What does the "short" in SMLE refer to?

[JJohnston015]

The rifle, the magazine, or something else? Is there such a thing as a LMLE or some other variant?

 

[Oleg Volk]

Short Magazine Lee-Enfield as compared to the infantry Lee Metford or Lee Enfield which preceded it. Differences were overall length, ability to reload with clips, capacity (10 vs 8).

 

[Lucky Jim]

SMLE

With the intention of developing one rifle which would serve the infantryman as a rifle and everbody else as a carbine, the 'Short Lee-Enfield was designed.

 

[Blackcloud6]

I beleive the barrel was shorter than the rifle that preceded it.

 

[Gewehr98]

Because it was shorter in overall length...

Than the Charger Loading Lee-Enfield (CLLE) that preceded it. See below:

CLLE (vintage 1903-1909):

1917 NoIMkIII Short Magazine Lee Enfield (SMLE)

 

[JJohnston015]

Thanks. I love those rifles. Too bad I shoot long guns left handed.

 

[BigG]

Before the advent of the modern breechloading repeater around the turn of the 20th century , the govts mainly produced their rifles in TWO lengths, rifle and carbine for Infantry and horse Cavalry, respectively.

The US Springfield 1903 and the British SMLE were two early designs that were made in only ONE length, hence the SHORT in the nomenclature of the Smelly.

 

[Lancel]

I love those rifles. Too bad I shoot long guns left handed.

Go to a shop and try out the SMLE action left handed. It's very workable.

Then get yourself an SMLE.

Larry