Category Archives: Rifles

Revisiting my Teen years… Lee Enfield No4 Mk1*

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Back in my teen years, back in good old Blighty, I was in the Cadets and then the Weekend Warriors (TA) for s while. I shot on the Company and Battalion shooting teams, our rifle was a Lee Enfield .303. Shot thousands of rounds through one of these. Cut to 35+ years later and I’m now a Citizen of the USA and I walk into my local LGS… I hear angelic music, a beam of light comes through the ceiling, and there on the consignment shelf is a Lee Enfield .303!

I didn’t end up buying it on the spot but went back 3 days later and took it home after waiting for the 10-day jail time to expire. Turns out I bought a 1943 Lee Enfield No4 Mk1*, built-in Chicopee, MS by Savage Arms.

I’ve made it to the range once with it and put 35 rounds through it, shoots great.

– English Bob

Minute of Angle or Milradians for Target Shooting?

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When choosing between mils (milliradians) or MOA (minutes of angle) scopes for target shooting, several factors come into play. Both mil and MOA are angular measurements used to adjust the point of impact on a target. Each system has its advantages and considerations, depending on the shooter’s preferences and shooting style.

Mils are a metric angular measurement system commonly used by military and tactical shooters. One mil is equal to 1/1000th of the distance to the target. Mils offer a straightforward and intuitive method for estimating range and making adjustments on the fly. They are often preferred for long-range shooting and tactical applications due to their compatibility with spotting scopes, reticle designs, and mathematical calculations. The mil system also aligns well with metric measurements, which can simplify range estimation and adjustment calculations for international shooters.

On the other hand, MOA is an imperial angular measurement system widely used in the United States and popular among precision shooters and hunters. One MOA is approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards, making it easier for shooters to make precise adjustments based on the standard measurement of inches. MOA scopes are known for their fine adjustments, particularly for small targets or when shooting at longer distances. Additionally, some shooters find MOA scopes more intuitive, especially those accustomed to imperial measurements.

The choice between mils and MOA scopes often comes down to personal preference, shooting discipline, and familiarity with the measurement system. Some shooters may prefer the simplicity and compatibility of mils for tactical shooting or competition, while others may find the precise adjustments and familiarity of MOA scopes better suited to their shooting style. Ultimately, both systems are capable of achieving accurate results in the hands of a skilled shooter.

It’s essential for shooters to consider factors such as reticle design, adjustment increments, and ease of use when selecting a mil or MOA scope for target shooting. Additionally, shooters should invest time in learning the subtleties of their chosen system and practice using it effectively in various shooting scenarios. By understanding the advantages and considerations of both mils and MOA scopes, shooters can make informed decisions based on their individual preferences and shooting requirements.

– English Bob

Lee Enfield .303, the first rifle I ever shot.

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The first Rifle I ever shot was while I was in the Army Cadet Force in the UK in the 1980’s, the rifle in question was a Lee Enfield .303, most likely a No. 4 Mk I .  A Lot of the ones we used were originally Canadian issued WWII surplus.

The Lee-Enfield .303 rifle, born from the merging of James Paris Lee’s bolt-action design and Enfield’s rifling system, emerged as a pivotal firearm in British military history. Initially introduced as the Lee-Metford in 1895, it boasted a ten-round box magazine loaded by charger clips, a groundbreaking feature at the time. Throughout its evolution, the Lee-Enfield proved its mettle during World War I, becoming the standard-issue rifle for British and Commonwealth troops. Its reliability, rapid action, and high magazine capacity rendered it well-suited for the trench warfare conditions of the era.

Continuing its legacy into World War II, the Lee-Enfield remained the primary rifle for British and Commonwealth forces, showcasing its durability and effectiveness in combat yet again. Its role persisted through the post-war era, as it remained in service with various military and police forces globally. Despite being gradually replaced by more modern firearms, the Lee-Enfield’s impact endured, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture through its appearances in films, literature, and historical accounts.

Produced in several variants and manufactured not only in Britain but also in countries like India, Australia, Canada, and the USA, the Lee-Enfield .303 rifle symbolized British military prowess and ingenuity. Its design influenced subsequent firearms development and played a significant role in shaping military tactics and strategies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a reliable and effective infantry rifle, the Lee-Enfield stands as a testament to the endurance and adaptability of British military technology across decades of service.

– English Bob