A single shot with a sport modified British Lee Enfield .303 Mk. 1 made in 1945.
Tags: British, Lee, Enfield
The SMLE underwent many changes during its years of production in dozens of factories and arsenals in Great Britain, Canada, India, Australia and South Africa. Determining where a particular SMLE was made is often subordinate to attempting to figure out which model and variation of rifle one has. The British developed a very systematic way of accounting for models and design changes but one which can be quite puzzling. Briefly, models are "marks," abbreviated, "Mk." Major changes to that model, or mark, are listed by Roman numerals, i.e., SMLE Mk I or Mk III. Minor changes to that model are listed by the addition on an asterisk, "*". In the mid-1930s, a new system of model designation was introduced. The SMLE Mk III became the "No. 1 (but of course, the rifles, all made before the change continued to carry the original designation stamped into the receiver). After India achieved Independence in 1947, they continued to follow the British marking system, but with codes and specific to their needs.
The next step is determining which factory made the rifle's receiver (after seventy some years of use there are very few rifles without one or more replacement parts). The factory name or abbreviation was often stamped on the receiver but may have been obscured by use. Other markings and indicators though are always present if you know what to look for. The same holds true for virtually every part. And since parts for the SMLE are in plentiful supply, returning a rifle to its original factory condition can almost always be accomplished.
In addition to manufacturer's markings, British armorers and "storekeepers" (ordnance types) stamped the SMLE with a profusion of markings that when translated can often provide a pretty thorough history of the rifle's use, right down to the units in which it served. And finally, while the SMLE is a rugged battle rifle, well tested over the years, parts still do break. It is essential to know the model and variation of your rifle in order to replace the part correctly.
== Key Features ==
* Intricate British PIAT w/shoulder pad cover is realistically produced
* Delicate projectile is included
* British PIAT ammunition acse is accurately produced
* Enfield No.4 Mk.I rifle is accurately presented
* Intricate ammo and ammo case
* Movable bolt mechnism
== Overview ==
"A couple of famous British weapons of WWII vintage feature in Dragon's latest 1/6 scale weapon kit. The two weapons included in the set are the PIAT and Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk.I rifle. The PIAT (standing for Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank) was a hand held antitank weapon. Based on the spigot mortar system, it didn't't require a propellant to fire rounds. An advantage was the absence of muzzle smoke upon launch, but this was offset by difficulty in cocking the weapon and a lack of penetrative power. The PIAT's first operational use was in the invasion of Sicily in 1943, and it remained in British and Commonwealth use until the early 1950s. It was 99cm long, weighed 15kg, and was operated by a two-man crew. The Lee-Enfield Rifle, No.4 Mk I was officially adopted in 1941 and was mass produced during WWII. This bolt-action rifle fed by a ten-round magazine fired standard .303 service cartridges.
The PIAT, reproduced in plastic kit form by Dragon, is an accurate replica. The plastic parts are separated as on the original weapon, and they fit together precisely. To make the weapon
look more realistic, the shoulder pad and jacket are made of cloth.
The PIAT is supplied with an ammo case containing three rounds ready for firing. Similarly, the Lee-Enfield No.4 Mk I rifle is well engineered in plastic. Both weapons also come with authentic-looking slings. These British weapons are a welcome release from Dragon, and will look the part alongside similar German and American weapons that have already been released.
Dragon Models
Part DML75027