What Makes the SMLE Conducive to the "Mad Minute?"
Prior to the advent of service semi-automatic weapons, the SMLE or “Lee-Enfield” rifle was the king of rapid fire. In fact, soldiers of the Crown practiced the “Mad Minute” which involved firing well-aimed shots as fast as possible. Results were remarkable, almost up to semi-automatic performance.
Per Wikipedia:
The first Mad Minute record was set by Sergeant MajorJesse Wallingford in 1908, scoring 36 hits on a 48 inch target at 300 yards (4.5 mils/ 15.3 MOA). [1] Allegedly another world record of 38 hits, all within the 24 inch target at 300 yards (2.25 mils/ 7.6 MOA), is said to have been set in 1914 by Sergeant Instructor Alfred Snoxall, [2] but there is little documentation and it is unsure whether it was actually accomplished or British propaganda. There has been major discussion whether it is actually possible to shoot that fast and accurate with a bolt rifle.
In order to pull off such feats, a weapon needed to be readily and easily manipulated for both working the action and loading. Few weapons of the day possessed such attributes like positive primary extraction, cock on close, ideal bolt handle placement, and others. But, one did, the SMLE or “Lee Enfield” action.
Bloke on the Range took the time to break it down elementary style, focusing on the individual attributes that made the weapon so absolutely quick.
To me, its shocking how many of these features are not present on modern bolt actions. While yes, its common for modern guns to rely on optics, the fact of the matter is that these lessons were learned all those years ago.
One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.
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Are there any other Yanks who would love to have a LE that has been worked over like the one in this video? Between using AK mags and a free-floated front handguard, I'd love me some No. 4 goodness! :)
The LE was about the best BA battle rifle all things considered. It fired a useful but modest round w/ less severe recoil compared to the .30-06 or 7.92x57mm, etc. Typical rifle was heavy like all rifles of the era which made it more soldier friendly when firing more than a few rounds. The bolt knob was well located. The 10 rd. magazine was a plus. Firing from the magazine rather than single-loading was of course a much better idea. It was probably about as accurate in the field as any other rifle that was subjected to the slop of combat conditions. In new condition, it was probably not as accurate, but no body shoots for score in combat b/c it's not a game. Only trophy is staying alive. LE was great for WWI especially when needing to blow out lots of rounds fast w/o a whole lot of precise aiming. Adding the aperture to later improved versions of this rifle was a tremendous step in the right direction. In WWII it was a good cheap readily available rifle. Would have been better off w/ the M-1 Garand. But circumstances did not allow. JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.