.303 MAGAZINE LEE-METFORD RIFLE Description
Introduced in 1888 with 7-groove Metford segmental rifling and 8-round detachable magazine, rifles proceeded through Marks I, I*, II, and II*, which is marked on the right side of the action body below the factory and year underneath the closed bolt handle, 30.2 (rifles) or 20 3/4 (carbines) in. barrels, single-row 8 round (MK I and I* rifle), 6 round (carbine), or 10 round (MK II and II*) staggered box mag. Mfg. by Enfield, B.S.A., L.S.A., Nepal, and Sparkbrook.
The MK I Lee-Metford has Lewes sights and a safety catch on the left side of the receiver, later removed on the MK I*. The MK II* Lee-Metford was mfg. for approx. 6 months circa 1895 as a transition between the Lee-Metford and Lee-Enfield rifles only differing in the type of rifling used. The difference between the Lee-Metford MK II and MK II* is a safety catch on the cocking piece and the II* designation on the right side of the butt socket.