In 1892, the Lee-Metford line was evolved to become the Mark II variant and was the first of the series to incorporate the new 10-round detachable box magazine (replacing the original 8-round count). This was made possible by a new double-column, staggered internal stacking arrangement of the cartridges against the original's single-column approach. The new magazines also introduced a new C-shaped spring replacing the old coil format. A new, lighter-weight barrel allowed the weapon to exhibit a lighter overall weight in turn and some forms were fitted with Enfield-rifled barrels beginning in 1902.
Within time, a shortened, handier version of the long-form Lee-Metford made its way into circulation. This became the "Carbine, Magazine, Lee-Metford Mark 1 which appeared in 1894. It remained largely faithful to the original Mark 2 product but featured a length of just 40 inches (from the standard 49.5") while utilizing a barrel some 20.75 inches long (compared to 30"). Additionally, these changes altered the weapon's weight to a more manageable 7lb, 7oz offering while all other functions remained the same.
Following in 1895, the Mark 2* appeared with a lengthened bolt assembly and additional safety features. Again, some production included Enfield-rifled barrels which begat the off-shoot designation of "Rifle, Magazine, Lee-Enfield Mark I". All other qualities and functions of the Mark 2 remained comparable.
In 1907, a new Lee-Metford rifle version appeared as the "Rifle, Charger-Loading, Magazine, Lee-Metford Mark 2". As its name suggested, this variant included support for charger-loaded/clip-loaded ammunition contained in easier-to-manage strips. These rifles were converted from existing Mark 2 stocks and essentially involved the addition of charger guides at the bridge as well as a new magazine design. The weapon was now geared towards smokeless powder cartridges as well which proved a grand evolution for the rifle line. The sights were also revised to include a rear graduated system as well as front blade. The 10-round magazine count was retained. These rifled measured 49.5 inches long, featured a weight of 9lbs, 8oz and managed a muzzle velocity of 2,060 feet per second.
The Lee-Metford design did not see an extensive service history with the British Empire as may be expected. It was relatively quickly overshadowed in history by the up-and-coming Lee-Enfield marks beginning to appear in 1895. These rifles themselves served into World War 2 (1939-1945) and saw over 17 million produced during their service lives. The Lee-Metford marks did manage to see some combat action in the Second Boer War of 1899-1902 which pitted British forces against Dutch settlers in Africa (modern-day South Africa/Swaziland). Lee-Metfords were actually fielded alongside the competing Lee-Enfield line and offered generally positive results. Lee-Metfords generally suffered at range when compared to enemy Mauser types in use but they proved of some worth nonetheless. Stocks of Lee-Metfords were also in play heading into World War 1 where small arms shortages greeted most every major participant.
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