handles it
Love gaining knowledge from the master himself. Enfields are examples of pure beauty. Thank you for all the videos good sir! Can't wait for more to come.
Superb presentation on this iconic rifle of the Great War. Timing is perfect during the 100th celebration to educate those who have no knowledge of Tommy's best friend in the trenches. Incredibly well done content in this video. I'm on the hunt for a MkIII for myself now! Thank you for this labor of love.
I’m very grateful for this video. A WW2 101st Airborne DDAY veteran became a close family friend later in his life. He was wounded on DDay and evacuated but prior to leaving Normandy picked up an SMLE from a deceased British soldier. He brought it home to the US and it was given to me prior to his passing. Your video has given me the information to identify it as a MkIIII*. Manufactured in 1916 makes it possible this magnificent rifle was used in two world wars. I am incredibly humbled to hold, let alone own this weapon. Thank you
I love my SMLE. A toss up between it and my M-1 Garand. But the Lee proved to be the actual workhorse of Military Rifles with modest changes throughout it's history. Also thanks for showing how to fire the SMLE Rapid fire. A technique I forgot about and which I used at a NRA timed Shoot event to qualify for my M-1.
People like you are precious. The world doesn't know it, but it needs real histories of the men and the gear that made this post 1945 world possible. Keep it up!
Not at all.... When Othias put up the Long Lee clip, I was actually thinking that he beat me....!... :-)... when it rains it pours, eh? Awash in Enfield minutia.
The Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk. III and the No. 4 Mk I are truly two of my favorite rifles. Their history, their design and engineering, and their quintessential British-ness are unparalleled. I have frequently searched for suitable documentaries about the Lee-Enfields but was often found wanting, as they were usually part of a larger showcase of British firearms, WWI/WWII firearms, or small footnotes in the grander scheme of the wars in which they served so gallantly. I have watched most - if not all - of your videos and several of them repeatedly. I especially enjoy the ones where you run field drills, as it is far more fitting to see these storied weapons among the uniform, kit, and pace of their original intent. To see that you are presenting the Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk. III means that it will truly have its wonderful historical firearm legend presented in the best manner possible. Your videos may finally convince me to locate a good one for purchase! Great videos. Wonderful content. Cheers.
I recently received a SMLE Mk. III* as a gift, and I'm loving learning about the history of the rifle. Great video, and I can't wait to see more of your channel.
Rockin' that outfit dude! Nicely in-character - was transported to the plains of Natal early 1900's for a minute there... Zulu's massing on the horizon, Boers sniping from the hilltops, African sun beating down... Lock and load, and remember to strip the clip - not round by round... Thumbs up for me...
Thanks! If it's Zulus and Boers that sparked an interest, there are plenty more clips with the weapons used against those worthy foes on the Channel!... :-)
Of all the shoulder fired small arms used on D-day, the Enfields suffered the least sand fouling. Possibly the most dependable military rifle ever built.
During WWI, there was enormous US popular interest in the standard American infantry rifle of the day, the Springfield M1903, as well as its enemy and allied counterparts. It was often said that while the Germans had the best hunting rifle and the Americans had the best target rifle, the British had the best battle rifle.
sir, just wanted to say Thank you your vids have helped me thru my 2nd deployment to Afghanistan my year in Korea and my 2nd divorce you go out of your way to insure that your historically accurate and you truly enjoy what you do thanks again
Wonderful video, wonderful channel. I feel under the spell of the .303 British and Lee-Enfield as a child. It was one of the first rifles I ever actually owned, and even at a young age I could tell there was something magical about them. As an adult, those feelings have only matured and deepened. You certainly do justice to this fine weapon. Thank you.
I really REALLY appreciate the effort you put into these videos. The period costume, the firing drills, even the Lord Kitchener mustache. Very professional and informative. The best part is that I've learnt more from this vid than I did in months of talking to staff members at various gunshops.
When I was a young teen. My mother, who worked in hospital brought home two enfields. The man was a friend and wanted to sell them. One was sporterizespd, SO LIGHT I could hold it like a hand gun. The other was a , still, full stock No. 4.
