Lee–Speed
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| 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 mile (1,800 yd) |
| Maximum firing range | 1 mile (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 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.
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.