Lee–Speed

This article is about the early twentieth century British rifle. For other uses, see Enfield rifle (disambiguation).

The Lee–Speed rifle was a bolt-action rifle based on James Paris Lee's rear-locking bolt system and detachable magazine. Early models were fitted with barrels using the radiused rifling designed by William Ellis Metford.^[1][2] while later models used the same square "Enfield" rifling as contemporary British military rifles.

Lee–Speed
Type	Bolt-action rifle
Place of origin	United Kingdom
Service history
Wars	Second Boer War, World War I, World War II
Production history
Designer	James Paris Lee
Manufacturer	RSAF Enfield Birmingham Small Arms Company
Specifications
Length	49.5 in (1,260 mm)
Barrel length	30.2 in (770 mm)
Cartridge	.303 British Mk I
Calibre	0.312 in (7.9 mm)
Action	Bolt-action
Rate of fire	24 rounds/minute
Muzzle velocity	2,040 ft/s (620 m/s)
Effective firing range	~1 mi (1,800 yd)
Maximum firing range	1 mi (1,800 yd)
Feed system	5 or 10-round magazine
Sights	Sliding leaf rear sights, Fixed-post front sights, "Dial" long-range volley sights

The weapon was a sporting variant of the well known Lee–Metford and Lee–Enfield rifles made for civilian shooters, though often purchased by Army officers who wanted a rifle made to a higher standard of fit and finish than the issued military rifle.

Variants

No.1

Officers pattern, with bayonet mount.

No.2

Officers pattern, without bayonet mount.

No.3

Trade pattern.

References

1. "Historic small-bore Enfield rifles, training rifles and BSA rifles; plus league competitions".
2. "Museum of the Manchester Regiment Object Focus : Lee-Speed Sporting Rifle". Retrieved 5 February 2023.