I have a Lee-Enfield .303 1918 SMLE MkIII. Your video has provided me a lot of information that I never knew before and had no knowledge of prior to obtaining this rifle. Thank you !👍
The internet goes years without much by the way of decent Lee Metford / Lee Enfield content then both you and C&R come along within days of each other. Whoopee!!! Thanks for your excellent efforts (on both programmes.)
Watched the Lee Metford content and "liked" same. Have also graduated to watching (and liking) the Martini Henry episodes. I am presently working my way through the rest of the channel content. As a general rule I do not watch re-enactment content, however in this case I am delighted to break with this norm. I note in particular that you wear the kilt in the correct manner. Are you of Scottish descent? Also, the scenery could easily be in the Scottish Highland, however you most certainly cannot shoot outside designated ranges or very large private estates in the UK. This is due to the oppressive laws effectively making ownership of any worthwhile firearms impossible in the UK.
A fine presentation ! I could even "smell" the oil.....TYVM !!!!!!!!! By the time I joined the Army in OZ, such a weapon had been replaced by the FN. However, as a lad , our school cadets used the 303....and later in life I owned a sporterized version and later still (recently) I used one on a nearby range, along with a M1......sore shoulder at the end of THAT shoot !!...
I was hoping you'd do a series on the SMLE, even though I already appreciate the rifles you've already covered and the fact that your focus is more on Victorian age equipment. I look forward to what you come out with next because you cover many aspects of these historical arms that other channels don't cover, such as the specific drills used and equipment worn. I like the drone footage toward the end too. Bravo and well done, sir. By the way, the cartridges you reload are extremely interesting and well made. I would like to try something similar albeit with a different caliber.
I feel like yours is the only channel that goes in depth on how these firearms were used within their time period and really demonstrates that to the viewer. I guess it is hard to put into words, but to me what makes your videos so interesting is that the firearm in each video isn't just an object, it was a product of a period of time that was used by the soldiers of its time. The period dress and gear, the exercises, the reenactments, etc all give a very vivid background to how these firearms saw action in their day which is something I have yet to see any other other channel on YT. Keep up the great work!
I have it on good authority (from Keith Payne, Victoria Cross recipient and Vietnam veteran) Australians actually used the No1 mk3* in the very early stages of Vietnam. Not by combat teams but by the early trading and mentoring teams
The first 30 men of the "Australian Army Training Team Vietnam" deployed in 1962. It would be nice for a bit of context. Rifles sent as support for local militia?.... Sniping perhaps?
Now, now,.... not at all.... It is by complete coincidence.... as much as it may not look that way.... I've been plugging away at this one for a couple of months... :-)
The work and research that goes into one of your videos must be immense . I think the gun trolls are just waiting for one little mistake to pounce but as yet from what I've seen you deny them any of the ammunition. Especially enjoyed this one I now have quit a few SMLEs and counting. (bloody addictive)
Brilliant video Rob, Lots of research and beautifully but together. The camera angles were superb. Clearly a rifle you have a great affection for...and it shows!
Thanks, a wonderful video. My Grandfather carried one in WWI, Dad mostly carried a Bren. I have a re-barreled 1918 Lithgow in the gunsafe. I don't think it has had a round down it yet--something you have inspired me to change. I agree with you that C&Rsenel have done an excellent presentation on the history. Keep up the good work.
Great video on a great rifle. Your uniform and regalia adds a feeling of historic authenticity, and respect for the men who lived and died holding the SMLE. Interesting quick firing technique, Sir, with thumb and forefinger on the bolt, leaving the middle finger on the trigger!
Outstanding video. I really liked the quick firing with your middle finger on the trigger. Thank you for such high quality productions. Love your channel!
Another excellent video Rob, a nice touch having the tongue of the 08 belt out for active service and not tucked under for parade. I hope you will also look at the almost unloved orphan the P14, as well as the No 4 in due season. You keep making 'em and we'll keep watching.
Thank you! I will. The P08 is just a crap set from India.... the fittings are rubbish but it holds 15 rounds a pouch and "generally" fits the bill for 1914. Thankfully, I'm into historical shooting and as long as it gets the point across and gives the experience of using the real thing, I'm happy. I don't have a P14, and to be honest, I am not a "collector" as such, so I am not on the look-out for one, sorry... now, if one were to fall into my lap? Sure thing, 100%... My No 4 left me a nasty note the other day, lamenting all the attention his mother is getting though...
