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BRITISH SMALL ARM DEVELOPMENT

In 1866 the Snider breech mechanism was fitted to Enfield rifles converting muzzle-loaders to breech-loaders. The paper cartridge was replaced by a brass cartridge invented by Colonel Boxer.

In 1871 a rifle comprising the Martini breech (consisting of a block hinged at its rear end and a coiled spring in place of a hammer) and the Henry barrel (seven-groove barrel allowing a smaller harder 0.45in bullet) was approved. It weighed 8lb 12oz and was sighted up to 1,400 yards. It was accurate at long range but was prone to jamming and barrel fouling.

In 1888 a new hardened bullet of 0.303in calibre was introduced It was designed for use in the weapon combining the Lee bolt mechanism with magazine and the Metford shallower rifling. The magazine originally held eight cartridges (later ten) and could be closed off converting it to a single shot weapon, so conserving ammunition, while retaining the magazine rounds for an emergency.

In 1892 a smokeless propellent, cordite, was added increasing the muzzle velocity from 1,800 to 2,000 feet per second.

In 1895, to counteract the effect of corrosion from cordite the Enfield barrel of five deeper grooves was developed and was combined with the Lee bolt mechanism.

In 1894 a Lee-Metford magazine carbine was produced for the cavalry, and a Lee-Enfield carbine in 1896.

Many colonial forces prior to the Boer War were armed with single shot versions of the Martini-Metford or Martini-Enfield.

Source: The Late Victorian Army 1868-1902, Edward M Spiers, Manchester University Press,1972. An in-depth study into the late Victorian Army including interesting analysis of the officer corps and arms tactics and training. A really thoughtful book for those with more than a basic interest in the British Army of the late Nineteenth Century.      

Jacklex Miniatures Colonial Nineteenth Century 20mm metal wargame figures.