No1 MkVI Trial Rifle

History

Image courtesy of Warren

Following the cancellation of the SMLE MkV, new trials were ordered on a greatly improved No1 rifle.

The aim of this trial was to incorporate new manufacturing techniques that would reduce production time, production cost and eliminate the need for hand fitting of parts by tradesmen. The trial would also more aggressively approach the accuracy problem still inherent in the SMLE.

This new design designated the No1 MkVI, radically departed from the SMLE. Its features included a stronger receiver, re-designed bolt, heavier barrel and a new bayonet. Saved from the MkV trials was the aperture sight arrangement, though stronger and more compact. Other improvements included the magazine, wood stocking and its hardware.

Not immediately adopted, the approximately 1000 rifles RSAF Enfield produced remained in the trial phase, while other tests were being conducted on self-loading rifle designs. The latter self-loading trials cast doubts on whether the MkVI would be adopted at all.

However, after a few other minor alterations the No1 MkVI was re-designated the No4 Trial rifle in 1931, a small step towards adoption as it remained in this trial state until World War II forced its adoption in November 1939.

Of the approximately 2500 No4 Trial rifles built by RSAF Enfield, many were converted to No4 MkI's, others were converted to MkI (T)'s, making original No4 Trial rifles a pretty scarce commodity.