I have always liked the No 4 and the sights suit my elderly eyes better than Mum. I do have a No 4 in .22" that was built from bits found during the Enfield factory close down raises the odd eyebrow when I take it to our 25yard indoor range
What a great video! One of the pics that you used of the SMLE mk1 off the efd rifles website was the actual rifle i purchased! amazing! love your channel mate
you certainly learned all the principles of marksmanship, sight picture, and the importance of shooting position and dealing with recoil as a 13 year old cadet. Moved on to use the L1A1 SLR, then the arse dropped out of it all and we got landed with the abomination that is the SA80, where did it all go wrong, should have kept the .303 and the bren gun, looks like we're heading that way. Afghanistan again, Persia again, and again, at least the rifle would have been on familiar ground lol. Take care ma man, mark yer targets when they come..
What an excellent video. Thank you taking the time and research to assemble all this knowledge into a place available to all of us. Love the Lee Enfield rifle.
Great video, very interesting to watch. I have a (sadly deactivated) example of the No. 1 Mk III*, which I understand to have been made in the early '50s for Rhodesia and it amazingly still includes the magazine cut off.
The SMLE is an absolute classic without a doubt. However I think the No.4 is the pinnacle of the family with its stronger barrel and excellent aperture sights.
Thank you for all the hard work you do good sir. As a fellow Canuck I'm always interested in what tools our predecessors used to do the empire's work. Thanks for everything you do good sir.
It's just fascinating and entertaining to watch your videos; I can really see the passion you feel for what you do, creating very good quality videos. Keep them coming!
Its aboot fekin time my dude!, Great video cant wait for the other parts. Nothing beats a No.1 SMLE with some Cupro I say!...Well unless its an M1 with some Cupro! I need to get my hands on an early Pre-MkIII SMLE and an Aussie Lithgow one of these days. Also I noticed you said all of your .303 Chargers were Mark IV's, which sort of surprised me tbh LibertyTreeCollectors recently got in some Mark I's and they come in packs of three as well as some SMLE nose caps
Glad you enjoyed it! The chargers are all ones that came with the ammo.... I had three crates of Mk VII ball from the 50s... in bandoliers. That was 30 years ago and I am glad that kept them around.... I knew they'd come in useful...
Thanks for a very nice video. I own a Lithgow Mk III SMLE (mfg 1916) and am amazed at its accuracy. After years of shooting surplus military ammo (which is now fairly hard to come by), I finally bit the bullet (atrocious pun) and started buying various factory loads in order to build up my "seed corn" for reloading. I am currently reloading 150 grain Spitzers on top of 37 grains of IMR3031, which gives good performance. When reloading .303 British, it's important to resize the neck only, as resizing the full case will stress the base of the case and greatly reduce the number of times it can be reloaded. Looking forward to more videos from britishmuzzleloaders. Cheers from San Diego, Calif.
Howdy BML, thanks for the reply. I have seen one .303 reloading vid using the Lee hand set, but perhaps that's not the one you're referring to? The guy using the Lee set said to avoid full-case resizing which causes casing fatigue and reduces case life. I have an RTBS single-stage press that I use for other calibers but am doing my .303 Brit using the Lee set which I purchased as a result of that video. In the field, I have noticed that the non-full-case sizing makes the rounds a teensy tight to chamber, but not excessively so. 2 Questions: there is a small round brass plate on the right side of the butt stock. Not sure what that's for, and what the purpose of the small round metal loop on the underside just in front of the magazine. Thanks again for your quality video. Cheers!
Excellent video! Thanks for the suggestion to watch and understand more of your process. I am not at the expertise level of casting my own bullets but was very interested to see how it's done! You have a mouth-watering collection of weapons it would seem. Glad I "discovered" your channel. Wishing you all the best. Cheers.
wow fantastic mustache, that really takes patience and conviction. Also, astounding camerawork starting at 20:25 looks like fun! other firearm channels have shitty angles. great video thanks
I really love how you fire with the middle finger and keep your index finger and thumb on the bolt. Not easy to learn but fast when you get it down. Love my Mk III*'s!
