.303”, a few were later sleeved and used as .22 training rifle
05. Designed by
James Paris Lee, RSAF Enfield
06. Design date
The Lee-Enfield Cavalry Carbine evolved from the Lee-Metford Carbine which was approved in September 1894
07. In service date(s)
Mk1 approved 17th August 1896, Mk1* approved 19th May 1899
08. Adopted by
Great Britain & Colonies
09. Production quantities
18,686
10. Mechanism
Bolt action, 6 round magazine
11. Weight
7 lbs 6ozs
12. Mountings
13. Practicality in action
14. Comments / Other information
The Cavalry Carbine differs from the MLE carbine by way of having no sling swivels and a sprung barrel band retainer. On the standard carbine a new nosecap was fabricated to allow the fitting of a Pattern 1888 bayonet to the 11200 standard carbines provided to the RIC and to forces in New Zealand of which 1500 were manufactured. The Mk1* differs from the Mk1 by the omission of the cleaning road which were abolished in 1899