Lee-metford/lee enfield cavalry carbine question

[H Wally]

Wondering about how the lee-metford and later lee-enfield cavalry carbines (pre 1900) were carried. Looking at pictures I can see that some had their butt stock inletted for a bar, but as I understand it, this was soon removed. I also can't see any front sling points on the rifles.

Did they have the usual saddle ring, clip, or bar somewhere on the left of the reciever for being carried on horseback, or were they meant to be carried in a scabbard or something?

http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/arms/rifles/armbsr/arm009.jpg


http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/fe19.htm
http://enfieldrifles.profusehost.net/ri1a.htm
http://www.rememuseum.org.uk/arms/rifles/armbsr.htm

I know a guy who would like one to round off his cavalry outfit. I've suggested he find a shortened and bubba'd lee metford with a shot out barrel and convert that. Any opinions?

 

[longbranch*]

Lec

Carried in a scabbard while mounted. My Canadian issued 1898 LEC was equipped with no swivels.
Geoff

 

[sunray]

I believe they were carried in a saddle mounted scabbard. Even in the late 19th Century, a cavalry troopie's primary weapon was his sabre/sword. Mind you, a lot of mounted troopies were actually mounted infantry. Rode to the fight, but got off and fought on foot.

 

[green]

LM carbine originally had a sling ring on the left of the butt socket. Ring was later removed.
Some LE carbines were fitted with swivels on the butt and middle band in Canada.
As stated above usual method of carry was a saddle mounted buket.
LOC 8392 27 Feb 1896 shows a leather sling for LM& LE CCs. It was attached by fitting loops on the sling around the small of the butt and the fore end in front of the rear band.