Lee Enfield Sling Swivels

[skirsons]

Another No. 1 Enfield Question:

1. Why are Lee Enfield No .1 Swivels offset to one side of the rifle?

2. Which is the correct side to offset the swivel to?

 

[green]

Swivels were offset on LM,LE, SMLE and P14 to not block the long range sight.

 

[cantom]

Another No. 1 Enfield Question:

1. Why are Lee Enfield No .1 Swivels offset to one side of the rifle?

2. Which is the correct side to offset the swivel to?

I've wondered the same thing...

 

[Klunk]

Swivels were offset on LM,LE, SMLE and P14 to not block the long range sight.

Really???

I assume you mean the 'volley sights'?

 

[skirsons]

That seems to be a viable explanation. Times like this I wish I could afford that book by Skennerton.

 

[BadgerDog]

Offset to the right as "green" says....


(Pics taken from MKL July Featured Entry of the Month) ... click herehttp://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=1466

1903 (possibly 1902) ShtLE (Short Lee-Enfield) Mk1 Rifle
(Mfg by LSA - London Small Arms)

[Click PIC to Enlrage)

[Click PIC to Enlrage)


Regards,
Badger

 

[woodchopper]

swivels are offset to make carrying the rifle slung on the sholder easier for long marches.

 

[skirsons]

I think that the volley sight provision is a strong argument. i tried using the volley sight on my 1905 and it seemed to be easier to use the sight with the swivels aligned to the right, especially since the volley sight gradations make the front sight swivel under the rifle for longer ranges.

 

[green]

Volley sights? LoC and Musketry instructions ,various dates, call them long range sights. I will continue to use British terminology like charger for "stripper clip".

 

[John Sukey]

It was because of the long range sights, NOT to ease carrying.
When those sights were made inop or deleted, they still made the swivels that way since there was no reason to rework the part, PLUS they had large quantitys of perfectly good spares which would have to be disposed of as well.